Mechanisms Engineer — Opto-Mechanical Systems

Blue Origin • Los Angeles, WA

9d

About The Position

Blue Origin's Emerging Systems business unit is developing TeraWave, a multi-orbit satellite communications network intended to provide high-speed, enterprise-grade connectivity worldwide. The Mechanisms Engineer will support the design, analysis, and qualification of precision mechanical systems for the constellation, including gimbal assemblies, pointing mechanisms, and related hardware. The role works under the guidance of senior and principal engineers on a collaborative, mentorship-focused team, offering an opportunity to develop expertise in space mechanism design.

The engineer will contribute to design and performance analyses, qualification testing, technical documentation, cross-functional integration, and production transition. Potential additional areas of contribution include precision drive-system motor and encoder selection, bearing and lubrication analysis, and mechanism reliability analysis. The role may require travel of up to 20% for integration activities, launch campaigns, and customer or vendor meetings. Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Exposure to the design or analysis of gimbal assemblies, multi-axis pointing mechanisms, or similar precision mechanical systems.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software such as Creo, NX, or SolidWorks; exposure to finite element analysis tools such as ANSYS, NASTRAN, or Comsol.
• Foundational knowledge of mechanism kinematics, dynamics, and structural analysis.
• Familiarity with space qualification testing concepts, including vibration, shock, and thermal vacuum.
• Familiarity with bearing systems, drive trains, or precision actuators.
• Working knowledge of GD&T, tolerance stack-up analysis, and interface control documentation.
• Awareness of Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles.
• Eagerness to learn and grow under mentorship, with strong collaboration and communication skills.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident, or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field.
• Exposure to optical communications terminals or lasercom pointing, acquisition, and tracking (PAT) systems.
• Exposure to lubrication and tribology for space mechanisms, such as dry film, ionic liquid, or oil-impregnated lubrication.
• Awareness of Structural-Thermal-Optical-Performance (STOP) analysis workflows.
• Interest in transitioning precision mechanisms from development into production.
• Exposure to statistical process control or production data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Support the design and development of precision gimbal assemblies and pointing mechanisms for space-based optical communications terminals, under the direction of senior engineers.
• Assist in developing mechanism-level performance requirements, error budgets, and design margins across structural, thermal, and dynamic domains.
• Perform design trade studies and analyses for gimbal configurations, considering mass, volume, stiffness, pointing accuracy, and on-orbit lifetime, with guidance and review from senior staff.
• Support mechanism qualification activities, including component- and system-level testing in shock, vibration, and thermal vacuum environments.
• Prepare mechanism design documentation, analysis reports, and test procedures for senior engineer review.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on mechanism integration, harness routing, and interface definition.
• Apply mechanism design principles and analysis methods while developing skills under the mentorship of senior and principal engineers.
• Support production transition activities, including tolerance analysis and DFM/DFA reviews.
• Potentially contribute to motor and encoder selection for precision drive systems; bearing selection, preload analysis, and lubrication strategies; and mechanism-level FMEA and reliability analysis.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Basic and supplemental life insurance.
• Paid parental leave.
• Short- and long-term disability coverage.
• 401(k) with company match of up to 5%.
• Education Support Program.
• Stock options for regular employees working at least 20 hours per week.
• Paid time off of up to four weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours.
• Up to 14 company-paid holidays.
• Potential eligibility for benefits and bonuses based on role type, job level, and other factors.
• Relocation assistance for qualified candidates.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level