Solar Array Mechanical Design Engineer III - Lunar Permanence

Blue Origin; Washington; On-site; USD 121,000 - 169,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) with company match

Paid parental leave

Stock options

Paid time off

Education support program

Job summary

Blue Origin is seeking an experienced aerospace structural engineer to own the life cycle of composite and metallic components for solar array frames within the Lunar Permanence unit. You will lead design, verification, and documentation, coordinating with vehicle teams and suppliers to ensure robust flight hardware.

The role requires a BS in engineering or physics, 5+ years in aerospace, strong CAD/PLM skills, GD&T knowledge, and a collaborative mindset to drive quality and innovation in a

Qualifications

• BS in mechanical/aerospace engineering or physics.
• 5+ years in aerospace or related industry.
• Experience in design/structural analysis of composites.
• Proficient in 3D CAD and PLM systems.
• Familiar with GD&T ASME Y14.5 and fabrication QC.
• Knowledge of aerospace materials and treatments.
• Understanding of systems engineering lifecycle.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills.
• U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or allowed to work in the U.S.

Responsibilities

• Design and analyze mechanical and structural components (composites/metal).
• Contribute to requirement development and design decisions balancing cost/schedule/risk.
• Apply CAD/GD&T best practices for drawings and analysis.
• Collaborate across vehicle teams for documentation of components.
• Work with suppliers to procure, fabricate, and install flight hardware.
• Create test plans and manage component testing/qualification.
• Communicate development status, risks, and challenges to management.
• Mentor engineers to ensure sound structural design principles.
• Prepare and sign off engineering drawings and change notices.
• Participate in technical peer reviews and gate reviews.
• Operate in fast-paced environments delivering innovative solutions.

Skills

3D CAD modeling

GD&T (ASME Y14.5)

Composite structures

Systems engineering

Strong communication

Leadership/mentorship

Education

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering or Physics

MS in related field (preferred)

Tools

Creo

Windchill PLM

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 the Lunar Permanence business unit, which develops Blue Origin’s Blue Moon landers and related products. To further Blue Origin's mission of millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth, we are building sustainable infrastructure for our transport of crew and cargo from Earth to the lunar surface.

As part of a small, hard-working, and accomplished team of experts, you will be responsible for the complete life cycle of composite/metallic mechanical and structural components within the solar array and integrated frame from concept definition, interfaces, conceptual design, detailed design, component development, assembly, verification, and operation in space. As part of the Electrical Power System team, you may work on multiple programs at different stages of maturity to support all power generation needs in the Lunar Permanence business unit.

We are looking for someone to apply their composites technical expertise, natural leadership and interpersonal skills, and commitment to quality to positively impact the aggressive missions at Blue Origin. Passion for our mission and vision is required!

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Design and analyze mechanical and structural components (composite and metallic) within the solar array and integrated frame
• Participate in requirement development and drive design decisions to meet mission objectives and satisfy requirements while balancing cost, schedule, and risk
• Utilize current CAD and GD&T best practices for drawing release and analysis
• Collaborate across vehicle teams to ensure thorough and accurate design and documentation of components and assemblies
• Work with suppliers and Blue Origin groups to identify and procure components. Manage suppliers to procure, fabricate, and install flight hardware.
• Create test plans and manage testing and qualification of components; execute tests to plan
• Effectively communicate development status, risks, and challenges to management
• Mentor design engineers to ensure sound design principles are applied for structural integrity
• Author and provide sign off for engineering drawings, engineering change notices, peer reviews, qualification documentation and related documents
• Participate in and perform technical peer reviews and gated reviews (preliminary, critical, and production readiness)
• Work in a fast-paced and often uncertain environment, contributing to innovative solutions while demonstrating personal leadership, technical competence, and attention to detail

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or related technical subject areas
• 5+ years of relevant experience in aerospace or related industry
• Experience and familiarity with design and structural analysis of composite tubes and panels
• Experience with 3D CAD modeling and product lifecycle management systems
• Experience with GD&T (ASME Y14.5)
• Familiarity with standard fabrication, installation, and quality control techniques for structural and composite components
• Familiarity with aerospace materials and treatments
• Familiarity with the principles, concepts, and methods of systems engineering such as concept development, requirement definition, design solution definition, design reviews, implementation, integration, verification and validation, qualification, commissioning, and operations
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment while regularly providing imaginative and detailed technical solutions to complex problems
• Excellent verbal, written, and graphical communication skills
• Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to a culture of inclusion
• 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

• M.S. or equivalent experience in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or related technical subject areas
• 7+ years of relevant experience in aerospace or related industry
• In-depth understanding of solar array components and architectures
• Experience with Creo and Windchill PLM
• Experience creating fabrication and installation drawings with Creo
• Experience with aerospace industry standard structural analysis methods (Bruhn, Marks’, Shigley)
• Experience supporting testing and correlating models with test data
• Previous leadership experience providing technical guidance and direction to a team of engineers
• Experience with Agile project management or equivalent methodologies
• Familiarity with aerospace system design requirements such as thermal, vibration, shock, EMI/EMC, acoustics, electrical grounding/bonding

Base Pay Range for:

• WA applicants is $121,023.00 - $169,432.20
• Other site ranges may differ

Culture Statement

Don’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 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 Affiant…[truncated]