Senior Mechanical Engineer – Solar GSE & Ground Fixtures

blueorigin; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 121,000 - 169,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) with company match

Stock options

Job summary

Blue Origin is seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineer to own the design and fabrication of mechanical ground support equipment for next-generation solar array programs. You'll lead fixture development, including breakover devices and test stands, while coordinating with manufacturing to scale production and ensure safe, reliable handling of fragile solar assemblies.

The role requires 5+ years in mechanical design, Creo/Windchill proficiency, GD&T expertise, and strong problem-solving skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years in mechanical design focusing on tooling, fixtures, GSE, or ground handling equipment.
• Experience designing and building mechanical hardware, including hands-on prototyping and acceptance testing.
• Proven ability to own and deliver fully commissioned machines, fixtures, structures, and test equipment from a clean-sheet design.
• Experience working with vendors to size, specify, purchase, and commission large-scale equipment.
• Creo CAD proficiency; Windchill or equivalent PDM system.
• GD&T per ASME Y14.5 and tolerance stackup analysis for multi-part assemblies.
• Knowledge of structural analysis to size load-bearing members and verify load paths.
• Familiarity with data acquisition systems and sensors used in mechanical test setups.
• Experience with machining, sheet metal fabrication, extrusion, and additive manufacturing.
• Ability to write manufacturing specifications and coordinate with shops/vendors.
• Desire to learn new skills and tools; U.S. citizenship or eligible status.

Responsibilities

• Design, analyze, fabricate, and verify full suite of mechanical ground support equipment (GSE) for large-format solar wings.
• Develop breakover and repositioning fixtures to handle solar wings without damaging assemblies.
• Build and validate electro-mechanical test stands for spacecraft mechanisms using sensors and motors.
• Conduct experiments to quantify stand and GSE performance and inform flight tests.
• Collaborate with manufacturing to build early-stage assembly machinery for higher production rates.
• Produce wing assembly fixtures and alignment aids with clear interface control documents.
• Apply DFM principles and coordinate with machinists and vendors to close fabrication.
• Communicate lessons learned to improve manufacturability and handling of solar arrays.
• Lead gravity off-load system design and simulations across motion ranges.
• Validate off-load accuracy through rigid-body analysis and instrumented checkout.

Skills

Mechanical design

Prototyping

Manufacturing liaison

Leadership

Education

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Creo

Windchill

GD&T ASME Y14.5

Finite element analysis

Job description

Blue Origin is seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineer to own the design and fabrication of mechanical ground support equipment for next-generation solar array programs. You'll lead fixture development, including breakover devices and test stands, while coordinating with manufacturing to scale production and ensure safe, reliable handling of fragile solar assemblies.

The role requires 5+ years in mechanical design, Creo/Windchill proficiency, GD&T expertise, and strong problem-solving skills.