Structural and Thermal Engineer - Optical Systems

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.

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.

As a Structural & Thermal Engineer focused on STOP analysis, you will serve as the analytical backbone, ensuring our optical systems achieve peak performance from launch through on-orbit operations. You will own the integrated Structural, Thermal, and Optical Performance (STOP) analysis, and your models will directly guide critical opto-mechanical design decisions.

The Mission :

You will be the engineer who answers the critical question : "Will this system meet its optical performance requirements in space?" Through high-fidelity modeling, simulation, and rigorous uncertainty quantification, your analyses will provide the foundation of confidence that our designs are robust against the challenges of launch and the space environment.

Special Mentions :

Relocation assistance may be available for this position

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

Responsibilities include but are not limited to :

Integrated STOP Analysis

Perform coupled STOP analysis by integrating your structural and thermal predictions with the optical design model (via ray-tracing or sensitivity matrices)

Derive, allocate , and close optical performance budgets (e.g., alignment, WFE) in collaboration with optical and mechanical engineers

Bound system sensitivities to environmental and structural inputs (temperature gradients, launch loads) and propose effective design mitigations

Structural Modeling & Jitter Analysis

Build and maintain high-fidelity Finite Element (FEA) models to analyze modal response, random vibration (PSD), shock, and quasi-static loads

Analyze and mitigate the effects of gravity release and mount preloads on optical alignment and surface figure

Quantify structural stiffness and jitter transfer functions to ensure fine-pointing stability and performance

Thermal Modeling & Control

Develop detailed thermal models to simulate radiation, conduction, and active thermal control systems (heaters, straps, radiators)

Manage thermal dissipation and ensure optical stability across all operational and survival modes, including eclipse transitions and slews

Translate thermoelastic distortions from your models into quantified impacts on optical performance, such as focus shifts and alignment drift

Model Validation & Test Correlation

Define a comprehensive model validation plan, specifying instrumentation requirements (accelerometers, thermocouples, strain gauges) for environmental testing

Correlate analytical models with thermal-vacuum (TVAC) and vibration test data, iterating as needed to improve predictive accuracy

Develop and present the definitive evidence package for system feasibility, including model pedigree, uncertainty analysis, and sensitivity studies

Minimum Qualifications :

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering , Aerospace Engineering, or a related field with 7+ years of relevant experience (M.S. / Ph.D. preferred)

Expertise in FEA for precision space structures, with proven experience in modal / dynamic analysis, random vibration, and thermoelastic distortion

Deep understanding of passive and active thermal control systems and analysis for space applications

Strong skills in uncertainty quantification, including probabilistic analysis, Monte Carlo methods, and sensitivity studies

Proficiency with relevant analysis software (FEA : Nastran, Ansys, or Abaqus; Thermal : Thermal Desktop, SINDA / FLUINT, or similar)

Preferred Qualifications :

Mastery of coupling structural / thermal models with optical design tools ( Zemax , Code V, or similar)

Experience with the unique challenges of telescopes, complex optics, or gimbaled systems

Background in designing low-jitter structures, including the use of isolation systems or damping

Experience with test correlation, including pre-test analysis and post-test model updates for TVAC or vibration campaigns

Proficiency in a scripting language (Python, MATLAB) for data analysis, process automation, and parametric studies

Compensation Range for :

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

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 .

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