Mechanical Design Engineer II – Blue Ring Mechanisms

Application close date:

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 within the In-Space Systems Mechanisms Team, supporting Blue Ring, a high-powered hybrid solar electric and chemical-propelled spacecraft designed for unparalleled mission maneuverability, versatility, and capacity at significantly reduced costs. It provides comprehensive capabilities for maneuvering, hosting, and deploying payloads and infrastructure services across Earth orbits, the Moon, Mars, interplanetary regions, and near-Earth asteroids.

As part of a hardworking team of engineers, specialists, and technicians, you will develop mechanical systems for the Blue Ring spacecraft, ranging from incremental improvement of current hardware to development of new innovative systems to enable improved mission capability! 

Special Mentions:

• Relocation provided
• Travel expected up to 10% of the time
• Interviews will include a technical assessment
• Multiple positions available

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Participate in the entire design cycle of flight hardware, including conceptual and detailed design, trade studies, structural analysis, development testing, build & integration support, and qualification
• Design mechanisms for space flight which may include gimbaling mechanisms, deployment devices, separation systems, hold-down & release mechanisms, and antenna pointing devices
• Generate component drawings, assembly drawings, and interface control documents with application of GD&T
• Create documentation for assembly and testing of development and flight hardware
• Perform subsystem level testing including planning, execution, data reduction and analysis
• Develop component & subsystem level specifications and manage suppliers
• Leverage experience and engineering judgement to quickly design and produce proof of concept hardware for fast-moving research and development projects
• Participate in a small, agile team to create and adapt to frequently shifting priorities

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering 
• 2+ years of experience designing aerospace or equivalent type mechanical system elements within aircraft, spacecraft, or launch vehicles. 
• Foundational skills in mechanical design, integration, and mechanism analysis using 3D modeling and simulation tools (CREO preferred). 
• Experience with Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (ASME Y1.45) 
• Knowledge of manufacturing, assembly, integration, and qualification testing 
• Proficient in technical writing, communicating sophisticated ideas clearly and concisely. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Orbital transfer vehicle or satellite spacecraft program experience
• Experience with development of gimbaling mechanisms, deployment devices, separation systems, hold-down & release mechanisms, or antenna pointing devices
• Ability to apply structural mechanics principles and develop designs using hand calculations and finite element analysis
• Experience with FEM analysis tools: Nastran, ANSYS, OptiStruct, or FEMAP
• Experience collaborating on multi-disciplinary design solutions (mechanical, power, harnessing, propulsion, etc.)
• Active Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) security clearance

Compensation Range for:

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 (CDL drivers only), 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.

• 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 Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us at [email protected]. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.

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