Structural Engineer III - Advanced Upper Stage Tank Design

Blue Origin - Seattle, WA

Full-time - Mid Level

Seattle, WA

Transportation Equipment Manufacturing

About the position

The Structural Engineer III position at Blue Origin focuses on the design, analysis, development, testing, and qualification of propellant tanks for the New Glenn Upper Stage. This role is crucial in supporting the development of a reusable heavy-lift orbital launch vehicle, contributing to the future of space exploration. The engineer will work within a diverse team, applying technical expertise and leadership skills to ensure safe and repeatable spaceflight.

Responsibilities

• Structural design and configuration of launch vehicle propellant tanks, internal structures, and interfaces.
• Perform detailed design, analysis, development, and testing of primary and secondary composite structures directly exposed to cryogenic liquids.
• Perform research, develop concepts, and run trade studies.
• Build 3D models, detail part drawings, assemblies, installations, and interface control documents.
• Build test plans, specifications, and other documentation for the development of flight hardware.
• Provide technical mentorship for integration.
• Provide manufacturing and production support, including travel when needed.
• Support configuration development and trade studies.
• Participate in subsystem test planning, execution, data reduction and analysis.
• Work with multi-functional teams that are responsible for selecting materials, manufacturing processes, and suppliers to produce world class aerospace hardware.
• Develop component specifications and lead suppliers.
• Plan, coordinate, conduct tests, and review test data.
• Participate in the development and purchase of new equipment and tooling.
• Maintain and report on activity schedule, budget and technical status.
• Coach, mentor and technically assist junior engineers.
• Find opportunities for improvements and operational cost savings.

Requirements

• Minimum of a B.S. degree in engineering and 5-7 years of related experience.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.
• Experience on launch vehicles, aircraft or similar in one or more of the following areas: Design of minimal-mass structure, especially pressurized structures; Design of interfaces to fluid systems such as baffles, anti-vortex devices, or cryogenic seals; Material development and structural testing; Experience with composite structures and adhesive bonds.
• Strong understanding of structural design and analysis principles, for composites and metals.
• Strong mechanical design skills using Creo and CATIA V5.
• Ability to conduct structural analysis using classical hand-calculation and finite element techniques.
• Experience with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerance analysis (ASME Y14.5).
• Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to a culture of inclusion.

Nice-to-haves

• A passion for developing linerless composite cryogenic tanks.
• Strong communication skills, with an ability to quickly build consensus among stakeholders.
• Experience with rapid development techniques for hardware.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• 401(k) plan
• Paid holidays
• Flexible scheduling
• Professional development opportunities