Blue Origin · 2 days ago
Structural and Thermal Engineer - Optical Systems
Denver, CO
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
$121K/yr - $169K/yr
7+ years expBlue Origin is a company dedicated to developing reusable and safe space vehicles for the benefit of Earth. The Structural & Thermal Engineer will focus on STOP analysis to ensure optical systems perform optimally from launch through on-orbit operations.
AerospaceManufacturingNational SecurityRenewable Energy
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
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
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
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
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
Qualification
Required
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
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
Benefits
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
Paid Time Off: Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.
Company
Blue Origin
Blue Origin is an aerospace company that focuses on lowering the cost of spaceflight and helping to explore the solar system.
10001+ employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$185.35MKey Investors
NASAUnited States Space Force
2024-02-20Secondary Market
2024-01-24Undisclosed· $18M
2021-12-03Grant· $130M
Leadership Team
David Limp
Chief Executive Officer
Tim Collins
Vice President Supply Chain
Recent News
IEEE Spectrum
2026-01-03
2025-12-30
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