Principal Mechanisms Design Engineer, Docking Systems

Application close date:

At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We’re working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. Join our team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight!  

This individual will use their technical expertise, leadership skills, and commitment to quality to join our team and positively impact safe human spaceflight. Passion for our mission and vision is required. You will work directly with NASA and our National Team Partners as part of the Human Landing System (HLS) Sustaining Lunar Development (SLD) program. You will play a key role in developing the Lunar Permanence system that will return humans to the Moon and extend human presence permanently beyond the bounds of Earth.

This opportunity will report to the Docking Mechanisms Subsystem inside of the Lunar Permanence business unit.  As part of a growing, hardworking, and curious team of design engineers, you’ll be deployed to programs that shape the future of Blue Origin. Your skill in the design and analysis of spacecraft mechanisms as well as your ability to deliver safe, reliable, ready to install hardware that meets requirements, while doing so within the allocated cost and schedule requirements, will lead to a rewarding career with Blue Origin. 

We are looking for someone to apply their technical expertise, leadership skills, and commitment to quality to positively impact safe human spaceflight. Passion for our mission and vision is required!

Responsibilities Include But Are Not Limited To: 

• Design and development of safety critical mechanical components and systems for pressurized docking mechanisms.  
• Coach, mentor, and technically assist junior engineers.
• 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. Participate in 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 

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering 
• 10+ years of experience
• Recent 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 sophisticated ideas clearly and concisely 
• Experience specifying and justifying margins and test sequences for aerospace systems 
• Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Recent experience with spacecraft docking systems design, analysis, test, qualification, and production
• Familiarity with docking system standards, such as the International Docking System Standard (IDSS) and Gateway Docking System Standard (GDSS).
• Deep knowledge of aerospace mechanisms design practices & standards including applicable NASA specifications such as NASA-STD-5017.
• Fluency in mechanisms avionics interfaces and control logic
• Background including mechanical finite element analysis statics and dynamics
• Experience with thermal design of spacecraft structures & mechanisms

Compensation Range for:

Other site ranges may differ

Culture Statement

Don’t meet all desired requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At Blue Origin, we are dedicated to building an authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every desired qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Export Control Regulations

Applicants for employment at Blue Origin must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Background Check

• Required for all positions: Blue’s Standard Background Check

• Required for Certain Job Profiles:  Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installation

• Required for Certain Job Profiles: Drivers who operate Commercial Motor Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or combination of power unit and trailer that meets or exceeds 10,001 lbs. and/or transports placardable amounts of hazardous materials by ground in any vehicle on a public road while in commerce, may be subject to additional Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations including: Driver Qualification Files, Medical Certification (obtained before onboarding), Road Test, Hours of Service, Drug and Alcohol Testing (CDL drivers only), vehicle inspection requirements, CDL requirements (if applicable) and hazardous materials transportation/shipping training.

• Required for certain Job Profiles: Ability to obtain and maintain Merchant Mariner Credential, which includes pre-employment and random drug testing as well as DOT physical

Benefits

• Benefits include:  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%, and an 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: Bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results.

• Eligibility for benefits varies by role type, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Blue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified and dedicated work force. Blue Origin hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Blue Origin will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Washington Fair Chance Act, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws. For more information on “Know Your Rights,” please see here.

Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation

Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin’s Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us at [email protected]. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.

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