Structural and Thermal Engineer Optical Systems

Littleton, CO - USA

Monthly Salary: $ 117498 - 164497

Posted on: Yesterday

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

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. Were 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.

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 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:

Bachelors 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 $117498.00-$164497.20;CO applicants is $107707.00-$150789.45;WA applicants is $117498.00-$164497.20

Other site ranges may differ

Culture Statement

Dont 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 youre excited about this role but your past experience doesnt 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 a refugee or granted asylum.

Background Check

Required for all positions: Blues 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 10001 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 companys intent to reward individual contributions and enable them to share in the companys results or other factors at the companys 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 Origins Affirmative Action Plans or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process please contact us at. 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.

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. Were working to develop reusable safe and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture ...