Mechanisms Engineer III - Space Gimbal Systems

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Education Support Program

Job summary

Blue Origin is seeking a Mechanisms Engineer III to own end-to-end design of precision gimbal assemblies for space-based optical communications terminals. You will define performance requirements, perform design trades, and lead qualification testing from concept to flight readiness.

You will collaborate with senior engineers, manage interface definitions, and support production transitions, while applying GD&T and tolerance analysis, DFM/DFA, and space qualification experience to deliver

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Automotive or related technical field.
• 5+ years of experience in precision mechanisms design for space, aerospace, or high-reliability applications.
• Demonstrated ability to independently own the design, analysis, and qualification of gimbal assemblies, multi-axis pointing mechanisms, or similar precision mechanical systems.
• Proficiency 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 analysis
• Hands-on experience with space qualification testing including vibration, shock, and thermal vacuum
• Experience with bearing systems, drive trains, or precision actuators for space mechanisms
• Solid understanding of GD&T, tolerance stack-up analysis, and interface control documentation
• Familiarity with Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles
• Self-directed work style with a strong sense of ownership and the ability to thrive with minimal oversight on a small team

Responsibilities

• Own the design and development of precision gimbal assemblies and pointing mechanisms for space-based optical communications terminals, from concept through flight qualification
• Develop and be accountable for mechanism-level performance requirements, error budgets, and design margins across structural, thermal, and dynamic domains
• Drive design trades for gimbal configurations, balancing mass, volume, stiffness, pointing accuracy, and on-orbit lifetime, and defend your recommendations in design reviews
• Plan and execute mechanism qualification including component- and system-level testing in shock, vibration, and thermal vacuum environments, and own the resulting data and corrective actions
• Author and maintain mechanism design documentation, analysis reports, and test procedures supporting hardware build and test
• Coordinate directly with cross-functional partners on mechanism integration, harness routing, and interface definition — acting as the point of contact for your hardware
• Partner with senior and principal engineers on the toughest technical problems, escalating risks early and proposing solutions
• Support production transition through tolerance analysis, DFM/DFA improvements, and direct supplier engagement
• Motor and encoder selection for precision drive systems
• Bearing selection, preload analysis, and lubrication strategies for space mechanisms
• Mechanism-level FMEA and reliability analysis

Skills

Gimbal design

Precision mechanisms

3D CAD & FEA

Space qualification testing

GD&T & tolerance analysis

DFM/DFA

Self-directed work style

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical/Aerospace/Automotive or related field

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Creo

NX

SolidWorks

ANSYS

NASTRAN

COMSOL

Job description

Blue Origin is seeking a Mechanisms Engineer III to own end-to-end design of precision gimbal assemblies for space-based optical communications terminals. You will define performance requirements, perform design trades, and lead qualification testing from concept to flight readiness.

You will collaborate with senior engineers, manage interface definitions, and support production transitions, while applying GD&T and tolerance analysis, DFM/DFA, and space qualification experience to deliver