Satellite Structures and Configuration Engineer III - TeraWave

Blue Origin LLC; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 111,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Parental leave

Disability insurance

401(k) match

Job summary

Blue Origin LLC is seeking a Satellite Structures and Configuration Engineer III in Denver to lead mechanical configuration, layout, and packaging for the TeraWave spacecraft. You will produce 3D CAD models, analyze mass properties, and work with cross-functional teams to ensure reliable, manufacturable designs for next-generation satellite connectivity.

Responsibilities include creating ICDs, MGSE interfaces, and detailed documentation, while addressing interface challenges and supporting

Qualifications

• 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
• U.S. citizen or eligible to work in the U.S. with required status (per immigration rules)

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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, ICDs, and configuration-management records.
• Support MGSE and external spacecraft interfaces, assemblies, and testing.
• Participate in failure investigations and implement corrective actions for mechanical issues.

Skills

3D CAD

Mass properties

Mechanical design

Configuration management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CATIA

SolidWorks

NX

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’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 envelopeCreate and maintain detailed 3D CAD models and digital mockups for satellite structures, components, and mechanical interfaces, ensuring proper integration of subsystems and equipmentSupport the design and development of the primary and secondary structures.Develop spacecraft packaging concepts that optimize mass efficiency while maintaining structural integrity and thermal performancePerform first-order layout and mass properties analyses to validate design concepts and ensure compliance with mission requirementsCollaborate 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 recordsSupport design reviews and provide technical guidance on mechanical configuration and layout challengesDevelop innovative solutions for component mounting, cable routing, and thermal management within tight spatial constraintsPerform trade studies to evaluate different configuration options based on mass, volume, accessibility, and manufacturabilitySupport Assembly, Integration, and Test (AIT) activities to ensure proper implementation of mechanical designsContribute to development of mechanical ground support equipment (MGSE) and associated spacecraft interfaces for satellite assembly, handling, transport, and testingSupport development and maintenance of mechanical interface documentation for launch-vehicle, dispenser, and other external spacecraft interfaces, as assignedParticipate in failure investigations and implement corrective actions for mechanical configuration issuesMinimum QualificationsBachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related engineering field5+ years of experience in spacecraft mechanical design, configuration, and layout engineeringProficiency with 3D CAD software (CATIA, SolidWorks, NX, or similar)Experience with mass properties analysis and managementKnowledge of spacecraft structural design principles and manufacturing processesFamiliarity with mechanical interface control and configuration managementMust 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 QualificationsMaster's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field7+ years of experience in spacecraft mechanical configuration and layout engineeringExperience with satellite constellation design and developmentKnowledge of optical or RF communications payload integrationFamiliarity with LEO and MEO satellite design considerationsExperience with design for manufacturability and assembly (DFMA)Knowledge of spacecraft environmental testing requirements and proceduresExperience with finite element analysis (FEA) tools for structural validationUnderstanding of thermal design considerations for spacecraftPrevious work on communication satellite programs or high-throughput satellite systemsExperience with design optimization techniques for mass reductionStrong problem-solving skills and attention to detailExcellent communication and collaboration abilitiesBase 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.