Satellite Structures and Configuration Engineer III - TeraWave

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

Stock options

Paid time off

Job summary

Blue Origin seeks a Satellite Structures and Configuration Engineer III to support spacecraft packaging, mechanical integration, and configuration definition for the TeraWave bus. You will work across design, production, test, and AIT with cross-functional teams to enable a manufacturable and reliable constellation at scale.

The role emphasizes 3D CAD modeling, mass properties, and interface control, with responsibilities spanning from initial packaging concepts to detailed drawings and ICD

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 5+ years of spacecraft mechanical design, configuration and layout experience.
• 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. citizenship or eligible for authorization to work in the U.S.

Responsibilities

• Perform mechanical configuration and layout for TeraWave spacecraft to optimize component placement.
• Create and maintain detailed 3D CAD models and digital mockups for spacecraft structures and interfaces.
• Develop spacecraft packaging concepts balancing mass, volume, and thermal performance.
• Conduct first-order layout and mass properties analyses to verify design concepts.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve mechanical interface issues between subsystems.
• Generate and maintain technical documentation including ICDs and assembly drawings.
• Support design reviews and provide guidance on layout challenges.
• Develop mounting, cable routing, and thermal solutions for tight spaces.
• Support MGSE development and spacecraft interfaces for assembly, handling, and testing.

Skills

5+ years experience

3D CAD

mass properties analysis

spacecraft structural design

mechanical interface mgmt

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree (preferred)

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 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

Base Pay Range for:

CA applicants is $121,023.00 - $169,432.20 CO applicants is $110,938.00 - $155,312.85 WA applicants is $121,023.00 - $169,432.20

Other site ranges may differ

Culture Statement

Dont 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 Affinitive Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us [e-mail]. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.