Principal Mechanisms Design Engineer - TeraWave
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!
Blue Origin is pioneering the future of space-based communications with TeraWave, a revolutionary satellite communications network designed to deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps anywhere on Earth. This multi-orbit constellation will consist of optically interconnected satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) and medium Earth orbit (MEO), providing enterprise-grade connectivity for critical operations worldwide.The Emerging Systems business unit at Blue Origin is pioneering the future of space-based communications withTeraWave, a revolutionary satellite communications network designed to deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6Tbpsanywhere on Earth. This multi-orbit constellation will consist of 5,408 optically interconnected satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) and 128 satellites in medium Earth orbit (MEO), providing enterprise-grade connectivity for critical operations worldwide.
Blue Origin's Emerging Systems is seeking an exceptional Principal Engineer to provide technical leadership in opto-mechanical design for ourTeraWaveconstellation. In this role, you will focus on developing critical optical systems including telescopes and gimbal assemblies whileprovidingtechnical guidance on avionics enclosures and optical ground stations.
Relocationassistanceis available for qualified candidates.
Travel expectations: Up to 20% travel may berequiredfor integration activities, launch campaigns, and customer/vendor meetings.
Lead the architectural design and development of precision gimbal assemblies and pointing mechanisms for space-based optical communications terminals
Define and own mechanism-level performance requirements, error budgets, and design margins across structural, thermal, and dynamic domains
Drive design trades for gimbal configurations balancing mass, volume, stiffness, pointing accuracy, and on-orbit lifetime
Lead mechanism qualification programs including component-level and system-level testing inshock,vibration, thermal vacuum environments
Develop and maintain mechanism design standards, analysis workflows, and documentation to supportincremental hardware build and test.
Provide technical guidance to engineering teams on mechanism integration, harness routing, and interface control
Mentor junior and mid-level mechanical engineers in mechanisms design principles, analysis methods, and space qualification practices
Support production transition through design-for-manufacturability improvements, tolerance analysis, and supplier development
Motor and encoder selection for precision drive systems
Bearing selection, preload analysis, and lubrication strategies for space mechanisms
Mechanism-level FMEA and reliability analysis
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical field
15+ years of experience in precision mechanisms design for space or aerospace applications
Demonstrated experience designing, analyzing, manufacturing, and qualifying gimbal assemblies or multi-axis pointing mechanisms for space environments
Proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g.,Creo, NX, SolidWorks) and finite element analysis tools (e.g., ANSYS, NASTRAN,Comsol)
Experience with mechanism kinematics, dynamics, and structural analysis
Knowledge of space qualification testing including vibration, shock, thermal vacuum, and lifetesting
Experience with bearing systems,drivetrains, and precision actuators for space mechanisms
Strong understanding of GD&T, tolerance stack-up analysis, and interface control documentation
Knowledge of Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles
Master's degree or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
Experience with optical communications terminals orlasercompointing, acquisition, and tracking (PAT) systems
Background in fast steering mirror systems and fine pointing mechanism design
Experience with lubrication and tribology for space mechanisms (e.g., dry film, ionic liquid, oil-impregnated)
Familiarity with STOP (Structural-Thermal-Optical-Performance) analysis workflows
Experience transitioning precision mechanisms from development to high-rate production
Experience with statistical process control and production data analysis for mechanism performance verification
At Blue Origin, we are driven by our company motto, GradatimFerociter, meaning "Step by Step,Ferociously." We believe in methodical innovation to achieve our vision of enabling millions of people to live and work in space for the benefit of Earth. As a Principal Engineer for Opto-Mechanical Systems, you will play a crucial role in developing revolutionary optical communication technologies for theTeraWaveconstellation.You'llwork with world-class teams on challenging problems, have access tostate-of-the-artfacilities, and contribute to missions that will shape the future of space exploration andutilization.
Compensation Range for:
WA applicants is $183,193.00 - $256,469.85Don’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.
Description
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical field
- 15+ years of experience in precision mechanisms design for space or aerospace applications
- Demonstrated experience designing, analyzing, manufacturing, and qualifying gimbal assemblies or multi-axis pointing mechanisms for space environments
- Proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., Creo, NX, SolidWorks) and finite element analysis tools (e.g., ANSYS, NASTRAN, Comsol)
- Experience with mechanism kinematics, dynamics, and structural analysis
- Knowledge of space qualification testing including vibration, shock, thermal vacuum, and life testing
- Experience with bearing systems, drive trains, and precision actuators for space mechanisms
- Strong understanding of GD&T, tolerance stack-up analysis, and interface control documentation
- Knowledge of Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles
Why Blue Origin
At Blue Origin, we are driven by our company motto, Gradatim Ferociter, meaning "Step by Step, Ferociously." We believe in methodical innovation to achieve our vision of enabling millions of people to live and work in space for the benefit of Earth. As a Principal Engineer for Opto-Mechanical Systems, you will play a crucial role in developing revolutionary optical communication technologies for the TeraWave constellation. You'll work with world-class teams on challenging problems, have access to state-of-the-art facilities, and contribute to missions that will shape the future of space exploration and utilization.
Compensation Range for
WA applicants is $183,193.00 - $256,469.85
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.
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