Blue Origin LLC
Structural and Thermal Engineer - Optical Systems
Blue Origin LLC, Denver, Colorado, United States, 80285
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.
**Responsibilities include but are not limited to:** Perform coupled STOP analysis by integrating your structural and thermal predictions with the optical design model (via ray-tracing or sensitivity matrices)**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*** 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:**Define a comprehensive model validation plan, specifying instrumentation requirements (accelerometers, thermocouples, strain gauges) for environmental testing Experience with the unique challenges of telescopes, complex optics, or gimbaled systems 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* 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 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.Blue Origin was founded with a vision to enable a future where millions of people are living and working in space to benefit Earth. In order to preserve Earth, Blue Origin believes in the need to enable humanity to expand, explore, find new energy and material resources, and move industries that stress Earth into space. Blue Origin believes it has an important role in building a road to space and lowering the cost of getting there. At Blue Origin, we’re working on this today by developing fully reusable launch vehicles and systems that are safe, reliable and affordable. Every launch vehicle is designed for human spaceflight from the beginning and able to ferry payloads to space. #J-18808-Ljbffr
**Responsibilities include but are not limited to:** Perform coupled STOP analysis by integrating your structural and thermal predictions with the optical design model (via ray-tracing or sensitivity matrices)**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*** 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:**Define a comprehensive model validation plan, specifying instrumentation requirements (accelerometers, thermocouples, strain gauges) for environmental testing Experience with the unique challenges of telescopes, complex optics, or gimbaled systems 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* 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 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.Blue Origin was founded with a vision to enable a future where millions of people are living and working in space to benefit Earth. In order to preserve Earth, Blue Origin believes in the need to enable humanity to expand, explore, find new energy and material resources, and move industries that stress Earth into space. Blue Origin believes it has an important role in building a road to space and lowering the cost of getting there. At Blue Origin, we’re working on this today by developing fully reusable launch vehicles and systems that are safe, reliable and affordable. Every launch vehicle is designed for human spaceflight from the beginning and able to ferry payloads to space. #J-18808-Ljbffr