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-$150,789.45Other 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
Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin’s Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us at EEOCompliance@blueorigin.com. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.
California Applicant Privacy Notice
If you are a California resident, please reference the CA Applicant Privacy Notice here.
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