Propulsion Engineer, Test/Flight - Engine Test, BE-3U

BLUE ORIGIN; Huntsville (TN); On-site; USD 121,000 - 169,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation provided

Travel opportunities

Job summary

Blue Origin in the Engines division seeks a Propulsion Engineer III to support BE-3U engine hardware, fluids, and life-cycle testing from design through verification.

You will lead tests, develop plans with multidisciplinary teams, analyze data, generate reports, and mentor engineers while traveling up to 10% for on-site testing.

Requirements include a BS in aerospace/mechanical engineering or physics, 5+ years in propulsion, strong Python/data skills, and U.S. citizenship or equivalent.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a B.S. degree in aerospace/mechanical engineering or physics.
• 5+ years of experience in propulsion design, analysis, or test.
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and structures.
• Ability to write Python scripts for data analysis.
• Familiarity with engine components including turbopumps, combustion chambers, injectors, valves, regulators.
• Knowledge of cryogenic propellants (LH2, LOX).
• Ability to read engineering standards and drawings.
• Experience in systems engineering: requirements development and verification.
• Leadership experience mentoring engineers and managing risks.
• Strong communication skills and willingness to travel.

Responsibilities

• Support design, analysis, and testing of BE-3U engine hardware.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary team to develop test plans.
• Perform steady-state and transient system analysis.
• Support component and engine testing, analyze test data.
• Prepare test reports and support verification activities.
• Drive root cause analysis and hardware improvements.

Skills

Propulsion design experience

Engineering fundamentals

Python scripting

Engine components

Instrumentation

Cryogenics

Reading drawings

Systems engineering

Leadership

Risk management

Communication

Travel readiness

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in aerospace/mechanical engineering or physics

MS degree or higher in aerospace/mechanical engineering

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 the Blue Origin Engines business unit, where our focus is the design, development, manufacturing, and testing of engines and propulsion systems. Built for multiple uses, our family of engines is powering the next generation of rockets for commercial, civil, national security, and human spaceflight.

Propulsion Engineer III — BE-3U

Job Family: Propulsion Engineering | Discipline: Engine Integration Location: Renton, WA or Huntsville, AL

This role is part of the Blue Origin Engines business unit, where our focus is the design, development, manufacturing, and testing of engines and propulsion systems. Built for multiple uses, our family of engines is powering the next generation of rockets for commercial, civil, national security, and human spaceflight.

As part of a diverse and hardworking team of engineers, you will support the design, analysis, and test of BE-3U engine hardware and fluid systems across the development and production life cycle. Your daily responsibilities will include coordinating with a multidisciplinary team to develop test plans, performing steady-state and transient system analysis, supporting component and integrated engine testing, analyzing test data, and supporting Data Reviews and Test Readiness Reviews. Other tasks include generating test reports, supporting engine requirements verification, implementing opportunities for design and test cadence improvement, and supporting anomaly investigations as well as root cause analysis to drive corrective actions and hardware improvements.

We are looking for someone to apply their technical expertise, leadership skills, and commitment to quality to positively impact safe human spaceflight. Passion for our mission and vision is required!

Special Mentions

• Relocation provided

• Travel expected up to 10% of the time

• Interviews will include a technical assessment

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of a B.S. degree in aerospace/mechanical engineering or physics

• 5+ years of experience in propulsion design, analysis, or test

• Strong understanding and ability to apply engineering fundamentals including thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and structures

• Demonstrated familiarity with data analysis and data processing, including writing scripts in Python

• In-depth knowledge of engine components including turbopumps, combustion chambers, injectors, valves, regulators, check valves, and other high pressure and cryogenic fluid system components

• Strong knowledge of instrumentation including pressure transducers, thermocouples, and accelerometers

• Strong understanding of cryogenic propellants including liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen

• Ability to read and interpret engineering standards, technical requirements, and drawings

• Knowledge of systems engineering practices, including requirements development and verification

• Demonstrated ability to lead technical work and mentor other engineers

• Proven track record to identify and handle risks in a sophisticated dynamic system

• Curiosity to understand rocket engines at a component and system level

• Desire to work in a cooperative, fast paced, and dynamic environment

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Willingness to travel to support on site testing

• Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to a culture of inclusion

• 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

• M.S. degree or higher in aerospace/mechanical engineering

• Experience with liquid rocket engine testing, other engines, or large component testing

• Working knowledge of rocket engine cycles, engine system operations, verification process, and risk management

• Experience taking a propulsion or fluid system design from concept through qualification

• Experience leading anomaly investigations and formal root cause analysis

• Experience in project planning and successful execution of projects to cost and schedule targets

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

• 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. 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.

Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation

Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin’s Affl