Mechanisms Engineer III - Space Systems Development

$111,690 - $156,366/Yr

Blue Origin - Seattle, WA

Full-time - Mid Level

Seattle, WA

Transportation Equipment Manufacturing

About the position

The Mechanisms Engineer III position at Blue Origin focuses on the design and analysis of spacecraft mechanisms for new spacecraft, contributing to the development of reusable and safe space vehicles. This role is integral to the Space Systems Development (SSD) business unit, which aims to advance sustainable living and working in space. The engineer will apply their technical expertise and leadership skills to ensure the delivery of reliable hardware that meets safety and performance requirements, while fostering a culture of collaboration and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Design mechanisms for space flight including actuators, connection systems, parachute deployment mechanisms, docking mechanisms, and umbilical connections.
• Participate in the entire design cycle of flight hardware, including conceptual and detailed design, trade studies, structural analysis, development testing, and qualification.
• Generate component drawings, assembly drawings, and interface control documents with application of GD&T per ASME Y14.5.
• Create documentation for assembly and testing of development and flight hardware.
• Coordinate and participate in component or subsystem level testing including planning, execution, data reduction, and analysis.
• Develop component specifications and manage suppliers.
• Leverage experience and engineering judgement to quickly design and produce non-flight, proof of concept hardware for fast-moving research and development projects.
• Participate in a small, agile team to create and adapt to frequently shifting priorities.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering.
• 5+ years experience designing aerospace or equivalent type mechanical system elements within aircraft, spacecraft, or launch vehicles.
• Strong mechanical design, integration, and mechanism analysis skills using 3D modeling and simulation tools (CREO preferred).
• Experience with GD&T analysis (ASME Y14.5) and performing tolerance stacks.
• Knowledge of manufacturing, assembly, integration, and qualification testing.
• Proficient in technical writing, communicating complex ideas clearly and concisely.
• Experience specifying and justifying margins and test sequences for aerospace systems.
• Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to a culture of inclusion.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in spacecraft mechanism design.
• Experience with fluid and pneumatic systems, electro-magnetic actuators, or energetic separation systems.
• Experience in aerospace deployable devices design such as doors and sensors.
• Familiarity with metallic, composite, and ceramic materials.
• Familiarity with dynamic systems modeling (Adams or similar).
• Experience in structural FEA using ANSYS, NASTRAN or similar tools.
• Experience in DFMEA and FTA.
• Experience with space environments.
• Experience in design for manufacturability, tooling, and design to cost.
• Mass and cost estimation experience and techniques.

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 designed to reward individual contributions and allow employees to share in company results.