Ground System Fluid Mechanical Design Engineer Sr.

Blue Origin; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 145,188 - 203,263; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Stock options

Paid time off & holidays

401(k) with company match

Job summary

Blue Origin in Washington state seeks a senior Mechanical/Aerospace engineer to lead the design and testing of rocket engine test systems and ground facilities. You will shape fluid and structural systems, coordinate with suppliers, and guide site construction from concept to commissioning.

You will mentor engineers, drive critical technical decisions, and lead hazard analyses to ensure safe, compliant operations for complex propulsion test programs. Relocation and travel up to 25% are available.

Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or related field.
• 8+ years in fluid/mechanical systems or test operations.
• Experience leading complex engineering systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop and test new systems for rocket engine test facilities.
• Serve as systems architect for ground test operations.
• Coordinate design reviews and manage suppliers.
• Mentor engineers and drive technical decisions
• Lead hazard analyses (HAZOP) and risk mitigation
• Collaborate with program management to align solutions

Skills

Fluid systems design

Structural analysis

Leadership

HAZOP risk assessment

Cryogenic systems

Regulatory compliance

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

PTC Creo

AutoCAD

Advanced analysis software

Job description

Overview

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 are developing reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. 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 Karman 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 in the Mechanical and Fluid Engineering domain, focused on developing systems to test rocket engines and space flight vehicles. You will contribute to all aspects of test stand design, including designing fluid and structural systems for test facilities, coordinating with suppliers, and overseeing construction, installation, and commissioning of new test facilities. You will also guide and develop new test systems that incorporate various subsystems and serve as systems architect for complex ground test operations.

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 BPVC, IEST-STD-CC1246, and relevant regulations
• Extensive knowledge designing and operating cryogenic and pneumatic fluid systems (GN2, GHe, GOX, GH2, LH2, LOX, LN2)
• Proven track record of leading technical teams to deliver complex projects
• 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 ability to make high-quality 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

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.

Compensation and Location

Base Pay Range for WA applicants is $145,188.00 - $203,263.20. Other site ranges may differ.

Culture and Compliance

Culture Statement: We encourage applicants who may not meet every desired qualification to apply. We aim to build an authentic workplace where diverse backgrounds are valued.

Export Control Regulations: Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident, or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Background Check

• Blue's Standard Background Check required for all positions
• DBIDS background check for roles requiring access to military installations
• Possible Driver Qualification and hazardous materials requirements for certain profiles

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability, 401(k) with company match
• Stock options for regular employees (>= 20 hours/week)
• Paid Time Off and company holidays
• Additional benefits and bonuses as determined by role and company discretion

Equal Employment Opportunity

Blue Origin is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We hire based on qualifications, performance, and abilities, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or protected status. We comply with applicable laws and provide reasonable accommodations as needed.