New Shepard Deputy Cognizant Engineer (dCogE) - Mechanical/Structures/Actuated

$136,620 - $191,268/Yr

Blue Origin - Seattle, WA

Full-time - Mid Level

Seattle, WA

Transportation Equipment Manufacturing

About the position

The New Shepard Deputy Cognizant Engineer (dCogE) is responsible for leading a team of engineers in the execution of Operations & Maintenance Engineering for the New Shepard reusable launch vehicles. This role involves sustaining engineering support across Mechanical, Structures, and Actuated subsystems, overseeing nonconforming and upgrade work, and making decisions regarding risks and engineering changes during vehicle refurbishment. The position requires collaboration with Cognizant Engineers to implement design and process improvements aimed at enhancing system reliability and reducing operational costs.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of Launch Vehicle Engineers and Maintenance Engineers in Operations & Maintenance Engineering for New Shepard.
• Provide sustaining engineering support across Mechanical/Structures/Actuated subsystems.
• Oversee the disposition of nonconforming and upgrade work to fielded vehicles.
• Make decisions regarding risks, waivers, and Engineering Change Requests during vehicle refurbishment.
• Collaborate with Cognizant Engineers to identify and implement design and process changes to improve system reliability and reduce costs.

Requirements

• B.S. degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
• 5+ years experience in spaceflight or aviation operations environment
• Technical leadership experience (direct reports or project team)
• Demonstrated track record in aerospace or related industry in full life-cycle management of aerostructural components, hydraulic actuation control systems, and/or thermal protection systems.
• Experience with aerospace systems engineering principles and processes including requirements derivation, configuration and change management, and verification planning and execution.
• Proficiency in thermal-structural analysis including hand calculations and Finite Element Analysis (ANSYS preferred)
• Clear command of design release processes, PDM, and 3D CAD programs (Creo or Pro/E preferred)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• High aptitude for integrated system testing, troubleshooting, and diagnostics.
• Ability to earn trust and maintain positive professional relationships.

Nice-to-haves

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
• 8+ years experience in spaceflight or aviation operations environment
• Experience in hydraulic/fluid systems modeling and analysis
• Familiarity with traditional NDE and metrology tools and methods
• Experience with GD&T analysis (ASME Y14.5)
• 3+ years experience in integrated test instrumentation and data acquisition
• Hands-on experience with machining, building, and maintaining pressurized or mechanical systems.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision insurance
• 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 weeks per year and up to 14 company-paid holidays
• Discretionary bonus based on individual contributions and company results.