Satellite Structures and Configuration Engineer III - TeraWave

Blue Origin LLC; Colorado; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Blue Origin LLC in Denver/Seattle/Los Angeles seeks a Satellite Structures and Configuration Engineer III to lead mechanical layout, packaging, and interface definition for the TeraWave satellite bus. You will create and manage 3D CAD models, perform mass properties analyses, support MGSE and AIT, and collaborate with propulsion, avionics, and thermal teams to ensure manufacturability and reliability.

The role requires 5+ years in spacecraft mechanical design; proficiency with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 5+ years of spacecraft mechanical design, configuration, and layout engineering.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD software (CATIA, SolidWorks, NX or similar).
• Experience with mass properties analysis and management.
• Knowledge of spacecraft structural design principles and manufacturing processes.
• U.S. citizenship or equivalent work authorization.

Responsibilities

• Perform mechanical configuration and layout activities for TeraWave spacecraft.
• Create and maintain detailed 3D CAD models and interfaces.
• Support primary and secondary structures development.
• Develop spacecraft packaging concepts for mass efficiency and thermal performance.
• Conduct first-order layout and mass properties analyses to validate designs.
• Collaborate to resolve mechanical interface issues between subsystems.
• Generate and maintain technical documentation and ICDs.
• Support design reviews and provide guidance on layout challenges.
• Develop mounting, cable routing, and thermal management solutions.
• Perform trade studies on configuration options for mass, volume, and manufacturability.
• Support AIT activities and MGSE development and interfaces.
• Maintain mechanical interface documentation for launch vehicle and external interfaces.

Skills

3D CAD proficiency

Mass properties analysis

Spacecraft structural design

Mechanical interface management

Problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace/Mechanical Eng

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

CATIA

SolidWorks

NX

Job description

## Satellite Structures and Configuration Engineer III - TeraWaveApply: Denver, CO: Greater Seattle Area: Los Angeles, CA: Full time: Posted Today: R72757Application 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’re not just building the future of space exploration—we’re revolutionizing global connectivity through our TeraWave satellite network. As a Satellite Structures and Configuration Engineer III, you will support spacecraft packaging, mechanical integration, structural interfaces, and configuration definition across the TeraWave satellite bus. You will work with cross-functional engineering teams through design, production, test, and AIT, including support for MGSE and external mechanical interfaces as assigned, helping enable a manufacturable and reliable constellation at scale.Join our team and be part of building a space-based network designed for tomorrow, where your expertise will directly contribute to creating a system that provides connectivity anywhere on Earth.**Responsibilities include but are not limited to:*** Perform mechanical configuration and layout activities for TeraWave spacecraft, ensuring optimal placement of components within the spacecraft envelope* Create and maintain detailed 3D CAD models and digital mockups for satellite structures, components, and mechanical interfaces, ensuring proper integration of subsystems and equipment* Support the design and development of the primary and secondary structures.* Develop spacecraft packaging concepts that optimize mass efficiency while maintaining structural integrity and thermal performance* Perform first-order layout and mass properties analyses to validate design concepts and ensure compliance with mission requirements* Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve mechanical interface issues between subsystems (propulsion, avionics, power, thermal, etc.)* Generate and maintain technical documentation, including assembly drawings, mechanical interface control documents (ICDs), and configuration-management records* Support design reviews and provide technical guidance on mechanical configuration and layout challenges* Develop innovative solutions for component mounting, cable routing, and thermal management within tight spatial constraints* Perform trade studies to evaluate different configuration options based on mass, volume, accessibility, and manufacturability* Support Assembly, Integration, and Test (AIT) activities to ensure proper implementation of mechanical designs* Contribute to development of mechanical ground support equipment (MGSE) and associated spacecraft interfaces for satellite assembly, handling, transport, and testing* Support development and maintenance of mechanical interface documentation for launch-vehicle, dispenser, and other external spacecraft interfaces, as assigned* Participate in failure investigations and implement corrective actions for mechanical configuration issues**Minimum Qualifications*** Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related engineering field* 5+ years of experience in spacecraft mechanical design, configuration, and layout engineering* Proficiency with 3D CAD software (CATIA, SolidWorks, NX, or similar)* Experience with mass properties analysis and management* Knowledge of spacecraft structural design principles and manufacturing processes* Familiarity with mechanical interface control and configuration management* 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*** Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field* 7+ years of experience in spacecraft mechanical configuration and layout engineering* Experience with satellite constellation design and development* Knowledge of optical or RF communications payload integration* Familiarity with LEO and MEO satellite design considerations* Experience with design for manufacturability and assembly (DFMA)* Knowledge of spacecraft environmental testing requirements and procedures* Experience with finite element analysis (FEA) tools for structural validation* Understanding of thermal design considerations for spacecraft* Previous work on communication satellite programs or high-throughput satellite systems* Experience with design optimization techniques for mass reduction* Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail* Excellent communication and collaboration abilities