Thermal Engineer, Project Sunrise

Blue Origin•Littleton, CO

About The Position

Blue Origin is seeking a Thermal Engineer for Project Sunrise within Advanced Concepts and Enterprise Engineering (ACE). The role supports the development of Sunrise, a satellite constellation of orbital data centers, and focuses on designing, analyzing, and integrating advanced spacecraft heat-rejection systems, especially high-performance space radiators. The engineer will apply thermal principles and advanced analysis tools, including computational fluid dynamics (CFD), to address heat-transfer challenges and support mission success in the space environment. The position contributes across the thermal hardware lifecycle, from concept development and trade studies through detailed design, manufacturing, and testing. It works with interdisciplinary teams to establish thermal requirements and interfaces, develops and validates thermal models, and uses test data to demonstrate compliance with requirements.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
At least 2 years of experience in thermal design and analysis, or an advanced degree (Master's or PhD) focused on heat transfer or thermal-fluid sciences.
Demonstrated understanding of conduction, convection, and radiation.
Experience with at least one thermal-analysis or CFD software package, such as Thermal Desktop, Sinda/Fluint, Star-CCM+, or Ansys Fluent.
Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Nice To Haves

Master's or Ph.D. in a relevant field, with a dissertation or thesis focused on heat transfer, radiator technology, or CFD.
Experience designing and analyzing thermal systems for spacecraft or vacuum environments.
Proficiency with industry-standard thermal-analysis software such as Thermal Desktop and Sinda/Fluint.
Experience modeling two-phase flow, heat pipes, cryogenic fluids, or other complex thermal-fluid systems.
Knowledge of spacecraft thermal-control hardware and materials.
Interest in and understanding of AI and Machine Learning applications in engineering, with the ability to learn and integrate new technologies.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

Design and analyze high-performance spacecraft radiators and other thermal-control systems, including heat pipes, cold plates, vapor chambers, oscillating heat pipes, and pumped fluid loops.
Develop and apply thermal models to predict and validate component and integrated-system performance using tools such as Thermal Desktop, Sinda/Fluint, and CFD software.
Analyze spacecraft thermal environments, including orbital mechanics and solar, albedo, and planetary infrared heating.
Support thermal hardware through its lifecycle, from initial concepts and trade studies through detailed design, manufacturing, and testing.
Use CFD and other analysis tools to investigate complex thermal-fluid phenomena, such as two-phase flow in heat-rejection loops.
Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to define thermal requirements, interfaces, and integration strategies.
Analyze test data to anchor thermal models and demonstrate compliance with requirements.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
Basic and supplemental life insurance.
Paid parental leave.
Short- and long-term disability insurance.
401(k) with company match of up to 5%.
Education Support Program.
Stock options for regular employees working at least 20 hours per week.
Up to four weeks of paid time off per year based on weekly scheduled hours.
Up to 14 company-paid holidays.
Depending on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on individual contributions and company results; amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed.