Ground System Fluid Mechanical Design Engineer Sr.

Blue Origin LLC; Littleton (CO); On-site; USD 134,000 - 187,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation available

Stock options for regular employees

Education Support Program

401(k) with company match

Paid time off and holidays

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Job summary

Blue Origin is seeking a Ground System Fluid Mechanical Engineer III to design and build world-class ground test systems for rocket engines and spaceflight vehicles. You will serve as systems architect for complex test operations and oversee construction, installation, and commissioning of new test facilities.

You will collaborate with suppliers, mentor engineers, drive hazard analyses (HAZOP), and ensure safety and compliance with ASME and aerospace standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace engineering or related field.
• 8+ years in fluid, mechanical systems or test operations.
• Experience guiding complex engineering system creation.
• Knowledge of ASME B31.3, BPVC, IEST-STD-CC1246, and aerospace fluids specs.
• Experience with cryogenic and pneumatic fluid systems (GN2, GHe, GOX, GH2, LH2, LOX, LN2).
• Proven track record leading technical teams and build reviews.

Responsibilities

• Guide and develop new test systems that incorporate various subsystems.
• Serve as systems architect for complex ground test operations.
• Coordinate design reviews for test systems.
• Manage suppliers, coordinating cost, schedule, and technical design requirements.
• Mentor engineers, providing technical guidance and career development.
• Drive technical decisions for complex propellant and vacuum systems.
• Collaborate with program management to align technical solutions with program requirements.
• Lead hazard assessments and risk mitigation strategies for test operations.
• Conduct Process Hazard Analysis activities for fluid systems (HAZOP).
• Collaborate with senior leadership on strategic technical planning.

Skills

Fluid systems

Mechanical systems

Test operations

Hazard analysis

Leadership

Education

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

Tools

PTC Creo

AutoCAD

Advanced analysis software

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 Blue Origin Operations, which is comprised of Integrated Supply Chain, Test Operations, Safety, Quality, and Mission Assurance. This includes Manufacturing and Supply Chain support across all Blue Origin facilities. As part of a hardworking team of engineers and technical project managers you will lead the development of new ground test systems for space exploration! As a Ground System Fluid Mechanical Engineer III, you will be pivotal in designing and building world-class systems that combine multiple subsystems for propulsion testing operations. Your expertise will ensure flawless execution and safety in our ambitious projects. 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

• Guide and develop new test systems that incorporate various subsystems
• Serve as systems architect for complex ground test operations
• Coordinate design reviews for test systems
• Manage suppliers, coordinating cost, schedule, and technical design requirements
• Mentor engineers, providing technical guidance and career development
• Drive technical decisions for complex propellant and vacuum systems
• Collaborate with program management to align technical solutions with program requirements
• Lead hazard assessments and risk mitigation strategies for test operations
• Conduct Process Hazard Analysis activities for fluid systems (HAZOP)
• Collaborate with senior leadership on strategic technical planning

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical engineering, Aerospace engineering, or related field
• 8+ years of experience in fluid systems, mechanical systems, or test operations
• Extensive experience guiding the creation of complex engineering systems
• Advanced knowledge of fluid mechanics, structural analysis, and system integration
• In-depth 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
• Extensive knowledge designing and operating cryogenic and pneumatic fluid systems (GN2, GHe, GOX, GH2, LH2, LOX, LN2)
• Proven track record of successfully leading technical teams to deliver complex projects to completion
• Experience conducting and leading build reviews
• Solid grasp of risk control in hazardous operations
• Willingness to learn
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent judgement and comfortable making high-quality and high-velocity decisions

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with crafting coordinated systems using PTC Creo, AutoCAD, and advanced analysis software
• Extensive knowledge of vacuum systems for aerospace applications
• Demonstrated experience with monopropellant and hypergolic propulsion system testing
• Skilled in establishing test criteria and procedures for hazardous operations
• History of improving technical processes and methodologies
• Experience mentoring and developing engineering talent

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: CO applicants is $133,500.00 - $186,898.95
• Other site ranges may differ

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%
• 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
• Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.

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.

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.

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.

About 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.

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!

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