Mechanical Engineer II - Mechanism Design

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 supports the development and operations of New Glenn, a single-configuration, heavy-lift orbital launch vehicle capable of routinely carrying people and payloads to low-Earth orbit, geostationary transfer orbit, cislunar, and beyond. Its first stage is fully reusable, and the vehicle was designed from the beginning to be human-capable.

As part of a small, hard-working, and accomplished team of experts you will advance the design, development, and test of launch vehicle Umbilical Systems for New Glenn. This position will directly impact the history of space exploration and will require your dedication and detailed attention towards safe and repeatable spaceflight.

We are looking for someone to apply their technical expertise, leadership skills, and commitment to quality to positively impact safe human spaceflight. Passion for our mission and vision is required!

Special Mentions:

• Relocation provided

• Up to 10% travel may be required

• Interviews will include a technical assessment

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Design and analyze mechanisms for next-generation umbilical systems including disconnect mechanisms, attach/release devices, latches, actuators, linkages, and kinematic assemblies

• Participate in the entire design cycle of umbilical mechanisms, including conceptual and detailed design, trade studies, structural analysis, development testing and qualification

• Generate 3-D models, kinematic simulations, component drawings, assembly drawings, and interface control documents with application of GD&T per ASME Y14.5

• Perform tolerance stack-up analysis for mechanical assemblies

• Create documentation for assembly and testing of development and flight hardware

• Participate in subsystem level testing including planning, execution, data reduction and analysis

• Develop component specifications and manage suppliers

• Rapidly design and produce proof-of-concept hardware for research and development projects

• Collaborate within a small, agile team to rapidly mature the next-generation umbilical system to flight readiness

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent

• 3+ years of experience designing aerospace or equivalent type mechanical system elements within aircraft, spacecraft, or launch vehicles

• Experience designing mechanisms such as latches, actuators, linkages, hinges, disconnect devices, or similar kinematic assemblies

• Strong mechanical design, integration, and mechanism analysis skills using 3D modeling and simulation tools (CREO preferred)

• Proficiency in Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (ASME Y14.5) and performing tolerance stacks

• Working knowledge of mechanism loads analysis, free-body diagrams, and basic structural hand calculations

• Working knowledge of fabrication and manufacturing processes

• Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to a culture of inclusion

• 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 in structural FEA using ANSYS, NASTRAN or similar tools for stress analysis

• Experience with high-cycle mechanical systems, fatigue considerations, and life prediction methods

• Experience with aerospace umbilicals, doors, latches, and disconnect mechanisms

• Experience with fluid systems including hydraulic, pneumatic, or cryogenic applications

• Experience testing mechanisms including functional testing, life testing, and environmental qualification testing

• Experience with spring design, preload calculations, and fastener analysis

Base Pay Range for:

CO applicants is $90,934.00 - $127,307.25 WA 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.

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.

Equal Employment Opportunity Blue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified and dedicated work force. Blue Origin hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Blue Origin will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Washington Fair Chance Act, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws. For more information on “Know Your Rights,” please see here.

Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin’s Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us at EEOCompliance@blueorigin.com. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.