Mechanical Design Engineer III – Electric Propulsion

Application close date:
Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.

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 part of Blue National Security (BNS), where our focus is the design, development, and delivery of launch and spacecraft systems for national security missions.

Through Blue Ring, our all-in-one, high-powered hybrid solar-electric and chemical-propelled spacecraft, we provide unmatched mission maneuverability, versatility, and capacity at dramatically lower-profile costs. As an early member of the propulsion team, you will play a foundational role in the development of the Hall thruster-based propulsion systems that maneuver constellation satellites as well as the propulsion team itself. As a Mechanical Design Engineer, you will lead the development of the electric propulsion subsystem mechanical designs.

You will work with propulsion team members to create designs for the fluid system for the propulsion system informed by product requirements, development test results, and outcomes of design for test/manufacturability/assembly reviews. Successful candidates will utilize their experience in propulsion propellant feed system design to produce design specifications from conceptual architecture and iterate on design optimizations for high-rate production. A preferred candidate will have experience in electric propulsion system and subsystem design and manufacturing for production rates including experience handling propulsion system-level interfaces with the thruster, power electronics enclosures, system-level and vehicle integration MGSE, and associated test fixturing.

If you share our passion for propulsion system development and design, thrive in a dynamic space/startup environment, excel on integrated cross-functional teams of diverse individuals, are experienced and skilled in several relevant areas listed below, continuously seek out opportunities to learn and improve, and do not allow title or job description to limit the depth or breadth of your contributions, then we would love to hear from you.

Special Considerations Relocation provided Travel expected up to 25% of the time

• Author propulsion system designs and drawings, iteratively improving those designs from concept to production.
• Lead design reviews and coordinate inputs from thermal, propulsion, structures, test, and manufacturing engineering team members.
• Work closely with other propulsion team members through iterative design, build, test loops to ensure that designs account for product requirements and appropriate DFx (Design for manufacturing/assembly/test/automation/etc.) considerations.
• Technical contributions to the growth of the team through assisting in hiring, identifying team skill gaps, and mentoring junior team members.
• Formulate and lead trade studies to improve production efficiency and reduce defects.
• Work with manufacturing and test engineers to design build and test tooling/fixtures.
• Identify, communicate, and mitigate cost, schedule, and technical risks.
• Coordinate with satellite vehicle integration team members on defining propulsion system interfaces and designing tooling for integration of the propulsion system with the vehicle.

• Bachelor of Science in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical subject area.
• 5+ years of career experience in propulsion system development, production, and test.
• Experience supporting design…