Principal Thermal Analysis Engineer - Space Exploration Systems

As a member of the Blue Origin family of companies, Honeybee Robotics has been at the forefront of robotics for over 40 years, developing novel exploration systems for extreme planetary environments. We support planetary science, including every NASA Mars rover since Spirit and Opportunity, and aim to advance In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) solutions. We seek technically brilliant individuals who take ownership, collaborate in teams, and focus on details to drive excellence.

About the Role

Honeybee Robotics' Exploration Systems division is seeking an experienced Thermal System/Analysis Engineer to lead projects requiring advanced thermal analysis expertise. You will contribute to the definition and development of spacecraft thermal control systems, drive component and system thermal requirement development, and ensure the thermal integrity of aerospace components. This role involves conducting thermal analyses, applying state-of-the-art techniques to design, develop, and test groundbreaking space electro-mechanical and avionics systems.

Exploration Systems specializes in advanced robotic systems and technology solutions for space exploration, planetary science, and terrestrial industries, including drilling and sampling systems, robotic arms, mobility systems, and custom solutions for harsh environments.

Responsibilities

• Own and lead the thermal control system (TCS) architecture and design for space electro-mechanical and avionics systems across all program phases — from concept through hardware delivery and mission operations.
• Define thermal control strategies and select appropriate thermal control solutions including passive and active systems, MLI blankets, thermal coatings, heat pipes, heaters, thermostats, radiators, and thermal isolators.
• Lead and conduct comprehensive thermal analysis including steady-state, transient, and trajectory-dependent analyses to characterize thermal environments and verify thermal control system performance.
• Develop, validate, and maintain high-fidelity thermal math models (TMMs) using Thermal Desktop, SINDA/FLUINT, and ANSYS Workbench, and correlate models to test data and flight telemetry.
• Perform rigorous thermal design trade studies using first principles and engineering fundamentals, providing clear, defensible recommendations to support design decisions.
• Apply deep expertise in heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics to solve complex thermal challenges across electro-mechanical and avionics systems.
• Define thermal requirements, allocations, and verification approaches for hardware at the component, subsystem, and system level.
• Lead thermal system integration activities in collaboration with structural, mechanical, avionics, and propulsion engineering teams to ensure compliant and producible thermal designs.
• Develop and execute thermal test plans including thermal vacuum (TVAC), thermal cycling, and acceptance testing to validate thermal control system performance and verify compliance with requirements.
• Collect, process, and analyze thermal test data from hardware testing to validate thermal models and support design decisions.
• Support and present thermal system analysis and design products at design reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR, FRR) and key program milestones.
• Lead cross-functional project teams, manage deliverables, and ensure timely completion of program milestones.
• Provide technical mentorship to junior thermal engineers and analysts, elevating team capability and fostering a culture of engineering excellence.
• Identify and champion best practices and process improvements for thermal systems engineering methodologies across the organization.
• Produce high-quality thermal system engineering documentation, analysis reports, and presentations suitable for internal reviews and customer delivery.
• Communicate complex thermal systems results clearly to multi-disciplinary teams, program management, and customers.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or closely related technical discipline.
• Level 4 (Senior): 10+ years of relevant experience in thermal systems engineering, thermal analysis, thermodynamics, and/or fluid systems.
• Level 5 (Principal): 15+ years of relevant experience in thermal systems engineering, thermal analysis, thermodynamics, and/or fluid systems.
• Proven, hands-on experience designing and analyzing thermal control systems within the space or aerospace industry.
• Expert-level understanding of heat transfer (conduction, convection, radiation), fluid flow, and thermodynamic principles as applied to spacecraft thermal control systems.
• Deep familiarity with spacecraft thermal control hardware including heaters, MLI blankets, thermal coatings, heat pipes, radiators, thermostats, and thermal isolators.
• Proficiency with industry-standard thermal analysis tools including Thermal Desktop, SINDA/FLUINT, and ANSYS Workbench, including model development, validation, correlation, and uncertainty quantification.
• Experience defining thermal requirements, thermal control strategies, and verification approaches at the component, subsystem, and system level.
• Strong understanding of structural and mechanical design fundamentals as they relate to passive thermal hardware integration and producibility.
• Solid grasp of the product development lifecycle in the space industry from design through test, verification, and operations.
• Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional engineering teams and managing complex, multi-deliverable projects.
• Ability to write clear, concise technical reports and present findings confidently to multi-disciplinary audiences.
• Excellent problem-solving skills with a track record of delivering results in fast-paced environments.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with lunar surface thermal environments including diurnal temperature extremes, hard vacuum conditions, solar and albedo flux, regolith thermal properties, and eclipse and survival heating considerations.
• Hands-on experience with electro-mechanical systems thermal control system design and integration.
• Avionics thermal systems expertise at the component and system level.
• Familiarity with cryogenic thermal control systems.
• Proficiency in trajectory-dependent thermal analysis for launch vehicles or spacecraft.
• Working knowledge of aerospace standards and regulations including NASA-STD, ECSS, and MIL-HDBK as they apply to thermal control systems.
• Experience on verification and validation programs for complex spaceflight systems.
• Knowledge of MATLAB and/or Python for scripting, data analysis, and thermal model automation.
• Experience with 3D CAD tools, preferably Autodesk Inventor.
• Strong executive-level reporting and presentation skills.
• Proven ability to prioritize and deliver under tight deadlines in dynamic program environments.

Pay

Base Pay Range for CA applicants is $169,624.00 - $237,473.25. Other site ranges may differ.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 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.
• Dependent on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for additional benefits and bonuses.

Schedule

This role requires working in an office/laboratory environment (Altadena, CA) with occasional visits to test facilities and manufacturing sites. Relocation assistance is provided.