Mechanical Engineer; Electronics Packaging

Mechanical Engineer (Electronics Packaging)

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!

The role is part of the In‑Space Systems business unit, focused on addressing space infrastructure and increasing mobility on‑orbit. As a Mechanical Engineer, you will architect, design, and validate the optomechanical packaging for fiber/laser amplifier systems used in space optical communication links. You will own the mechanical design from concept through qualification and production, ensuring alignment stability, survivability through launch, and reliable on‑orbit performance.

• Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates
• Travel may be required up to 10% of the time for supplier visits, testing, and collaboration with cross‑functional teams

• Define requirements, interfaces, and budgets with photonics, electrical, systems, and manufacturing teams
• Develop packaging architectures for amplifier modules: chassis, mounts, fiber routing/strain relief, fixtures, enclosures, and contamination control
• Create CAD models and drawings; perform tolerance stack‑ups; author assembly procedures and work instructions
• Design for thermal performance: conduction/radiation paths, heat spreaders/straps, TEC/heater integration, emissivity coatings, and MLI; build and correlate thermal models
• Perform structural analyses (hand calculations and FEA) for static, modal, random vibration, and shock; fastener/joint analysis and margin reporting
• Manage fiber‑specific mechanics: bend radius, spooling, clamps, feedthroughs, and connector strain relief
• Select space‑appropriate materials and finishes considering outgassing, cleanliness, venting, and surface treatments
• Support environmental testing (TVAC, thermal cycling, vibration, shock): test setup, instrumentation, data review, and corrective actions
• Collaborate with suppliers/CMs on manufacturability, quality, and lead‑time; drive DFM/DFA and transition to production
• Own BOMs and configuration control throughout the product lifecycle

• BS/MS in Mechanical Engineering or related field
• 5+ years in opto‑mechanical or high‑reliability electronics packaging, preferably aerospace or similar environments
• Proficiency with 3D CAD and drawings (e.g., Creo, NX, or Solid Works); strong GD&T (ASME Y14.5) and tolerance analysis
• Demonstrated structural and thermal design skills; experience with FEA and thermal modeling supported by hand calculations
• Experience taking hardware from prototype through environmental qualification and into production
• Hands‑on assembly/alignment experience in lab or cleanroom settings; fixture and tooling design
• Clear communicator with strong cross‑functional collaboration and documentation skills

• Thermal analysis tools (e.g., Thermal Desktop/SINDA, ESATAN‑TMS, Icepak/FLOTHERM) and test/model correlation
• Packaging of fiber optic modules (spools, WDMs, isolators, combiners, pump diodes) and associated mechanical constraints
• Knowledge of space materials/coatings, contamination control, and outgassing (e.g., ASTM E595) and venting practices
• Experience with MLI, thermal straps/heat pipes, TECs/heaters, and thermal control interface to electronics
• Vibration and shock design/test (random vibe, SRS); fastener/joint analysis and fracture‑control awareness
• Supplier development and manufacturing processes (CNC machining, sheet metal, additive, brazing); PLM/ECO and configuration management

CA applicants: $–$

CO applicants: $–$

WA applicants: $–$

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…