Ground System Fluid Mechanical Design Engineer III

Blue Origin LLC; Town of Texas (WI); On-site; USD 91,000 - 127,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation available

Stock Options

Education Support Program

Job summary

Blue Origin is seeking a Level 3 Design Engineer - Ground Systems Development to lead the design and development of subsystems for ground test operations at the Van Horn, Texas site. You will build and analyze fluid and mechanical systems for propellant handling, mentor junior engineers, and ensure safe, compliant test facilities.

Responsibilities cover cryogenic and vacuum test systems, apparatus safety, and cross-site collaboration to optimize performance while meeting regulatory standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in fluid systems, mechanical systems, or test operations.
• Demonstrated experience selecting components or systems for testing applications.
• Proficiency with CAD software and engineering analysis tools.
• Strong understanding of fluid mechanics principles and structural analysis.
• Knowledge of ASME BPVC, ASME B31.3, IEST-STD-CC1246 and aerospace fluids standards.
• Experience conducting build reviews and offering technical mentorship.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent judgement and risk-based high-quality decisions.

Responsibilities

• Own and lead the design and development of subsystems for ground test operations.
• Build and analyze fluid and mechanical systems for propellant delivery, handling, and testing.
• Review builds of entry-level engineers, providing technical guidance and mentorship.
• Implement test systems, including cryogenics, vacuum systems, and hazardous materials.
• Develop test requirements and procedures for safe operation with hazardous propellants.
• Perform complex technical analysis and make build decisions based on results.
• Collaborate with other subsystem owners to ensure coordinated system functionality.
• Participate in Process Hazard Analysis activities for fluid systems (HAZOP).

Skills

Fluid systems

Mechanical systems

Test operations

CAD software

Engineering analysis tools

Technical mentorship

Risk-based decision making

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field

Tools

PTC Creo

AutoCAD

Fluid/structural analysis software

Job description

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 New Shepard program. New Shepard is a reusable suborbital rocket system designed to take astronauts and research payloads past the Kármán line - the internationally recognized boundary of space. Through operational reusability, New Shepard supports our mission of lowering the cost of access to space. This position is not for immediate vacancy but is intended to fill anticipated future openings. Applicants who best meet the job requirements will be contacted and considered when a position becomes available. At Blue Origin, we are driven by space exploration and committed to reshaping the future with breakthrough technologies. As a Level 3 Design Engineer - Ground Systems Development, you will contribute significantly to improving and developing new ground testing facilities.

Responsibilities

Your responsibilities will include designing fluid and structural systems for test facilities, coordinating with suppliers, and overseeing the construction, installation, and commissioning of new test facilities.

Van Horn Specific Information

Being at the heart of Blue Origin operations, the West Texas Site in Van Horn, TX offers eligible employee’s additional attractive financial incentives to supplement their competitive base earnings, including a living allowance and relocation assistance. Eligibility for these additional benefits is based on the employee’s ability to permanently relocate to Van Horn, TX, or travel to Van Horn from another Blue location a minimum of 50% of the time.

Van Horn Responsibilities

• Own and lead the design and development of subsystems for ground test operations
• Build and analyze fluid and mechanical systems for propellant delivery, handling, and testing
• Review builds of entry-level engineers, providing technical guidance and mentorship
• Implement test systems, including cryogenics, vacuum systems, and other hazardous commodities
• Develop test requirements and procedures for safe operation with hazardous propellants
• Perform complex technical analysis and make build decisions based on results
• Collaborate with other subsystem owners to ensure coordinated system functionality
• Participate in Process Hazard Analysis activities for fluid systems (HAZOP).

Minimum Qualifications

• 1. Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
• 2. 5+ years of experience in fluid systems, mechanical systems, or test operations
• 3. Demonstrated experience selecting components or systems for testing applications
• 4. Proficiency with CAD software and engineering analysis tools
• 5. Strong understanding of fluid mechanics principles and structural analysis
• 6. Knowledge of industry standards including ASME B31.3, ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC), IEST-STD-CC1246, State and Federal regulations, and other aerospace fluids related specifications.
• 7. Experience conducting build reviews and offering technical mentorship
• 8. Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• 9. Excellent judgement and comfortable making risk based high-quality and high-velocity decisions

Preferred Qualifications

• 1. Experience with PTC Creo, AutoCAD, and advanced fluid/structural analysis software
• 2. Direct experience with monopropellant or hypergolic propulsion systems
• 3. Experience designing and operating vacuum systems
• 4. Background in hazardous materials handling and associated safety protocols
• 5. Knowledge of quality assurance practices for critical systems
• 6. Demonstrated ability to optimize system builds for performance and safety

Special Mentions

• Relocation available
• Available locations: Van Horn, Texas or Kent, Washington
• Up to 25% travel required between facilities and for field operations from the Kent, Washington location

Base Pay Range

CO applicants is $90,934.00 - $127,307.25
WA applicants is $99,201.00 - $138,880.35
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

• 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.

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. Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin’s Aff…

Mission Statement

We’re committed to building the road to space so our children can build the future. We are a mission-driven company focused on ideas and innovation, and encourage fresh perspectives from bold voices. At Blue, our team is building the future as their unique selves. Thank you for your interest in working at Blue Origin! Blue Origin was founded with a vision to enable a future where millions of people are living and working in space to benefit Earth. In order to preserve Earth, Blue Origin believes in the need to enable humanity to expand, explore, find new energy and material resources, and move industries that stress Earth into space. Blue Origin believes it has an important role in building a road to space and lowering the cost of getting there. At Blue Origin, we’re working on this today by developing fully reusable launch vehicles and systems that are safe, reliable and affordable. Every launch vehicle is designed for human spaceflight from the beginning and able to ferry payloads to space.

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