Senior Propulsion Engineer

$91,000 - $156,000/Yr

Sierra Nevada Corporation - Huntsville, AL

Full-time - Senior

Onsite - Huntsville, AL

Transportation Equipment Manufacturing

About the position

The Senior Propulsion Engineer at Blue Origin plays a crucial role in the design, development, manufacturing, and testing of propulsion systems and engines. This position involves leading the design of valve components and fluid control systems, mentoring early career engineers, and collaborating with various teams to ensure the efficiency and safety of rocket engines. The engineer will oversee rigorous testing of components and contribute to best practices in engine design, all while supporting Blue Origin's mission of enabling human spaceflight.

Responsibilities

• Own designs from concept through qualification for engine fluid controls.
• Design valve components, assemblies, and tools for propulsion systems.
• Mentor and lead early career engineers in development approaches and techniques.
• Collaborate with program leaders, systems engineers, and test groups to select optimal architectures and solutions.
• Oversee testing of components and ensure compliance with design requirements and goals.
• Define and refine best practices for engine valves and mechanisms to enhance design efficiency.
• Work with vendors to define requirements and manage supplier developments for common valves.

Requirements

• B.S. degree in engineering discipline (aerospace, mechanical, chemical, or physics desired).
• 8+ years of professional engineering experience with valves, fluid control systems, and mechanisms, including rocket or jet engine experience.
• Strong technical fundamentals in propulsion, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and structural analysis.
• Strong knowledge of hardware design processes and fabrication techniques related to valves.
• Computer-aided design (CAD) experience.
• Familiarity with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Familiarity with data analysis and data processing.
• Ability to earn trust and maintain positive professional relationships.

Nice-to-haves

• Advanced degree in engineering discipline.
• Experience designing products for cryogenic fluids and high-pressure systems.
• Experience with Creo (Pro/E) Wildfire 5 or greater, and Windchill 10.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Basic and supplemental life insurance.
• Paid parental leave.
• Short and long-term disability insurance.
• 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 bonuses based on individual contributions and company results.