Ground System Fluid Mechanical Design Engineer Sr.

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 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.

Job Description Summary

Applies standard engineering techniques to design, install, modify, analyze, repair and test tools, engines, machines, and other mechanically functioning equipment. Development, release, and support of engineering artifacts across the development cycle to support hardware fabrication, assembly, verification, test and operations. Implements operating procedures, resolves system malfunctions, and provide technical information.

Researches and analyzes customer design proposals, specifications, manuals, and other data to evaluate the feasibility, cost, and maintenance requirements of designs or applications. Specifies system components or directs modification of products to ensure conformance with engineering design and performance specifications. Investigates equipment failures and difficulties to diagnose faulty operation, and to make recommendations to maintenance crew.

Lunar Hypergolic Thruster Test Facility

Additional Information

As part of a hardworking team of engineers and technical project managers you will lead the development of new ground test systems for space exploration! As a Ground System Fluid Mechanical Engineer III, you will be pivotal in designing and building world-class systems that combine multiple subsystems for propulsion testing operations. Your expertise will ensure flawless execution and safety in our ambitious projects.

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:

• Guide and develop new test systems that incorporate various subsystems
• Serve as systems architect for complex ground test operations
• Coordinate design reviews for test systems
• Manage suppliers, coordinating cost, schedule, and technical design requirements.
• Mentor engineers, providing technical guidance and career development
• Drive technical decisions for complex propellant and vacuum systems
• Collaborate with program management to align technical solutions with program requirements
• Lead hazard assessments and risk mitigation strategies for test operations. Conduct Process Hazard Analysis activities for fluid systems (HAZOP).
• Collaborate with senior leadership on strategic technical planning
• Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical engineering, Aerospace engineering, or related field
• 8+ years of experience in fluid systems, mechanical systems, or test operations
• Extensive experience guiding the creation of complex engineering systems
• Advanced knowledge of fluid mechanics, structural analysis, and system integration
• In-depth 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.
• Extensive knowledge designing and operating cryogenic and pneumatic fluid systems (GN2, GHe, GOX, GH2, LH2, LOX, LN2)
• Proven track record of successfully leading technical teams to deliver complex projects to completion.
• Experience conducting and leading build reviews
• Solid grasp of risk control in hazardous operations
• Willingness to learn
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent judgement and comfortable making high-quality and high-velocity decisions
• ​

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with crafting coordinated systems using PTC Creo, AutoCAD, and advanced analysis software
• Extensive knowledge of vacuum systems for aerospace applications
• Demonstrated experience with monopropellant and hypergolic propulsion system testing
• Skilled in establishing test criteria and procedures for hazardous operations
• History of improving technical processes and methodologies
• Experience mentoring and developing engineering talent
• 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

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.

Base Pay Range for:

• WA applicants is $145,188.00 - $203,263.20
• 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 (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