Blue Origin

Ground System Fluid Mechanical Design Engineer III

Blue Origin • $90K — $138K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
  • 5+ years of experience in fluid or mechanical systems
  • Proficiency with CAD software and engineering analysis tools
  • Strong understanding of fluid mechanics and structural analysis
  • Knowledge of industry standards like ASME and federal regulations
  • Experience providing technical mentorship to engineers
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Responsibilities

  • Lead design and development of ground test subsystems
  • Analyze fluid and mechanical systems for testing
  • Mentor junior engineers and review their work
  • Implement various test systems including cryogenics and vacuum
  • Develop procedures for safe operations using hazardous propellants
  • Conduct technical analysis to inform build decisions
  • Collaborate with other subsystem owners for coordinated functionality

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Life insurance and short/long-term disability
  • 401(k) plan with a 5% company match
  • Up to four weeks of paid time off per year
  • Paid parental leave and 14 company-paid holidays
  • Stock options available for employees working at least 20 hours/week
  • Education support program to aid further learning and development
Full Job Description
Application close date:
Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.

This role is part of the New Shepard program. New Shepard is a reusable suborbital rocket system designed to take astronauts and research payloads past the Kármán line - the internationally recognized boundary of space. Through operational reusability, New Shepard supports our mission of lowering the cost of access to space.

This position is not for immediate vacancy but is intended to fill anticipated future openings. Applicants who best meet the job requirements will be contacted and considered when a position becomes available.

As a Level 3 Design Engineer - Ground Systems Development, you will contribute significantly to improving and developing new ground testing facilities. This position presents an outstanding chance to work on challenging fluid and mechanical systems essential to propulsion testing. You will independently invent solutions and mentor junior engineers.

As part of a dynamic and dedicated team of Mechanical and Fluid Engineers, you will play a crucial role in developing systems to test rocket engines and space flight vehicles. You will contribute significantly to all aspects of test stand design. Your responsibilities will include designing fluid and structural systems for test facilities, coordinating with suppliers, and overseeing the construction, installation, and commissioning of new test facilities.

Van Horn Specific information:

Being at the heart of Blue Origin operations, the West Texas Site in Van Horn, TX offers eligible employee's additional attractive financial incentives to supplement their competitive base earnings, including a living allowance and relocation assistance. Eligibility for these additional benefits is based on the employee's ability to permanently relocate to Van Horn, TX, or travel to Van Horn from another Blue location a minimum of 50% of the time.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
  • Own and lead the design and development of subsystems for ground test operations
  • Build and analyze fluid and mechanical systems for propellant delivery, handling, and testing
  • Review builds of entry-level engineers, providing technical guidance and mentorship
  • Implement test systems, including cryogenics, vacuum systems, and other hazardous commodities
  • Develop test requirements and procedures for safe operation with hazardous propellants
  • Perform complex technical analysis and make build decisions based on results
  • Collaborate with other subsystem owners to ensure coordinated system functionality
  • Participate in Process Hazard Analysis activities for fluid systems (HAZOP).


Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
  • 5+ years of experience in fluid systems, mechanical systems, or test operations
  • Demonstrated experience selecting components or systems for testing applications
  • Proficiency with CAD software and engineering analysis tools
  • Strong understanding of fluid mechanics principles and structural analysis
  • Knowledge of industry standards including ASME B31.3, ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC), IEST-STD-CC1246, State and Federal regulations, and other aerospace fluids related specifications.
  • Experience conducting build reviews and offering technical mentorship
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Excellent judgement and comfortable making risk based high-quality and high-velocity decisions


Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with PTC Creo, AutoCAD, and advanced fluid/structural analysis software
  • Direct experience with monopropellant or hypergolic propulsion systems
  • Experience designing and operating vacuum systems
  • Background in hazardous materials handling and associated safety protocols
  • Knowledge of quality assurance practices for critical systems
  • Demonstrated ability to optimize system builds for performance and safety


Special Mentions:
  • Relocation available
  • Available locations: Van Horn, Texas or Kent, Washington
  • Up to 25% travel required between facilities and for field operations from the Kent, Washington location


Base Pay Range for:
CO applicants is $90,934.00 - $127,307.25WA applicants is $99,201.00 - $138,880.35

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.

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.


About Blue Origin

Blue Origin is an aerospace company that develops rockets and spacecraft for commercial and government customers. The company's products include the New Shepard suborbital vehicle and the New Glenn orbital rocket. Blue Origin was founded in 2000 by Jeff Bezos and is headquartered in Kent, Washington.
Learn more about Blue Origin
Size
3,000 employees
Industry
Founded
2000

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