Mechanical Design Engineer III

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. We’re 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 member of the TeraWave propulsion team, you will play a foundational role in the development of the Hall thruster-based propulsion systems that maneuver the TeraWave constellation satellites as well as the propulsion team itself. TeraWave is a satellite communications network designed to deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps anywhere on Earth. This network will service tens of thousands of enterprise, data center, and government users who require reliable connectivity for critical operations.

As a Mechanical Design Engineer III, you will lead the development of the propulsion system mechanical designs. You will work with propulsion team members to create propulsion system and subsystem-level designs informed by product requirements, development test results, and outcomes of design for test/manufacturability/assembly reviews. Successful candidates will utilize their experience in aerospace design to make tactical decisions on scalable team practices and design optimizations for high-rate production as well as use that experience to lead and mentor junior team members. A preferred candidate will have experience in electric propulsion system and subsystem design and manufacturing for production rates including experience designing high-pressure and low-pressure fluid systems, Hall thrusters, power electronics enclosures, system-level and vehicle integration MGSE, and associated test fixturing for environmental acceptance testing.

If you share our passion for propulsion system development and design, thrive in a dynamic startup environment, excel on integrated cross-functional teams, are experienced and skilled in several relevant areas listed below, continuously seek out opportunities to learn and improve, and do not allow title or job description to limit the depth or breadth of your contributions, then we would love to hear from you.

Special Considerations:

• Relocation provided
• Travel expected up to 15% of the time

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Author propulsion system designs and drawings, iteratively improving those designs from concept to production.
• Lead design reviews and coordinate inputs from thermal, propulsion, structures, test, and manufacturing engineering team members.
• Work closely with other propulsion team members through iterative design, build, test loops to ensure that designs account for product requirements and appropriate DFx (Design for manufacturing/assembly/test/automation/etc.) considerations
• Technical contributions to the growth of the team through assisting in hiring, identifying team skill gaps, and mentoring junior team members.
• Formulate and lead trade studies to improve production efficiency and reduce defects.
• Work with manufacturing and test engineers to design build and test tooling/fixtures.
• Identify, communicate, and mitigate cost, schedule, and technical risks.
• Coordinate closely with thermal and structural functional teams to ensure designs meet environmental flight requirements.
• Coordinate with satellite vehicle integration team members on defining propulsion system interfaces an designing tooling for integration of the propulsion system with the vehicle

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical subject area.
• 5+ years of career experience in propulsion system development, production, and test.
• Experience working with flight hardware in a production facility, or laboratory.
• Strong mechanical design and integration skills using 3-D CAD software (Creo Pro/E preferred).
• Proficient with application of GD&T (ASME Y14.5) and performing dimensional variation analysis.
• Proven experience and successful track record developing/starting new product designs
• Ability to communicate clearly and appropriately at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships
• Knowledgeable in aerospace manufacturing practices & tools.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, engineering industry standards, and technical requirements.
• Ability to perform design analyses and present resulting technical information in a clear and compelling visual format.
• Excellent verbal, written, and graphical communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional, fast-paced, dynamic work environment.
• Enthusiasm for mentoring, training, knowledge sharing, and supporting the technical development of team members.

Expected Qualifications (candidates should have the majority of the following):

• Working knowledge of electric propulsion (e.g., ion, Hall-effect) system operating principles and design practices.
• Experience designing complex integrated assemblies such as high and low-pressure fluid systems, high voltage assemblies, high temperature assemblies, electronics enclosures, as well as associated mechanical ground support equipment and tooling for test and vehicle integration.
• Experience with production lifecycle management (PLM) tools (Windchill preferred).
• Experience designing hardware to meet thermal, vibration, shock, and/or vacuum testing requirements on flight hardware in accordance with MIL-STD-810, SMC-S-016, and MIL-STD-1540.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Electric propulsion production system and/or subsystem design experience (e.g. Hall thrusters, hollow cathodes, feed systems, propellant tanks).
• Experience developing a propulsion system from concept to production through iterative design, build, and test loops.
• Experience designing production hardware and optimizing the design for increasing production rates.
• Excellent computer skills with the ability to quickly learn and use various software tools as needed.
• Experience with automated tooling/robotics (design for automation).
• Experience with AS9100 Quality Management System.
• Expertise with analysis codes: Nastran, ANSYS, Optistruct, LS/Dyna, Abaqus.
• Experience coordinating with vehicle integration on the interface design requirements of a line replaceable unit (LRU) onto a flight vehicle.
• Experience with Optimization and DOE methods as applied to design, analysis, and testing.
• Experience working in a multi-functional team responsible for selecting manufacturing processes, and developing the design to produce extraordinary engineered products.

Must be physically able to: 

• Support production floor activities. 
• Climb stairs and work in small areas. 
• Lift and carry 40 lbs.

 

Base Pay Range for:

WA applicants is $121,023.00 - $169,432.20

Other site ranges may differ

Culture Statement

Don’t 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 you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t 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 U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Background Check

• 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

• 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.

• 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 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.

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 Origin’s Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us at EEOCompliance@blueorigin.com. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.