Mechanical Systems Engineer III

Blue Origin LLC; Littleton (CO); On-site; USD 111,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Stock options

Paid time off

Job summary

Blue Origin is seeking a Mechanical Systems Engineer III to design and analyze mechanical systems for in-space infrastructure and on-orbit mobility. You will work with cross-functional teams to translate system requirements into detailed CAD designs and payload accommodations that balance mass, volume, and performance.

Responsibilities include structural analysis, trade studies, and documentation for reviews.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related technical field.
• 3+ years in mechanical engineering with exposure to systems engineering.
• Experience with CAD software (preferred Blue Origin CAD systems).
• Demonstrated ability to perform basic structural analysis and mechanical design.
• Experience with aerospace mechanical systems, structures, and mechanisms.
• Foundational knowledge of systems engineering principles and processes.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
• U.S. citizen or eligible to work in the U.S.

Responsibilities

• Apply engineering techniques to design, install, modify, analyze, and optimize mechanical systems hardware for space applications.
• Support study-level mechanical design efforts contributing to mission architecture and concept exploration.
• Develop structural and mechanical specifications for aerospace products and operations.
• Contribute to payload accommodation solutions optimizing mass, volume, and performance.
• Conduct basic structural analysis to validate designs and identify improvements.
• Use CAD to create detailed plans and specifications for production and integration.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve mechanical interface issues.
• Translate system requirements into mechanical design specifications.
• Support trade studies evaluating design alternatives against mission requirements.
• Document engineering decisions and analyses for technical reviews.
• Identify and resolve roadblocks to facilitate integration tasks.
• Evaluate suppliers, products, materials, or technologies.

Skills

CAD software

Structural analysis

Systems engineering principles

Aerospace mechanical systems

Clearance eligibility

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

CAD 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! 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. The role is part of the Blue National Security business unit, which is focused on delivering advanced space-based capabilities in support of national security missions. Within the Advanced Capabilities organization, this team operates at the forefront of mission engineering and architecture, developing next‑generation space systems that address the most demanding and consequential challenges in the defense domain. As a Mechanical Systems Engineer III, you will play a hands‑on role in shaping the mechanical systems that enable Blue Origin’s in‑space infrastructure and on‑orbit mobility missions. You’ll apply engineering principles to design, analyze, and optimize mechanical hardware — from study‑level concepts through detailed CAD models — while contributing directly to payload accommodation solutions that balance mass, volume, and performance. Partnering closely with cross‑functional teams, you’ll help resolve mechanical interface challenges, translate system‑level requirements into actionable design specifications, and support trade studies that shape critical design decisions. This role offers the opportunity to build foundational systems engineering expertise while working on real aerospace hardware that supports humanity’s expansion into space. Special Mentions: This role may be performed from any of Blue Origin's primary U.S. locations, including but not limited to: Kent, WA; Denver, CO; Huntsville, AL; Reston, VA; Los Angeles, CA. Relocation assistance is available

Travel requirements: Less than 25%. An active Top Secret / SCI clearance is not required to start in this role, but candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain one (see Minimum Qualifications).

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Apply engineering techniques to design, install, modify, analyze, and optimize mechanical systems hardware for space applications
• Support study‑level mechanical design efforts contributing to mission architecture development and concept exploration
• Support development of structural and mechanical specifications for aerospace products, parts, and associated operations to improve efficiency and reliability
• Contribute to payload accommodation solutions that meet mission requirements while optimizing for mass, volume, and performance
• Conduct basic structural analysis to validate design concepts and identify necessary improvements
• Utilize CAD software to create detailed plans and specifications to support production and integration activities
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to identify and resolve mechanical interface issues
• Translate system‑level requirements into mechanical design specifications
• Support trade studies to evaluate mechanical design alternatives against mission requirements
• Document engineering decisions, analyses, and design rationales to support technical reviews
• Help identify and resolve roadblocks to facilitate integration tasks
• Support the evaluation of new or existing suppliers, products, materials, or technologies
• Understand and comply with all federal regulatory requirements and specifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical field
• 3+ years of experience in mechanical engineering, with exposure to systems engineering principles
• Experience with CAD software (proficiency with Blue Origin's CAD systems preferred)
• Demonstrated ability to perform basic structural analysis and mechanical design
• Experience with aerospace mechanical systems, structures, and mechanisms
• Foundational knowledge of systems engineering principles and processes
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance
• 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:

• Active or current Top Secret / SCI clearance strongly preferred
• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Systems Engineering
• 5+ years of experience in aerospace mechanical systems design and analysis
• Experience with payload accommodation and integration for spacecraft
• Knowledge of space environments and their impact on mechanical systems
• Experience with mechanism design for space applications
• Familiarity with materials selection for aerospace applications
• Experience with requirements development and management
• Background in trade study development and analysis
• Experience with verification and validation of mechanical systems
• Knowledge of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methodologies
• Experience with technical risk assessment and mitigation strategies

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
• VA applicants is $121,023.00 - $169,432.20
• Other site ranges may differ

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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