Design Engineer III, Structural/Mechanical GSE

InvestedintheMission; Van Horn (TX); On-site; USD 121,023 - 169,432; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation provided

Travel expected up to 20% of the time

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid Time Off and holidays

Job summary

Blue Origin is seeking an experienced engineer in Van Horn, Texas, to own design development of structures and tooling for propulsion systems. The ideal candidate will manage projects end-to-end, applying strong CAD and engineering skills to deliver innovative solutions.

This role involves direct collaboration with cross-disciplinary teams and offers opportunities for hands-on engineering, working on critical equipment that supports our space program. A B.S. in engineering and 3-7 years of relevant experience are required.

Qualifications

• 3-7 years of experience in designing and developing structural or mechanical tooling.
• Strong drawing and modeling proficiency with GD&T (ASME Y14.5).
• Experience designing and analyzing welded structures.

Responsibilities

• Own full design cycles from product definition through operational handover.
• Create detailed designs, bills of materials, and perform structural analysis.
• Define hardware testing scope and configurations.

Skills

Design and analysis expertise

3D CAD modeling

Structural and mechanical analysis

Project management

Education

B.S. degree in mechanical, civil, or aerospace engineering

Tools

CAD software (Creo/NX)

FEA software (ANSYS)

Job description

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 a member of a small, high-performing structural design team within Engines Advanced Programs, you'll join a group of problem solvers who own the entire development process from concept to commissioning. You will design, analyze, build, and commission critical equipment that enables operations, working directly with end users to understand their needs and deliver robust technical solutions.

Our team is the backbone of operational infrastructure for our program. We design essential support hardware including test stands, towers, lift fixtures, pipe supports, specialized assembly tooling, transporters, maintenance platforms, and dolly systems. We routinely design and analyze steel and aluminum structures, and we deliver mechanical systems that may include hydraulic, pneumatic, or other energized subsystems.

In this role, you'll own full design cycles with minimal oversight—taking project objectives and stakeholder needs through concept, detailed design, structural analysis, drawing release, build, and commissioning. You'll partner directly with engineers across multiple disciplines, technicians, and fabricators to understand needs and constraints before crafting solutions that balance safety, functionality, and manufacturability. We maintain unwavering standards for safety while developing practical, efficient designs that meet program needs.

We're looking for an engineer with established design and analysis expertise, strong drawing and modeling proficiency, and a genuine doer mindset—someone eager to put boots on the ground, stand behind their designs, and ensure successful implementation. If you enjoy seeing your ideas transform from CAD models to field‑ready hardware, this position offers the right blend of design ownership and hands‑on engineering.

Special Mentions

• Relocation provided
• Travel expected up to 20% of the time
• Interviews will include a technical assessment

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end design development of structures and tooling, from product definition through operational handover
• Create detailed designs and bills of materials through 3D CAD models and 2D drawing packages to industry standards (ASME Y14.5)
• Perform structural and mechanical analysis using FEA software and hand calculations; author analysis reports describing load cases, factors of safety, and margins
• Contribute to system safety analyses such as Failure Mode, Effects, and Criticality Analysis (FMECA), Hazard and Operability Studies (HAZOP), Job Hazard Analysis (JHA), and similar
• Develop and present technical design reviews for assigned projects
• Define hardware testing scope and configurations, including non‑destructive evaluation, proof testing, operational testing, and weld inspection
• Develop activation and commissioning plans, and lead installation and commissioning activities in the field
• Maintain design authority throughout fabrication, working closely with vendors and manufacturing teams, resolving technical issues during field integration
• Serve as technical point of contact for assigned projects across various lifecycle phases
• Provide schedule, hours, and budget input to leadership; manage your own project scope and timelines to deliver on program needs

Minimum Qualifications

• B.S. degree in mechanical, civil, or aerospace engineering or related discipline from an accredited institution
• 3‑7 years of experience designing and developing structural and/or mechanical tooling, or industrial equipment through the product life cycle
• Demonstrated ability to own a design from concept through commissioning with minimal oversight
• Advanced experience using CAD and FEA software (Creo/NX and ANSYS preferred)
• Strong drawing and modeling proficiency, including detail and assembly drawings with GD&T (ASME Y14.5)
• Experience designing and analyzing steel and aluminum welded structures
• Familiarity with industry codes and standards for structural equipment and tooling (e.g., ASME B30.20/BTH‑1, OSHA, AISC‑360, ASCE‑7, Aluminum Design Manual)
• Practical knowledge of manufacturing processes (milling, turning, cutting, welding) and ability to design for fabrication
• Strong organization skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects
• Willingness to travel up to 20% to support hardware installation, troubleshooting, testing, and vendor support
• 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

• M.S. degree in mechanical, civil, or aerospace engineering
• Hands‑on experience constructing or repairing mechanical components and systems, acquired through personal pursuits or professional experience
• Experience designing structural equipment/tooling for aerospace, propulsion, or other heavy industrial applications
• Experience designing and analyzing hydraulic and pneumatic mechanical systems
• Working knowledge of mechanical components beyond basic structures (motors, actuators, linear rails, bearings)
• Fundamental understanding of ASME B31.3 for Process Piping
• Proficiency in tolerance stack‑up analysis
• Experience leading cross‑discipline design reviews and verification processes
• Experience with PDM/PLM version control systems

Base Pay Range for WA applicants

$121,023.00 - $169,432.20

Other site ranges may differ

Base pay ranges vary by location and role level.

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 (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 of 10,001 lbs. or greater or transport placardable amounts of hazardous materials by ground may be subject to additional federal motor carrier safety regulations, including driver qualification files, medical certification, road test, hours of service, drug and alcohol testing, vehicle inspection requirements, and hazardous materials 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

• 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 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 workforce. 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.

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 [e-mail]. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.