Mechanisms Engineer II — Opto-Mechanical Systems

Blue Origin LLC; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) with company match

Education Support

Paid Time Off

Stock Options

Job summary

Blue Origin is seeking a Mechanisms EngineerII to design, analyze, and qualify precision mechanical systems for the TeraWave constellation, including gimbals and pointing mechanisms used in space-based optical terminals.

You will work under experienced engineers to develop performance requirements, conduct trade studies, participate in testing, and prepare documentation for flight readiness while collaborating with cross-functional teams and contributing to reliable space mechanisms.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in mechanisms design for space, aerospace, or high-reliability applications.

Responsibilities

• Support design and development of precision gimbal assemblies and pointing mechanisms for space-based optical communications terminals, under the direction of senior engineers
• Assist in developing mechanism-level performance requirements, error budgets, and design margins across structural, thermal, and dynamic domains
• Perform design trade studies and analyses for gimbal configurations (mass, volume, stiffness, pointing accuracy, on-orbit lifetime) with guidance and review from senior staff
• Support mechanism qualification activities including component- and system-level testing in shock, vibration, and thermal vacuum environments
• Prepare mechanism design documentation, analysis reports, and test procedures for senior engineer review
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on mechanism integration, harness routing, and interface definition
• Apply mechanism design principles and analysis methods while developing your skills under mentorship of senior and principal engineers
• Support production transition activities including tolerance analysis and DFM/DFA reviews

Skills

Gimbal design

Multi-axis pointing

Tolerance analysis

GD&T

Tools

Creo

NX

SolidWorks

ANSYS

NASTRAN

Comsol

Job description

About the Role

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. We are pioneering the future of space-based communications with TeraWave, a revolutionary satellite communications network designed to deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6Tbps anywhere on Earth. This multi-orbit constellation will consist of optically interconnected satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) and medium Earth orbit (MEO), providing enterprise-grade connectivity for critical operations worldwide.

The Emerging Systems business unit seeks a motivated Mechanisms EngineerII to support the design, analysis, and qualification of precision mechanical systems for the TeraWave constellation. In this role, you will work under the guidance of senior and principal engineers, contributing to gimbal assemblies, pointing mechanisms, and related hardware while building your expertise in space mechanism design.

Relocation and Travel

Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates.

Travel expectations: Up to 20% travel may be required for integration activities, launch campaigns, and customer/vendor meetings.

Responsibilities

• Support the design and development of precision gimbal assemblies and pointing mechanisms for space-based optical communications terminals, under the direction of senior engineers
• Assist in developing mechanism-level performance requirements, error budgets, and design margins across structural, thermal, and dynamic domains
• Perform design trade studies and analyses for gimbal configurations (mass, volume, stiffness, pointing accuracy, on-orbit lifetime) with guidance and review from senior staff
• Support mechanism qualification activities including component- and system-level testing in shock, vibration, and thermal vacuum environments
• Prepare mechanism design documentation, analysis reports, and test procedures for senior engineer review
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on mechanism integration, harness routing, and interface definition
• Apply mechanism design principles and analysis methods while developing your skills under the mentorship of senior and principal engineers
• Support production transition activities including tolerance analysis and DFM/DFA reviews

Additional Areas of Contribution

• Motor and encoder selection for precision drive systems
• Bearing selection, preload analysis, and lubrication strategies for space mechanisms
• Mechanism-level FMEA and reliability analysis

Minimum Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in mechanisms design for space, aerospace, or high-reliability applications
• Exposure to the design or analysis of gimbal assemblies, multi-axis pointing mechanisms, or similar precision mechanical systems
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., Creo, NX, SolidWorks); exposure to finite element analysis tools (e.g., ANSYS, NASTRAN, Comsol)
• Foundational knowledge of mechanism kinematics, dynamics, and structural analysis
• Familiarity with space qualification testing concepts including vibration, shock, and thermal vacuum
• Familiarity with bearing systems, drive trains, or precision actuators
• Working knowledge of GD&T, tolerance stack-up analysis, and interface control documentation
• Awareness of Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles
• Eagerness to learn and grow under mentorship, with strong collaboration and communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Automotive or related field
• Exposure to optical communications terminals or lasercom pointing, acquisition, and tracking (PAT) systems
• Exposure to lubrication and tribology for space mechanisms (e.g., dry film, ionic liquid, oil-impregnated)
• Awareness of STOP (Structural-Thermal-Optical-Performance) analysis workflows
• Interest in transitioning precision mechanisms from development into production
• Exposure to statistical process control or production data analysis

Why Blue Origin

At Blue Origin, we are driven by our company motto, Gradatim Ferociter, meaning “Step by Step, Ferociously.” We believe in methodical innovation to achieve our vision of enabling millions of people to live and work in space for the benefit of Earth. As a Mechanisms EngineerII for Opto-Mechanical Systems, you will grow your engineering skills alongside world-class teams, learn from experienced mentors, and contribute to revolutionary optical communication technologies for the TeraWave constellation — all while working on missions that will shape the future of space exploration and utilization.

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, we believe in the need to enable humanity to expand, explore, find new energy and material resources, and move industries that stress Earth into space. We are committed to building a road to space and lowering the cost of getting there.

Base Pay Range

CA applicants: $99,201.00 - $138,880.35

CO applicants: $90,934.00 - $127,307.25

WA applicants: $99,201.00 - $138,880.35

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

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%
• Education Support Program

Stock Options

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.

Bonus

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.