Principal Fluids Systems Valve Design Engineer - New Glenn

BLUE ORIGIN•Seattle, WA

5d•$169,624 - $237,473

About The Position

This role supports the development and operations of New Glenn, a single-configuration, heavy-lift orbital launch vehicle capable of routinely carrying people and payloads to low-Earth orbit, geostationary transfer orbit, cislunar, and beyond. Its first stage is fully reusable, and the vehicle was designed from the beginning to be human-capable. Join a dedicated team of engineers at Blue Origin, where you will lead the design, analysis, development, and qualification of next-generation components for the New Glenn Rocket. Your work will focus on critical systems, including valves, regulators, accumulators, actuators, manifolds, mechanisms, pumps, and other mechanical devices essential to our vehicles and mission success. At Blue Origin, you’ll apply your technical expertise and leadership to shape the future of space exploration. This role offers the opportunity to make a tangible impact on the New Glenn Rocket program, working alongside a talented team committed to innovation, quality, and mission success. We are looking for someone to apply their technical expertise, leadership skills, and commitment to quality to positively impact safe human spaceflight. Passion for our mission and vision is required!

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related field.
12+ years of proven experience designing fluid, mechanical, or electro-mechanical systems for aerospace or similar high-reliability applications.
Proven track record serving as a Lead Engineer, Responsible Engineer (RE), or Technical Authority for delivered flight hardware.
Deep expertise in valve actuation, dynamic/static sealing (including cryogenic and high-pressure regimes), and fluid transient behavior (water hammer, cavitation).
Demonstrated experience leading root-cause failure investigations (RCCA/FRB) and qualification test campaigns (vibration, thermal vacuum, life cycle, proof/burst).
Advanced proficiency in 3D CAD software (Creo preferred), Finite Element Analysis (FEA) tools (ANSYS preferred), and engineering drawings with GD&T per ASME Y14.5 standards.
Strong interpersonal skills, with a track record of building trust and fostering professional collaboration.
Passion for advancing safe human spaceflight and alignment with Blue Origin’s mission.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related field.
Experience in the aerospace or space industry, particularly with launch vehicles or ground systems.
Deep understanding of fabrication, integration, and quality control for tubes, machined parts, and welded assemblies.
Expertise in designing systems for cryogenic fluids (e.g., hydrogen, oxygen, methane) or hydraulic systems in liquid/gaseous states.
Proficiency in thermo-fluid analysis tools, such as Thermal Desktop (Sinda Fluint), AFT (Fathom/Arrow), REFPROP, or Excel-based models.
Knowledge of materials properties, treatments, and aerospace-grade materials.
Demonstrated ability to manage supplier relationships, drive component development, and support testing.

Responsibilities

Serve as the technical lead and design authority for flight-critical valve assemblies and fluid components throughout the full product lifecycle, from defining requirements and interfaces through conceptual and detailed design, development, assembly, verification, qualification testing, operation, manufacturing support, and post-flight serviceability.
Architect and analyze complex valve mechanisms, including sizing, material selection, seal design, fluid dynamics, thermal-structural response, and oxygen/cryogen compatibility to ensure performance under pressure, vibration, temperature, and mechanical loads.
Lead multidisciplinary team through fabrication, installation, and testing of flight hardware, working closely with suppliers and support organizations and formal engineering milestones and sign off on key deliverables.
Drive integrated project delivery, defining the technical baseline, milestone schedules, verification matrices, and risk burndown plans.
Lead anomaly investigations, MRB disposition, and RCCA for test and flight hardware failures.
Mentor and develop junior and mid-level engineers, fostering a culture of technical rigor, safety, and operational excellence. Define design standards, review checklists, and qualification methodologies for the valve engineering group.