Mechanical Design Engineer III – Electric Propulsion

BLUE ORIGIN•Seattle, WA

8d•$121,023 - $169,432

About The Position

Blue Origin’s Blue National Security organization is hiring a Mechanical Design Engineer to help develop Hall thruster-based electric propulsion systems for spacecraft and constellation satellites. As an early member of the propulsion team, this engineer will lead mechanical design of the electric propulsion subsystem, including its propellant fluid system. Designs will be based on product requirements, development test results, and design reviews addressing manufacturability, assembly, and test. The role supports development from conceptual architecture through production, including design optimization for higher production rates and coordination of interfaces with thrusters, power electronics enclosures, ground support equipment, test fixtures, and vehicle integration. The engineer will work across propulsion, thermal, structures, test, manufacturing, and satellite vehicle integration teams in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. The position also contributes to team growth through mentoring and hiring support, and leads trade studies to improve production efficiency and reduce defects. Travel is expected up to 25% of the time, and relocation is provided. Applicants must meet the stated U.S. citizenship or immigration-status requirements. The position requires the ability to support production-floor activities.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical subject area.
At least 5 years of career experience in propulsion system development, production, and test.
Experience supporting design and development of propulsion fluid or propellant feed system flight hardware in a production facility or laboratory.
Strong mechanical design and integration skills using 3-D CAD software.
Proficiency in applying GD&T (ASME Y14.5) and performing dimensional variation analysis.
Experience designing flight hardware to meet thermal, vibration, shock, and/or vacuum testing requirements in accordance with MIL-STD-810, SMC-S-016, and MIL-STD-1540.
Experience with production lifecycle management (PLM) tools.
Proven experience and a successful track record developing product designs.
Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to a culture of inclusion.
Ability to perform design analyses and present technical information clearly and compellingly in visual formats.
Excellent verbal, written, and graphical communication skills.
Ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional, fast-paced, dynamic work environment.
Enthusiasm for mentoring, training, knowledge sharing, and supporting the technical development of team members.
Must be physically able to support production-floor activities.
Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident, or lawfully admitted to the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Nice To Haves

Creo Pro/E experience.
Windchill experience.
Experience designing complex integrated assemblies, including high- and low-pressure fluid systems, high-voltage assemblies, high-temperature assemblies, electronics enclosures, and related mechanical ground support equipment and test or vehicle-integration tooling.
Electric propulsion production system-level design experience, such as integration of Hall thrusters, hollow cathodes, feed systems, propellant tanks, and harnessing.
Experience designing or operating fluid test equipment for product performance validation and verification.
Working knowledge of electric propulsion system operating principles and design practices.
Experience developing a propulsion system from concept through production using iterative design, build, and test cycles.
Experience designing production hardware and optimizing designs for increasing production rates.
Strong computer skills and ability to quickly learn and use different software tools.
Experience with automated tooling or robotics and design for automation.
Experience with the AS9100 Quality Management System.
Expertise with flow-analysis codes such as Nastran, ANSYS, Optistruct, LS/Dyna, or Abaqus.
Experience coordinating with vehicle integration on interface design requirements for a line replaceable unit (LRU) on a flight vehicle.
Experience with optimization and Design of Experiments (DOE) methods applied to design, analysis, and testing.

Responsibilities

Author propulsion system designs and drawings, iteratively improving designs from concept through production.
Lead design reviews and coordinate inputs from thermal, propulsion, structures, test, and manufacturing engineering teams.
Participate in iterative design, build, and test cycles, ensuring designs address product requirements and Design for X considerations, including manufacturing, assembly, test, and automation.
Contribute to team growth by assisting with hiring, identifying team skill gaps, and mentoring junior team members.
Formulate and lead trade studies to improve production efficiency and reduce defects.
Work with manufacturing and test engineers to design build and test tooling and fixtures.
Identify, communicate, and mitigate cost, schedule, and technical risks.
Coordinate with satellite vehicle integration team members to define propulsion system interfaces and design tooling for vehicle integration.
Support production-floor activities.

Benefits

Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Basic and supplemental life insurance
Paid parental leave
Short- and long-term disability
401(k) with company match of up to 5%
Education Support Program
Stock options for regular employees working at least 20 hours per week
Up to four weeks of paid time off per year, based on weekly scheduled hours
Up to 14 company-paid holidays
Employees may be eligible for bonuses and other benefits depending on role type and job level; eligibility and amounts are not guaranteed.