Thermal / Materials Engineer (Space Optics)

Application close date :

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.

At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We're working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. Join our team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight!

The role is part of the In-Space Systems business unit, which is focused on addressing two of the most compelling challenges in spaceflight today : space infrastructure and increasing mobility on-orbit.

THERMAL & MATERIALS ENGINEER - SPACE OPTICS

Location : Longmont, CO (Onsite)

Role Summary :

The Thermal & Materials Engineer will own the thermal architecture, athermalization, materials selection, and contamination control for the payload. This role is responsible for ensuring the optical system maintains performance across all mission environments. Your expertise in thermal management and space-grade materials will be crucial to developing a robust design that is ready for production.

Special Mentions :

Relocation assistance may be available for this position

Travel expectations : Occasional travel may be required for technical reviews and test campaigns

Responsibilities include but are not limited to :

Thermal Architecture & Athermalization

Develop and close the thermal portion of Structural-Thermal-Optical Performance (STOP) models to predict thermal-induced Wavefront Error (WFE) and Line-of-Sight (LOS) drift

Design athermal interfaces (CTE matching, flexures) for optics on benches, ensuring they are manufacturable and repeatable in production

Design active thermal management for optical subsystems

Materials, Contamination, and DFM

Select materials, adhesives, and coatings for space use that meet outgassing requirements and are suitable for volume manufacturing

Define production-scalable processes for bakeout, adhesive cure schedules, and handling time windows to minimize contamination risk

Own the contamination control plan, ensuring its practical implementation on the production floor

Test & Verification

Author Thermal Vacuum (TVAC) test profiles and instrumentation plans to validate thermal models and system performance

Support pre / post-environment optical re-verification, analyzing data to confirm thermal design margins

Minimum Qualifications :

BS / MS in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Materials Engineering

5+ years in thermal design and analysis for optical payloads or complex space hardware

Experience with heaters, Multi-Layer Insulation (MLI), and TVAC test operations

Expertise in materials / outgassing, adhesive selection, bakeout planning, and contamination control for space applications

Preferred Qualifications :

Experience with STOP analysis and thermal-structural FEA coupling

Knowledge of how production process variations (e.g., bondline thickness, coating application) impact thermal performance

Familiarity with thermal management for fiber optics and lasers

Compensation Range for :

CA applicants is $117,498.00-$164,497.20;CO applicants is $107,707.00-$150,789.45

Other site ranges may differ

Culture Statement

Don't meet all desired requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At Blue Origin, we are dedicated to building an authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every desired qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Export Control Regulations

Applicants for employment at Blue Origin must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S.as a refugee or granted asylum.

Background Check

Required for all positions : Blue's Standard Background Check

Required for Certain Job Profiles : Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installation

Required for Certain Job Profiles : Drivers who operate Commercial Motor Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or combination of power unit and trailer that meets or exceeds 10,001 lbs. and / or transports placardable amounts of hazardous materials by ground in any vehicle on a public road while in commerce, may be subject to additional Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations including : Driver Qualification Files, Medical Certification (obtained before onboarding), Road Test, Hours of Service, Drug and Alcohol Testing (CDL drivers only), vehicle inspection requirements, CDL requirements (if applicable) and hazardous materials transportation / shipping training.

Required for certain Job Profiles : Ability to obtain and maintain Merchant Mariner Credential, which includes pre-employment and random drug testing as well as DOT physical

Benefits

Benefits include : Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability, 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%, and an Education Support Program.

Paid Time Off : Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.

Dependent on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on the company's intent to reward individual contributions and enable them to share in the company's results, or other factors at the company's sole discretion. Bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and subject to change and cancellation. Please check with your recruiter for more details.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Blue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified and dedicated work force. Blue Origin hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin / ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military / veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and / or local law. Blue Origin will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Washington Fair Chance Act, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws. For more information on "Know Your Rights," please see here .

Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation

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