Mechanisms Engineer III — Opto-Mechanical Systems

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

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

20% travel

Job summary

Blue Origin is seeking a Mechanisms Engineer III to lead the design of precision gimbal assemblies for the TeraWave optical network. You will own end-to-end mechanism scope from concept through flight qualification, collaborating with senior engineers on tough technical problems and ensuring robust performance in harsh space environments.

You will plan tests, defend design choices in reviews, and contribute to production transition with tolerance analysis and DFMA improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or related field.
• 5+ years in precision mechanisms design for space or high-reliability apps.
• Ability to independently own design, analysis and qualification of gimbal assemblies.
• Proficiency in 3DCAD and FEA tools; familiar with GD&T and tolerance stack-up.
• Experience with space qualification tests: vibration, shock, and TVAC.
• Understanding of DFMA principles and interface documentation.

Responsibilities

• Own design and development of precision gimbals and pointing mechanisms from concept to flight qualification.
• Develop mechanism-level performance requirements, error budgets, design margins across disciplines.
• Drive design trades for configurations balancing mass, stiffness, pointing accuracy, and lifetime.
• Plan and execute mechanism qualification, test campaigns, and analyze results.
• Generate and maintain design docs, analysis reports, and test procedures.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams for integration and interface control.

Skills

precision mechanisms design

gimbal assemblies

3D CAD (Creo/NX/SolidWorks)

finite element analysis

GD&T and tolerance analysis

vibration/shock/thermal vacuum testing

bearing systems and drive trains

mechanism kinematics and dynamics

DFM/ DFA

interface control documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Creo

NX

SolidWorks

ANSYS/NASTRAN/Comsol

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!Blue Origin is pioneering the future of space-based communications with TeraWave, a revolutionary satellite communications network designed to deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps 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.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!About the RoleThe Emerging Systems business unit at Blue Origin is pioneering the future of space-based communications with TeraWave , a revolutionary satellite communications network designed to deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps anywhere on Earth. This multi-orbit constellation will consist of 5,408 optically interconnected satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) and 128 satellites in medium Earth orbit (MEO), providing enterprise-grade connectivity for critical operations worldwide.Blue Origin's Emerging Systems is seeking a driven Mechanisms Engineer III to join a small, fast-moving team developing precision mechanical systems for the TeraWave constellation. On a lean team, you will personally own significant mechanism design scope end-to-end — from concept through qualification — with a high degree of autonomy and accountability for your hardware. You will work shoulder-to-shoulder with senior and principal engineers, but you will be the directly responsible engineer for the mechanisms you take on.Special MentionsRelocation assistance is available for qualified candidates.Travel expectations: Up to 20% travel may be required for integration activities, launch campaigns, and customer/vendor meetings.ResponsibilitiesResponsibilities include but are not limited to:Own the design and development of precision gimbal assemblies and pointing mechanisms for space-based optical communications terminals, from concept through flight qualificationDevelop and be accountable for mechanism-level performance requirements, error budgets, and design margins across structural, thermal, and dynamic domainsDrive design trades for gimbal configurations, balancing mass, volume, stiffness, pointing accuracy, and on-orbit lifetime, and defend your recommendations in design reviewsPlan and execute mechanism qualification including component- and system-level testing in shock, vibration, and thermal vacuum environments, and own the resulting data and corrective actionsAuthor and maintain mechanism design documentation, analysis reports, and test procedures supporting hardware build and testCoordinate directly with cross-functional partners on mechanism integration, harness routing, and interface definition — acting as the point of contact for your hardwarePartner with senior and principal engineers on the toughest technical problems, escalating risks early and proposing solutionsSupport production transition through tolerance analysis, DFM/DFA improvements, and direct supplier engagementExamples of additional areas where you may contribute include:Motor and encoder selection for precision drive systemsBearing selection, preload analysis, and lubrication strategies for space mechanismsMechanism-level FMEA and reliability analysisMinimum QualificationsBachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering , Aerospace Engineering, Automotive or related technical field5+ years of experience in precision mechanisms design for space, aerospace, or high-reliability applicationsDemonstrated ability to independently own the design, analysis, and qualification of gimbal assemblies, multi-axis pointing mechanisms, or similar precision mechanical systemsProficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., Creo, NX, SolidWorks) and finite element analysis tools (e.g., ANSYS, NASTRAN, Comsol )Working knowledge of mechanism kinematics, dynamics, and structural analysisHands-on experience with space qualification testing including vibration, shock, and thermal vacuumExperience with bearing systems, drive trains, or precision actuators for space mechanismsSolid understanding of GD&T, tolerance stack-up analysis, and interface control documentationFamiliarity with Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principlesSelf-directed work style with a strong sense of ownership and the ability to thrive with minimal oversight on a small teamPreferred QualificationsMaster's degree in Mechanical Engineering , Aerospace Engineering, Automotive or related fieldExperience with optical communications terminals or lasercom pointing, acquisition, and tracking (PAT) systemsExposure to lubrication and tribology for space mechanisms (e.g., dry film, ionic liquid, oil-impregnated)Familiarity with STOP (Structural-Thermal-Optical-Performance) analysis workflowsExperience supporting transition of precision mechanisms from development into productionExposure to statistical process control or production data analysis for mechanism performance verificationWhy Blue OriginAt 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 Engineer III on a small, high-ownership Opto-Mechanical Systems team, you will have outsized impact and direct accountability for hardware that will fly on the TeraWave constellation. You'll work alongside world-class engineers on challenging problems, have access to state-of-the-art facilities, and see your designs through from sketch to orbit.Base Pay Range for:CA applicants is $121,023.00 - $169,432.20CO applicants is $110,938.00 - $155,312.85WA applicants is $121,023.00 - $169,432.20Other site ranges may differCulture StatementDon’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 RegulationsApplicants 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 CheckRequired for all positions: Blue’s Standard Background CheckRequired for Certain Job Profiles: Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installationRequired 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 physicalBenefitsBenefits 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 OpportunityBlue 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 AccommodationApplicants 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.