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 will play a crucial role in the design, development, manufacturing, and testing of engines and propulsion systems. This position involves working on engine fluid controls, overseeing the design and testing of valve components, and mentoring early career engineers. The engineer will collaborate with various teams to select optimal architectures and solutions for rocket engines, ensuring compliance with design requirements and goals. The role is integral to advancing Blue Origin's mission of enabling safe and efficient space flight.

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 architectures and solutions.
• Oversee testing of components and ensure compliance with design requirements during engine hot fire tests.
• 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, 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.