Ground System Fluid Mechanical Design Engineer III

Blue Origin; Van Horn (TX); On-site; USD 91,000 - 139,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Blue Origin seeks a Level 3 Design Engineer - Ground Systems Development to design and develop subsystems for ground test operations, including propellant delivery, cryogenics, and hazardous systems. You will lead fluid and mechanical testing, review work, and mentor junior engineers in a fast-paced propulsion environment.

You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, ensure safety and compliance, and support test facility construction and commissioning at the Van Horn site with relocation

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in fluid or mechanical systems or test operations.
• Experience selecting components for testing applications.
• Proficiency with CAD software and engineering analysis tools.
• Strong knowledge of fluid mechanics and structural analysis.
• Knowledge of ASME B31.3, BPVC, IEST-STD-CC1246 and aerospace fluids specs.
• Experience mentoring entry-level engineers.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; risk-based decision making.

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).

Skills

CAD software

Fluid mechanics

Structural analysis

Communication

Risk-based decisions

Education

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

Tools

PTC Creo

AutoCAD

Finite element tools

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. This position presents an outstanding chance to work on challenging fluid and mechanical systems essential to propulsion testing. You will independently invent solutions and mentor junior engineers.

As part of a dynamic and dedicated team of Mechanical and Fluid Engineers, you will play a crucial role in developing systems to test rocket engines and space flight vehicles. You will contribute significantly to all aspects of test stand design. 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.

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

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

• 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 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.
• Experience conducting build reviews and offering technical mentorship
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent judgement and comfortable making risk based high-quality and high-velocity decisions

Preferred Qualifications

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

Special Mentions:

Relocation available

Base Pay Range for:

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 ex