Mechanical Design Engineer III – Electric Propulsion

Blue Origin; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 121,000 - 169,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Stock options

Paid time off

401(k) with company match

Job summary

Blue Origin is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to lead the development of electric propulsion subsystem designs for national security missions. You will author propulsion designs, drive reviews across propulsion, thermal, structures, test and manufacturing teams, and steer iterative build/test cycles to ensure producibility and DFx.

Mentoring teammates and guiding cost/schedule risks are part of the role.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering or related technical subject area.
• 5+ years experience in propulsion system development, production, and test.
• Experience designing propulsion fluid/propellant feed system hardware for production or lab.
• Strong mechanical design and integration skills using 3-D CAD software (Creo/Pro/E preferred).
• Proficient with GD&T (ASME Y14.5) and dimensional variation analysis.
• Experience meeting MIL-STD-810, SMC-S-016, MIL-STD-1540 testing requirements.
• Experience with PLM tools (Windchill preferred).
• Proven track record in developing product designs.
• Ability to earn trust and contribute to an inclusive culture.
• Excellent verbal, written, and graphical communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional, fast-paced environment.
• Mentoring and knowledge sharing to develop the team.

Responsibilities

• Author propulsion system designs and drawings from concept to production.
• Lead design reviews with thermal, propulsion, structures, test and manufacturing teams.
• Work with propulsion team through iterative design-build-test loops to meet requirements and DFx.
• Mentor junior team members and contribute to team skill development.
• Lead trade studies to improve production efficiency and reduce defects.
• Design/build/test tooling and fixtures with manufacturing and test engineers.
• Identify and mitigate cost, schedule, and technical risks.
• Coordinate with satellite vehicle integration on interfaces and tooling.

Skills

5+ years propulsion experience

Mechanical design

3-D CAD

GD&T

MIL-STD-810/SMC-S-016/MIL-STD-1540

PLM tools (Windchill)

Product design track record

System-level integration

Strong communication

Collaborative work style

Mentoring/growth leadership

Education

Bachelor of Science in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Creo/Pro/E

Windchill

Nastran/ANSYS/Optistruct/LS-Dyna/Abaqus

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 National Security (BNS), where our focus is the design, development, and delivery of launch and spacecraft systems for national security missions. Through Blue Ring, our all-in-one, high-powered hybrid solar-electric and chemical-propelled spacecraft, we provide unmatched mission maneuverability, versatility, and capacity at dramatically lower-profile costs. As an early member of the propulsion team, you will play a foundational role in the development of the Hall thruster-based propulsion systems that maneuver constellation satellites as well as the propulsion team itself. As a Mechanical Design Engineer, you will lead the development of the electric propulsion subsystem mechanical designs. You will work with propulsion team members to create designs for the fluid system for the propulsion system informed by product requirements, development test results, and outcomes of design for test/manufacturability/assembly reviews. Successful candidates will utilize their experience in propulsion propellant feed system design to produce design specifications from conceptual architecture and iterate on design optimizations for high-rate production. A preferred candidate will have experience in electric propulsion system and subsystem design and manufacturing for production rates including experience handling propulsion system-level interfaces with the thruster, power electronics enclosures, system-level and vehicle integration MGSE, and associated test fixturing. If you share our passion for propulsion system development and design, thrive in a dynamic space/startup environment, excel on integrated cross-functional teams of diverse individuals, are experienced and skilled in several relevant areas listed below, continuously seek out opportunities to learn and improve, and do not allow title or job description to limit the depth or breadth of your contributions, then we would love to hear from you.

Special Considerations Relocation provided Travel expected up to 25% of the time

Responsibilities

• Author propulsion system designs and drawings, iteratively improving those designs from concept to production.
• Lead design reviews and coordinate inputs from thermal, propulsion, structures, test, and manufacturing engineering team members.
• Work closely with other propulsion team members through iterative design, build, test loops to ensure that designs account for product requirements and appropriate DFx (Design for manufacturing/assembly/test/automation/etc.) considerations.
• Technical contributions to the growth of the team through assisting in hiring, identifying team skill gaps, and mentoring junior team members.
• Formulate and lead trade studies to improve production efficiency and reduce defects.
• Work with manufacturing and test engineers to design build and test tooling/fixtures.
• Identify, communicate, and mitigate cost, schedule, and technical risks.
• Coordinate with satellite vehicle integration team members on defining propulsion system interfaces and designing tooling for integration of the propulsion system with the vehicle.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical subject area.
• 5+ years of career experience in propulsion system development, production, and test.
• Experience supporting design and development of propulsion fluid/propellant feed system flight hardware in a production facility, or laboratory.
• Strong mechanical design and integration skills using 3-D CAD software (Creo Pro/E preferred).
• Proficient with application of GD&T (ASME Y14.5) and performing dimensional variation analysis.
• Experience designing hardware to meet thermal, vibration, shock, and/or vacuum testing requirements on flight hardware in accordance with MIL-STD-810, SMC-S-016, and MIL-STD-1540.
• Experience with production lifecycle management (PLM) tools (Windchill preferred).
• Proven experience and successful track record developing product designs.
• Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to a culture of inclusion.
• Ability to perform design analyses and present resulting technical information in a clear and compelling visual format.
• Excellent verbal, written, and graphical communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional, fast-paced, dynamic work environment.
• Enthusiasm for mentoring, training, knowledge sharing, and supporting the technical development of team members.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing complex integrated assemblies such as high and low-pressure fluid systems, high voltage assemblies, high temperature assemblies, electronics enclosures, as well as associated mechanical ground support equipment and tooling for test and vehicle integration.
• Electric propulsion production system-level design experience (e.g. integration of Hall thrusters, hollow cathodes, feed systems, propellant tanks, harnessing, etc.).
• Experience designing/operating fluid test equipment for product performance validation and verification.
• Working knowledge of electric propulsion system operating principles and design practices.
• Experience developing a propulsion system from concept to production through iterative design, build, and test loops.
• Experience designing production hardware and optimizing the design for increasing production rates.
• Excellent computer skills with the ability to quickly learn and use various software tools as needed.
• Experience with automated tooling/robotics (design for automation).
• Experience with AS9100 Quality Management System.
• Expertise with analysis codes for flow applications: Nastran, ANSYS, Optistruct, LS/Dyna, Abaqus.
• Experience coordinating with vehicle integration on the interface design requirements of a line replaceable unit (LRU) onto a flight vehicle.
• Experience with Optimization and DOE methods as applied to design, analysis, and testing.

Physical Requirements

• Support production floor activities.

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

• 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 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.

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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! 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.

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