Senior Lead Ground System Fluid/Mechanical Engineer

Blue Origin; Washington; On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation available

Up to 25% travel

Job summary

Blue Origin is seeking a Senior Lead Ground System Fluid/Mechanical Engineer to own and guide the design of complex fluid and mechanical test systems for rocket engines and space vehicles, from SRR to PAR. You will mentor engineers, drive system architecture decisions, and serve as the primary technical contact with customers and stakeholders.

You will lead reviews, ensure safety standards, manage supplier relationships, and champion process improvements across high‑pressure, cryogenic, and

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in fluid systems, mechanical systems, or test operations.
• Advanced expertise in fluid mechanics, structural analysis, and system integration across the full development lifecycle, with a proven record of personally owning and delivering detailed design and analysis packages.
• Expert-level knowledge of fluid system components including valves, regulators, and pumps for cryogenic, propellant, and high-pressure gas applications.
• Deep knowledge of standard installation and fabrication methods for piping systems, connections, fasteners, and welding.

Responsibilities

• Lead and personally execute the design and development of fluid and mechanical systems for ground test facilities across the full system lifecycle, from System Requirement Review (SRR) through Pre-Activation Review (PAR), independently and without oversight.
• Own and deliver detailed design and analysis packages - including P&IDs, fluid system analyses, pipe stress analyses, structural calculations, and supporting engineering documentation - while also setting quality standards and reviewing the work of engineers at all levels.
• Develop advanced technical solutions to complex, cross-disciplinary design challenges in high-pressure gas, cryogenic, and propellant fluid systems; personally execute and own system architecture decisions and trade studies.
• Perform engineering reviews of P&IDs, components, and analyses across assigned programs to verify technical accuracy and completeness prior to release.
• Own and chair hazard assessments including Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) and Hazard and Operability Studies (HAZOPs); define safety standards and ensure compliance across assigned programs.
• Lead design reviews (SRR, IDR, FDR) and build reviews; support PAR and lead final system readiness assessments.
• Manage supplier relationships at the program level; lead resolution of complex technical issues affecting cost, schedule, and performance.
• Right-size and enforce standards for proof testing, passivation, and cleaning of fluid system components across the team.
• Ensure designs meet internal and external industry standards such as ASME B31.3 and ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC); author project-specific interpretations, deviations, and engineering dispositions.
• Accountable program schedule, budget, milestones, and technical approval authority for assigned projects.
• Lead anomaly investigations and root cause analyses; develop and execute recovery plans for major non-conformances.
• Lead technical trade studies for solutions to resolve complex issues.
• Lead on‑site support during fabrication, installation, and start‑up of new facilities or upgrades; define activation and commissioning strategies.
• Mentor, train, and technically develop engineers at all levels; contribute to hiring, onboarding, and skills development.
• Representing the team in cross‑functional technical reviews as the prime technical contact with customers and external stakeholders
• Drive process improvements, tool development, and capture of best practices at the department level

Skills

Fluid systems

Mechanical systems

Test operations

P&IDs

Cryogenic systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in 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 Blue Origin Operations, which is comprised of Integrated Supply Chain, Test Operations, Safety, Quality, and Mission Assurance. This includes Manufacturing and Supply Chain support across all Blue Origin facilities.

As part of a dynamic and dedicated team of Mechanical and Fluid Engineers and Technical Project Managers, you will play a crucial role in developing systems to test rocket engines, components, and integrated space flight vehicles. As a Senior Lead Ground System Fluid/Mechanical Engineer, you will serve as both a hands‑on technical contributor and a technical authority for the design, development, and delivery of complex fluid and mechanical ground test systems. You will personally own and deliver detailed design and analysis packages while simultaneously being a technical leader, driving system architecture decisions, holding program technical approval authority, and shaping the engineering direction of world‑class test infrastructure. You will mentor engineers at all levels and represent the team as the prime technical contact with customers and stakeholders. Passion for our mission and vision is required!

Special Mentions

• Relocation available
• Up to 25% travel required between facilities and for field operations from the Kent, Washington location
• Interviews will include a technical assessment

Responsibilities

• Lead and personally execute the design and development of fluid and mechanical systems for ground test facilities across the full system lifecycle, from System Requirement Review (SRR) through Pre-Activation Review (PAR), independently and without oversight
• Own and deliver detailed design and analysis packages - including P&IDs, fluid system analyses, pipe stress analyses, structural calculations, and supporting engineering documentation - while also setting quality standards and reviewing the work of engineers at all levels
• Develop advanced technical solutions to complex, cross-disciplinary design challenges in high-pressure gas, cryogenic, and propellant fluid systems; personally execute and own system architecture decisions and trade studies
• Perform engineering reviews of P&IDs, components, and analyses across assigned programs to verify technical accuracy and completeness prior to release
• Own and chair hazard assessments including Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) and Hazard and Operability Studies (HAZOPs); define safety standards and ensure compliance across assigned programs
• Lead design reviews (SRR, IDR, FDR) and build reviews; support PAR and lead final system readiness assessments
• Manage supplier relationships at the program level; lead resolution of complex technical issues affecting cost, schedule, and performance
• Right-size and enforce standards for proof testing, passivation, and cleaning of fluid system components across the team
• Ensure designs meet internal and external industry standards such as ASME B31.3 and ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC); author project-specific interpretations, deviations, and engineering dispositions
• Accountable program schedule, budget, milestones, and technical approval authority for assigned projects
• Lead anomaly investigations and root cause analyses; develop and execute recovery plans for major non-conformances
• Lead technical trade studies for solutions to resolve complex issues.
• Lead on‑site support during fabrication, installation, and start‑up of new facilities or upgrades; define activation and commissioning strategies
• Mentor, train, and technically develop engineers at all levels; contribute to hiring, onboarding, and skills development
• Representing the team in cross‑functional technical reviews as the prime technical contact with customers and external stakeholders
• Drive process improvements, tool development, and capture of best practices at the department level

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
• 8+ years of experience in fluid systems, mechanical systems, or test operations
• Advanced expertise in fluid mechanics, structural analysis, and system integration across the full development lifecycle, with a proven record of personally owning and delivering detailed design and analysis packages
• Expert-level knowledge of fluid system components including valves, regulators, and pumps for cryogenic, propellant, and high-pressure gas applications
• Deep knowledge of standard installation and fabrication methods for piping systems, connections, fasteners, and welding
• Advanced-level knowled