Mechanical Design Engineer III – Electric Propulsion

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!

This role is part of Blue National Security (BNS), where our focus is the design, development, and delivery of launch and spacecraft systems for national security missions. Through Blue Ring, our all-in-one, high-powered hybrid solar-electric and chemical-propelled spacecraft, we provide unmatched mission maneuverability, versatility, and capacity at dramatically lower-profile costs.

As an early member of the propulsion team, you will play a foundational role in the development of the Hall thruster-based propulsion systems that maneuver constellation satellites as well as the propulsion team itself.

As a Mechanical Design Engineer, you will lead the development of the electric propulsion subsystem mechanical designs. You will work with propulsion team members to create designs for the fluid system for the propulsion system informed by product requirements, development test results, and outcomes of design for test/manufacturability/assembly reviews. Successful candidates will utilize their experience in propulsion propellant feed system design to produce design specifications from conceptual architecture and iterate on design optimizations for high-rate production. A preferred candidate will have experience in electric propulsion system and subsystem design and manufacturing for production rates including experience handling propulsion system-level interfaces with the thruster, power electronics enclosures, system-level and vehicle integration MGSE, and associated test fixturing.

If you share our passion for propulsion system development and design, thrive in a dynamic space/startup environment, excel on integrated cross-functional teams of diverse individuals, 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 25% 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 with satellite vehicle integration team members on defining propulsion system interfaces and 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 supporting design and development of propulsion fluid/propellant feed system 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.
- 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.
- Experience with production lifecycle management (PLM) tools (Windchill preferred).
- Proven experience and successful track record developing product designs
- Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to a culture of inclusion.
- 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

- 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.
- Electric propulsion production system-level design experience (e.g. integration of Hall thrusters, hollow cathodes, feed systems, propellant tanks, harnessing, etc.).
- Experience designing/operating fluid test equipment for product performance validation and verification
- Working knowledge of electric propulsion system operating principles and design practices.
- 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 for flow applications: 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.

Must be physically able to:

- Support production floor activities.

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.

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