Ground System Fluid Mechanical Design Engineer | Mid - Senior Level

Blue Origin; Texas; On-site; USD 102,000 - 169,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with match

Job summary

Blue Origin LLC is seeking a Level 3 Design Engineer for Ground Systems Development in Van Horn, TX or Kent, WA. You will design, build, and test subsystems for rocket engine testing, overseeing facilities and mentoring junior engineers.

The role requires strong CAD skills, fluid/mechanical expertise, and a solid background in code compliance, safety, and hazard analysis across test facilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years in fluid/mechanical systems or test operations (Level III) or 8+ years (Level IV).
• Experience selecting components or systems for testing applications.
• Proficiency with CAD software and engineering analysis tools.
• Strong understanding of fluid mechanics and structural analysis.
• Knowledge of ASME B31.3, BPVC, IEST-STD-CC1246, aerospace fluids specs.

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 subsystem owners to ensure coordinated system functionality.
• Participate in Process Hazard Analysis activities for fluid systems (HAZOP).

Skills

Fluid systems

Mechanical systems

CAD

Engineering analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

PTC Creo

AutoCAD

FEM/structural analysis

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 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. 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.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• 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
• Experience in fluid systems, mechanical systems, or test operations | 5+ years (Level III), 8+ years (Level IV)
• 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
• 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 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.

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

• Benefits include: 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