Principal Propulsion Engineer - Materials and Processes

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 the Blue Origin Engines business unit, where our focus is the design, development, manufacturing, and testing of engines and propulsion systems. Built for multiple uses, our family of engines is powering the next generation of rockets for commercial, civil, national security, and human spaceflight.

As part of a hardworking team of specialists, technicians, and engineers (use as appropriate), you will directly impact the history of space exploration and will require your commitment and detailed attention towards safe and repeatable space flight. Join us in lowering the cost of access to space and enabling Blue Origin’s vision of millions of people living and working in space to benefit Earth.

As part of a group of accomplished industry experts, you will be used as a material expert within Blue Origin’s Engines Business Unit demonstrating and developing technology on propulsion projects ongoing and planned. You will leverage your extensive experience in materials, advanced manufacturing, and process development to support engine products through system engineering, modeling and manufacturing methods, metallic and non-metallic materials, additive and subtractive manufacturing, joining processes, composites development and process development. The position will require regular active participation with product and functional teams at Blue Origin’s headquarters in Kent, Washington and Blue Origins test locations through virtual or in-person attendance.

It is expected that you will have been involved in and understand how research flows into development which flows into production and operations on human/high value launch vehicle rocket propulsion. You will have ownership over design and development tasks. You will also mentor and advise younger team members to understand how you have been successful and unsuccessful in prior rocket engine efforts. You will mentor M&P engineers and guide tactical and strategic program-related decisions. You will provide broad materials & processes support for metallic (e.g. forging, casting, forming, extrusion, plating, coating, brazing, anodization, passivation) and non-metallic (e.g. O-rings, seals, lubricants) hardware alike.

To be successful in this role, you must be able to collaborate closely with design, analysis, manufacturing, quality, and integration engineers to implement requirements. You will review production drawing for large complex assemblies systematically, documenting the review to the established requirements. Responsibilities include designing, collecting and statistically analyzing thermomechanical properties data for materials. You will lead material and part process development and qualification efforts. Additionally, you will contribute to the development of internal engineering and quality processes to standardize and accelerate material evaluation, implementation, and qualification.

We are looking for someone to apply their technical expertise, leadership skills, and commitment to quality to positively impact safe human spaceflight. Passion for our mission and vision is required!

Minimum Qualifications

- Minimum B.S. in Material Science Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field
- 10+ years’ experience in Material and Process engineering application in liquid aerospace industry
- Demonstrated experience (M&P signatory authority) on a flight production program
- Hands-on experience measuring, analyzing, developing, characterizing nickel, aluminum, copper, and oxygen-compatible alloys
- Proven experience developing and executing test plans for analysis and qualification efforts of components or materials
- Familiarity with standard methods for testing mechanical properties (including fatigue, fracture, creep, stress rupture) of metallic and soft materials
- Experience with statistical analysis methods and related tools
- Experience organizing and managing thermomechanical test data in a company accessible database

Preferred Qualifications

- Masters or PhD in Material Science/Engineering or related field
- 15 + years’ relevant experience
- Aerospace coatings experience
- Familiarity with high-temperature, high pressure Oxygen Engines applications
- Familiarity with analysis, testing, and mitigation for Hydrogen Embrittlement
- Hands-on skills with SEM, EDS, metallography, mechanical testing.
- Demonstrated experience developing new aerospace processes and refining existing ones
- Experience running ambient, elevated temperature, and cryogenic thermomechanical testing
- Experience with Failure and Forensic Analysis experience for rotating machinery (e.g. turbomachinery) and static hardware
- Experience with statistical analysis for preparation of design allowables
- Knowledge of industry standards for material data analysis (e.g. MMPDS)
- Proven experience managing technology development projects, measuring technical progress, resources, and managing budgets

Base Pay Range for:
WA applicants is $169,624.00 - $237,473.25

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, 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