Civil/Structural Engineer III, Ground System Test Engineering and Development

Application close date:

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! 

As part of a hardworking team of engineers and specialists, you will provide civil and structural engineering design and analysis across all Blue Origin engine and component test sites. Reporting to the Director of Test Engineering and Development, your primary focus will be the design and analysis of civil structures — foundations, structural steel frames, and facility structural systems — that form the backbone of test infrastructure capable of handling the extreme loads of rocket engine testing. You will also support integration of engines and test components to test stands through custom tooling and fabricated structural hardware, working closely with mechanical/fluids engineers, CAD designers, construction project managers, and civil contractors to bring test facilities from concept to activation.

• Relocation provided

• Travel expected up to 25% of the time

• Interviews will include a technical assessment

• Perform civil and structural analysis and design for test stand foundations, structural steel frames, thrust structures, anchor systems, pipe and equipment supports, and facility structural elements subjected to static, dynamic, thermal, and impulsive/blast loads from rocket engine testing

• Develop foundation designs including spread footings, mat foundations, and deep foundation systems; perform soil-structure interaction analyses in coordination with geotechnical inputs

• Design and analyze structural steel systems including primary load-bearing frames, bracing systems, grating and access platforms, and embedded anchor systems in accordance with AISC and ASCE standards

• Develop and execute structural analyses using STAAD and other applicable tools; produce and release analysis reports, calculations, and supporting engineering documentation

• Design and develop 3D structural models and construction drawings using Creo; coordinate with CAD drafting team to ensure structural design intent is accurately reflected in construction documents

• Design custom fabricated structural hardware and tooling for integration of engines and test components to test stands, including interface fixtures, adapter structures, and handling aids

• Evaluate structural integrity of existing test stand structures for new load cases associated with test stand upgrades, new engine configurations, or facility modifications

• Collaborate with construction project managers and civil contractors to ensure structural design intent is achieved during construction; support field RFIs and non-conformance disposition

• Participate in HAZOP and facility safety reviews as the structural engineering representative; identify and communicate structural risks throughout the project lifecycle

• Own structural engineering deliverables with minimal oversight; provide technical feedback and mentoring to junior engineers and designers

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related engineering discipline

• 6+ years of experience in civil/structural engineering with demonstrated expertise in both structural analysis and design of industrial or heavy civil structures

• Proficiency in structural analysis using STAAD or equivalent structural analysis software

• Experience designing structural steel systems in accordance with AISC standards and concrete foundations in accordance with ACI and ASCE 7

• Experience developing structural construction drawings and 3D models; proficiency with Creo or equivalent CAD tool

• Demonstrated ability to independently own structural deliverables across the full design cycle with minimal oversight

• Experience performing root cause analyses and developing corrective actions for structural non-conformances

• Must have or be able to obtain a Professional Engineer (PE) license in Alabama, Washington, Texas, and Florida

• 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

• Active Professional Engineer (PE) license in one or more of Alabama, Washington, Texas, or Florida

• Experience with FEA analysis tools (e.g., ANSYS, NASTRAN, or equivalent) for structural verification and complex load analysis

• Experience with structural design and analysis of propulsion test stands, launch facilities, or comparable high-load industrial structures

• Experience with seismic design, blast/impulsive load analysis, or dynamic load environments associated with rocket engine or propulsion testing

• Background in design of custom fabricated structural hardware, engine integration fixtures, or test component adapter structures

• Experience coordinating structural engineering scope with construction project managers and civil contractors during facility construction or modification

• Familiarity with geotechnical reports and foundation design in coordination with geotechnical engineers

• Experience with HAZOP processes and facility safety reviews in an industrial or aerospace environment

Base Pay Range for:

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.