Senior Thermal Engineer – Payload Systems

BLUE ORIGIN

Senior Thermal Engineer leading thermal design and analysis for advanced phased array antenna systems. Collaborating with teams at Blue Origin to ensure reliable high-performance connectivity for satellite communication.

Posted 7/24/2026full-timeDenver • Colorado, Washington • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $144,179 - $201,849 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Expertise in thermal architecture development for satellite-based phased array antennas, with a strong focus on thermal modeling, analysis, and design optimization under dynamic environmental conditions. Proven ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and mentor junior engineers in thermal engineering best practices.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Thermal Engineering ExperienceThermal Modeling ToolsPhased Array Antenna SystemsSpaceborne Thermal DesignEnvironmental Standards Knowledge

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Thermal AnalysisThermal DesignThermal ModelingTransient Thermal AnalysisSteady-State Thermal AnalysisThermal Interface ManagementHeat TransferThermal TestingAnomaly ResolutionThermal Requirements Definition

Soft Skills

CollaborationMentoringProblem Solving

Tools & Technologies

Thermal DesktopSINDA/FLUINTANSYS Icepak

Industry Keywords

Aerospace EngineeringRF SystemsHigh-Performance ElectronicsSpaceborne SystemsEnvironmental StandardsNASAESAMIL-STD

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead thermal architecture development for satellite-based phased array antennas, including active RF front ends, beamforming ICs, and associated power electronics
Design and optimize thermal solutions for ground-based phased array terminals operating under dynamic environmental conditions (solar loading, ambient extremes, precipitation, and installation variability)
Develop detailed thermal models using tools such as Thermal Desktop, SINDA/FLUINT, or equivalent, covering conduction, radiation, and convection regimes as appropriate
Define and manage thermal interfaces across payload subsystems, including radiators, heat pipes, loop heat pipes, cold plates, and structural elements
Perform transient and steady-state thermal analyses to validate performance under mission profiles, including peak RF duty cycles, eclipse transitions, and worst-case environmental conditions
Collaborate closely with RF, mechanical, and systems engineering teams to ensure thermal constraints are integrated into antenna element layout, T/R module design, and packaging
Establish thermal requirements, margins, and verification plans aligned with mission reliability and lifetime goals
Support hardware development, including thermal testing, correlation of models to test data, and anomaly resolution
Drive thermal design trades balancing performance, mass, power consumption, manufacturability, and cost for both space and ground systems
Mentor junior engineers and contribute to organizational best practices in thermal engineering.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, Physics or related field
8+ years of experience in thermal engineering for aerospace, RF systems, or high-performance electronics
Demonstrated experience with spaceborne thermal design, including vacuum environments, radiation heat transfer, and flight hardware qualification
Strong understanding of phased array antenna systems, including thermal challenges associated with dense T/R module integration and high-power densities
Experience with thermal modeling tools (e.g., Thermal Desktop, SINDA/FLUINT, ANSYS Icepak, or equivalent)
Knowledge of materials, coatings, and thermal interface technologies suitable for space and outdoor ground systems
Familiarity with environmental standards (e.g., NASA, ESA, MIL-STD) and qualification testing.

Benefits

Comp & perks

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%
Education Support Program
Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week)
Paid Time Off: Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.