Space Mechanisms Engineer: Precision Gimbals & Optics

Blue Origin; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 75,000 - 104,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Up to 20% travel

Job summary

Blue Origin is seeking a Mechanisms Engineer II for Opto-Mechanical Systems to design and analyze precision gimbal assemblies and pointing mechanisms for the TeraWave optical communications constellation. You will work under senior engineers on spaceflight hardware and qualification activities, gaining exposure to production transitions and cross-functional interfaces.

Candidates should have a mechanical/ aerospace background, CAD/FEA proficiency, and familiarity with space qualification tests.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Automotive or related technical field.
• Exposure to design/analysis of gimbal assemblies, multi-axis pointing mechanisms, or similar precision mechanical systems.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (Creo/NX/SolidWorks) and finite element tools (ANSYS/NASTRAN/COMSOL).
• Foundation in mechanism kinematics, dynamics, and structural analysis.
• Familiarity with space qualification testing concepts like vibration, shock, and thermal vacuum.
• Knowledge of GD&T, tolerance stack-up analysis, and interface control documentation.

Responsibilities

• Support the design and development of precision gimbal assemblies and pointing mechanisms for space-based optical communications terminals, under senior guidance.
• Assist in developing mechanism-level performance requirements, error budgets, and design margins across structural, thermal, and dynamic domains.
• Perform design trade studies and analyses for gimbal configurations with guidance from senior staff.
• Support mechanism qualification activities including component- and system-level testing in shock, vibration, and thermal vacuum environments.
• Prepare mechanism design documentation, analysis reports, and test procedures for senior engineer review.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on mechanism integration, harness routing, and interface definition.
• Apply mechanism design principles while developing skills under mentorship of senior engineers.
• Support production transition activities including tolerance analysis and DFM/DFA reviews.
• Motor/encoder selection for precision drive systems; bearing selection and lubrication strategies; mechanism FMEA and reliability analysis.

Skills

Gimbal design

Pointing mechanisms

3D CAD

Finite element analysis

GD&T

Space qualification testing

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical/Aerospace Eng

Master's in Mechanical/Aerospace Eng (preferred)

Tools

Creo

NX

SolidWorks

ANSYS

NASTRAN

COMSOL

Job description

Blue Origin is seeking a Mechanisms Engineer II for Opto-Mechanical Systems to design and analyze precision gimbal assemblies and pointing mechanisms for the TeraWave optical communications constellation. You will work under senior engineers on spaceflight hardware and qualification activities, gaining exposure to production transitions and cross-functional interfaces.

Candidates should have a mechanical/ aerospace background, CAD/FEA proficiency, and familiarity with space qualification tests.