Design Engineer III, Structural/Mechanical GSE

$111,690 - $156,366/Yr

Blue Origin - Seattle, WA

Full-time - Mid Level

Seattle, WA

Transportation Equipment Manufacturing

About the position

The Design Engineer III, Structural/Mechanical GSE at Blue Origin plays a crucial role in the New Shepard program, focusing on the design, analysis, and development of structural and mechanical ground support equipment (GSE) for suborbital rocket operations. This position requires a commitment to safety and collaboration, as the engineer will oversee hardware development from concept to commissioning, ensuring that all designs meet technical and operational requirements. The role involves working with a diverse team to create innovative solutions that support safe and cost-effective access to space.

Responsibilities

• Develop system technical requirements and concept of operations from project objectives and stakeholder/customer needs.
• Create detailed designs, design requirements, and bill of materials through 3D CAD models and 2D drawing packages.
• Define hardware test requirements and test configurations such as non-destructive evaluations, proof testing, operational testing, material testing, and weld inspections.
• Perform robust structural and mechanical analysis using FEA software and hand calculations. Author detailed analysis reports describing load cases, factors of safety, and safety margins.
• Perform system safety analysis such as Failure Modes, Effects, and Criticality Analyses (FMECA), Job Hazard Analysis (JHA), and Fault Tolerance Analysis (FTA).
• Provide schedule, hours, and budget inputs for project timelines to project engineers.
• Develop activation and commissioning plans to set proper test objectives to ensure design hardware meets technical and operational requirements.
• Oversee procurement and build of GSE hardware (internal and external) to ensure hardware meets technical and operational requirements.
• Perform root cause analysis and develop corrective actions for assigned non-conformances.

Requirements

• Minimum of a B.S. degree in mechanical, civil, or aerospace engineering or similar.
• Minimum 5 years meaningful experience developing structural and mechanical GSE throughout the product life cycle.
• Experience working with multi-functional teams including maintenance and sustaining operations.
• Experience developing operational procedures for testing, commissioning, and maintenance of GSE/Tooling.
• Strong organization and project management skills, to track, manage and prioritize multiple simultaneous assigned tasks.
• Advanced experience using CAD and FEA software (Creo and ANSYS preferred).
• Familiarity with industry codes and standards for GSE (e.g. ASME B30.20/BTH-1, OSHA, AISC-360, ASCE-7, Aluminum Design Manual).
• Familiarity and ability to create mechanical engineering drawings to industry standards such as ASME Y14.5.
• Fundamental understanding of hydraulic and pneumatic mechanical systems.
• Experience designing and analyzing steel and aluminum welded structures.
• Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to a culture of inclusion.

Nice-to-haves

• M.S. degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering
• PE license in Civil/Mechanical/Structural
• Hands-on experience in constructing and/or repairing a diverse range of mechanical components and systems, acquired through personal pursuits and/or professional experience.
• Experience with designing/analyzing aerospace GSE and Tooling collaborating with critical flight hardware, such as umbilical systems, for an operating launch vehicle.
• Experience with designing and analyzing hydraulic/pneumatic mechanical systems.
• Fundamental understanding of ASME B31.3 for Process Piping standards.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Short and long-term disability
• 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%
• Education Support Program
• Paid Time Off: Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays
• Discretionary bonus: Bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results.