Senior Lead Ground System Fluid/Mechanical Engineer

BLUE ORIGIN•Seattle, WA

5d•$145,188 - $203,263•Onsite

About The Position

Blue Origin Operations is hiring a Senior Lead Ground System Fluid/Mechanical Engineer to develop and deliver complex fluid and mechanical ground test systems for rocket engines, components, and integrated spaceflight vehicles. The role combines hands-on engineering with technical authority and leadership: personally producing detailed design and analysis packages while driving system architecture, program technical approvals, engineering direction, and delivery of test infrastructure. The engineer will mentor colleagues and serve as the team’s prime technical contact with customers and stakeholders. The position covers the full lifecycle of ground test facility systems, from requirements review through readiness and activation. It includes design and analysis of high-pressure gas, cryogenic, and propellant systems; technical and safety reviews; supplier and program management; and on-site support for fabrication, installation, and startup. The role is based in Kent, Washington, with relocation available and up to 25% travel between facilities and for field operations. Interviews include a technical assessment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
At least 8 years of experience in fluid systems, mechanical systems, or test operations.
Advanced expertise in fluid mechanics, structural analysis, and system integration across the development lifecycle, with a record of personally owning and delivering detailed design and analysis packages.
Expert-level knowledge of fluid system components, including valves, regulators, and pumps used in cryogenic, propellant, and high-pressure gas applications.
Deep knowledge of standard piping installation and fabrication methods, connections, fasteners, and welding.
Advanced knowledge of ASME B31.3 and ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC), including ability to author project-specific interpretations and deviations.
Expert ability to review, approve, and personally produce engineering drawings and P&IDs.
Demonstrated ability to independently lead complex projects, own technical decisions, and drive hardware to delivery.
Proven ability to mentor and develop engineers across multiple experience levels.
Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to an inclusive culture.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including ability to present at program and executive-level reviews.
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.
Required to complete Blue’s Standard Background Check; additional checks or credentials may apply to certain job profiles.

Nice To Haves

Advanced engineering degree.
Experience with PTC Creo/ProEngineer, ProPiping, or AutoCAD Plant/P&ID.
Experience with PLM configuration management tools such as Windchill.
Experience with pipe stress analysis tools such as Bentley AutoPipe, CAESAR II, or equivalent.
Experience with fluid system simulation tools such as AFT Arrow/Fathom or equivalent.
Experience with static or non-linear FEA analysis, such as ANSYS.
Knowledge of aerospace fluid system cleanliness standards (IEST-STD-CC1246).
Extensive experience with propellant handling or propulsion system design and testing.
Experience chairing Process Hazard Analysis (HAZOP, FMEA) and managing PSM programs.
Experience leading commissioning, activation, and operational readiness of large-scale test facilities.

Responsibilities

Lead and personally execute the design and development of fluid and mechanical ground test facility systems across the lifecycle, from System Requirement Review (SRR) through Pre-Activation Review (PAR).
Own and deliver design and analysis packages, including P&IDs, fluid system analyses, pipe stress analyses, structural calculations, and supporting documentation; establish quality standards and review engineers’ work.
Develop technical solutions for complex cross-disciplinary challenges in high-pressure gas, cryogenic, and propellant fluid systems; own system architecture decisions and trade studies.
Review P&IDs, components, and analyses for technical accuracy and completeness before release.
Own and chair hazard assessments, including Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) and HAZOPs; define safety standards and ensure program compliance.
Lead design reviews (SRR, IDR, FDR) and build reviews; support PAR and lead final system readiness assessments.
Manage program-level supplier relationships and resolve complex technical issues affecting cost, schedule, and performance.
Set and enforce appropriate standards for proof testing, passivation, and cleaning of fluid system components.
Ensure designs meet standards including ASME B31.3 and ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC); author project-specific interpretations, deviations, and engineering dispositions.
Own schedule, budget, milestones, and technical approval authority for assigned programs.
Lead anomaly investigations and root-cause analyses, and develop and execute recovery plans for major non-conformances.
Lead technical trade studies to resolve complex issues.
Lead on-site support for fabrication, installation, and startup of facilities or upgrades; define activation and commissioning strategies.
Mentor, train, and develop engineers; contribute to hiring, onboarding, and skills development.
Represent the team in cross-functional technical reviews as the prime technical contact for customers and external stakeholders.
Drive department-level process improvements, tool development, and capture of best practices.

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
Paid time off of up to four weeks per year, based on weekly scheduled hours
Up to 14 company-paid holidays
Depending on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on individual contributions or company results