Ground System Fluid Mechanical Design Engineer | Mid - Senior Level

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! 

At Blue Origin, we are driven by space exploration and committed to reshaping the future with breakthrough technologies. As a Level 3 Design Engineer - Ground Systems Development, you will contribute significantly to improving and developing new ground testing facilities. This position presents an outstanding chance to work on challenging fluid and mechanical systems essential to propulsion testing. You will independently invent solutions and mentor junior engineers. 

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. 

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. 

• Own and lead the design and development of subsystems for ground test operations 

• Build and analyze fluid and mechanical systems for propellant delivery, handling, and testing 

• Review builds of entry-level engineers, providing technical guidance and mentorship 

• Implement test systems, including cryogenics, vacuum systems, and other hazardous commodities 

• Develop test requirements and procedures for safe operation with hazardous propellants 

• Perform complex technical analysis and make build decisions based on results 

• Collaborate with other subsystem owners to ensure coordinated system functionality 

• Participate in Process Hazard Analysis activities for fluid systems (HAZOP). 

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field 

• Experience in fluid systems, mechanical systems, or test operations | 5+ years (Level III), 8+ years (Level IV)

• Demonstrated experience selecting components or systems for testing applications

• Proficiency with CAD software and engineering analysis tools 

• Strong understanding of fluid mechanics principles and structural analysis 

• 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. 

• Experience conducting build reviews and offering technical mentorship 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills 

• Excellent judgement and comfortable making risk based high-quality and high-velocity decisions 

• Experience with PTC Creo, AutoCAD, and advanced fluid/structural analysis software 

• Direct experience with monopropellant or hypergolic propulsion systems 

• Experience designing and operating vacuum systems 

• Background in hazardous materials handling and associated safety protocols 

• Knowledge of quality assurance practices for critical systems 

• Demonstrated ability to optimize system builds for performance and safety 

• 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

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.