Mechanical Design Engineer III - Blue Ring

Blue Origin; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 121,023 - 169,432; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid Time Off up to 4 weeks annually

Job summary

Blue Origin is hiring for a position within their In‑Space Systems unit in Seattle, WA, aimed at designing complex spacecraft. Ideal candidates will possess a B.Sc. in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering and over 5 years of experience in developing engineered products.

The role involves participating in the design cycle, generating technical documentation, supporting testing processes, and collaborating in a dynamic team environment. Competitive salary range from $121,023 to $169,432 annually, depending on experience and qualifications.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in designing, developing, and producing complex engineered products.
• Experience with spacecraft primary or secondary structure design.
• Ability to apply structural mechanics principles.

Responsibilities

• Participate in the entire design cycle of flight hardware.
• Generate 3D models and component drawings.
• Conduct subsystem level testing and analysis.

Skills

Mechanical design and integration skills using 3D CAD software

Proficient in geometric dimensioning and tolerancing

Strong communication skills

Education

Bachelor of Science in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering or related area

Tools

FEM analysis tools (Nastran, ANSYS, OptiStruct, FEMAP)

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!

The role is part of the In‑Space Systems business unit, which is focused on addressing two of the most compelling challenges in spaceflight today: space infrastructure and increasing mobility on‑orbit.

This role is within the In‑Space Systems Structures & Mechanisms Integrated Product Team, supporting Blue Ring, a high‑powered hybrid solar electric and chemical‑propelled spacecraft designed for unparalleled mission maneuverability, versatility, and capacity at significantly reduced costs. It provides comprehensive capabilities for maneuvering, hosting, and deploying payloads and infrastructure services across Earth orbits, the Moon, Mars, interplanetary regions, and near‑Earth asteroids.

As part of a hardworking team of specialists, technicians, and engineers, you will design various structural elements and mechanical systems for the spacecraft, ranging from baseline vehicle architecture to mission‑unique equipment and vehicle upgrades.

Special Mentions

• Relocation provided
• Travel expected up to 10% of the time
• Interviews will include a technical assessment
• Multiple positions available

Responsibilities

• Participate in the entire design cycle of flight hardware, including conceptual and detailed design, trade studies, structural analysis, development testing, and qualification.
• Generate 3D models, component drawings, assembly drawings, and interface control documents.
• Create command media for assembly and testing of development and flight hardware.
• Participate in subsystem level testing including planning, execution, data reduction, and analysis.
• Develop component specifications and manage suppliers.
• Provide manufacturing and production support.
• Leverage experience and engineering judgment to quickly design and produce non‑flight, proof of concept hardware for fast‑moving research and development projects.
• Participate in a small, agile team to create and adapt to frequently shifting priorities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or a related subject area.
• 5+ years of experience in designing, developing, and producing complex engineered products.
• Strong mechanical design and integration skills using 3D CAD software.
• Proficient in the application of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing per ASME Y14.5.
• Demonstrated ability to build trusting and effective working relationships that improve team performance and deliver results.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with experience in coordinating small to medium‑sized teams.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Preferred Qualifications

• Spacecraft primary or secondary structure design experience.
• Ability to apply structural mechanics principles and develop designs using hand calculations and finite element analysis.
• Experience with FEM analysis tools: Nastran, ANSYS, OptiStruct, FEMAP.
• Experience with rapid development techniques for hardware.
• Familiarity with systems engineering practices, manufacturing processes, and quality control.
• Proficiency in dimensional variation analysis.
• Experience with optimization and DOE methods as applied to design, analysis, and testing.
• Proven experience with core project management skills, including logic‑linked scheduling, budget and schedule variance tracking, and reporting project status to leadership.
• Active Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) security clearance.

Base Pay Range for:

CA applicants is $121,023.00 - $169,432.20
CO applicants is $110,938.00 - $155,312.85
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 (CDL drivers only), 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 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 check with your recruiter for more details.

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 workforce. 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.

Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation

Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin's affirmative action plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us at [e-mail]. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.