Blue Origin

Mechanical Test Engineer III - Lunar Permanence

Blue Origin$121K — $169K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
  • 5+ years of hands-on experience in hardware testing
  • Experience with mechanical design using CAD tools
  • Proficiency in developing test plans for complex systems
  • Familiar with motion control architectures and data acquisition systems
  • Strong analytical skills for interpreting test data
  • Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.

Responsibilities

  • Plan and execute mechanical component and subsystem testing
  • Identify test requirements and necessary equipment
  • Utilize test facility instrumentation and Data Acquisition Systems
  • Create and review test documentation and safety assessments
  • Design and manage test support equipment and vendor installations
  • Mitigate technical and schedule risks during testing
  • Conduct troubleshooting for issues arising during tests.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid parental leave and short/long-term disability
  • 401(k) with 5% company match
  • Stock options for all regular employees
  • Paid Time Off up to four weeks per year
  • Education Support Program for professional growth
  • 14 company-paid holidays.
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 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.

This is a hands-on position where you will apply broad multi-disciplinary engineering (fluids, thermal, mechanical, and electrical/electronic) knowledge, skills, and methods to positively impact safe human spaceflight. We are looking for someone with technical expertise, leadership skills, and commitment to quality. Passion for our mission and vision is required!

Special Mentions
  • Relocation provided
  • Travel expected up to 25% of the time
  • Interviews will include a technical assessment


Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
  • Apply direct experience to mechanical component and subsystem test planning and execution, which could include development, qualification, acceptance, performance, and environmental testing.
  • Identify test events, needs and equipment required for test.
  • Apply experience with test facility instrumentation and Data Acquisition and Control Systems.
  • Create and review Test Plans, Test Procedures, safety assessments, schematics, and other engineering artifacts.
  • Design, procure, and install test support equipment; manage vendors and subcontractors during installation.
  • Identify, communicate, and mitigate cost, schedule, and technical risks.
  • Troubleshoot issues that arise during testing.
  • Participate in test readiness reviews, pre- and post-test briefings, and post-test reviews.
  • Manage procedural redlines and updates during test campaigns.
  • Coordinate test crews, support equipment and vehicle configurations for testing.
  • Enforce safety policies during test planning and operations.
  • Reduce, analyze, and archive test data.
  • Have frequent inter-organizational interactions on qualification and production test status and hardware disposition.
  • Work independently to determine and develop approaches to solutions.
  • Contribute to the mentoring & training of other personnel.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics or a closely related technical discipline
  • Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in hardware testing, with demonstrated expertise in testing mechanisms, electromechanical assemblies, or multi-axis gimbal systems
  • Demonstrated proficiency is developing test stands and fixtures
  • Mechanical design experience using CAD tools
  • Proficiency in developing and executing test plans and procedures for complex mechanical or electromechanical systems
  • Familiarity with motion control architectures, including brushless DC motors, slip rings, flex harnesses, and motor drive electronics
  • Experience with data acquisition systems and instrumentation (e.g., load cells, torque sensors, encoders, thermocouples, accelerometers)
  • Demonstrated ability to analyze and interpret test data, identify anomalies, and drive resolution through structured problem-solving methods
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly document and present technical findings
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional team environment
  • 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
  • Experience with thermal vacuum (TVAC) testing and/or vibration/shock testing of flight hardware
  • Proficiency with data analysis tools such as MATLAB, Python, or equivalent scripting environments
  • Experience with test automation and scripting for automated test execution and data collection
  • Knowledge of AS9100 or ISO 9001 quality management systems and associated documentation practices
  • Familiarity with model-based systems engineering (MBSE) tools or requirements management platforms (e.g., DOORS, Jama)
  • Experience supporting test campaigns at external test facilities or customer sites
  • Prior experience in a space hardware development environment with exposure to full product lifecycle testing (development, qualification, and acceptance)
  • Understand the Test Like You Fly assessment and exception process
  • Experience in PTC Creo/Windchill


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.


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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