Mechanical Engineer 3 - RF Payloads

Application close date:

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.

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! 

Blue Origin is pioneering the future of space-based communications with TeraWave, a revolutionary satellite communications network designed to deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps anywhere on Earth. This multi-orbit constellation will consist of optically interconnected satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) and medium Earth orbit (MEO), providing enterprise-grade connectivity for critical operations worldwide.

This Mechanical Engineer III role leads mechanical engineering efforts for RF payload hardware supporting Blue Origin's TeraWave satellite communications network, including phased array antenna structures and RF module packaging. This role acts as the technical point of contact bridging mechanical design with RF and electrical engineering teams, leading architecture trade studies, guiding supplier and manufacturing partner technical decisions, and coordinating across programs. This position also mentors junior engineers to build mechanical packaging capability across the team.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Lead design and packaging of mechanical structures for phased array antennas and RF payload hardware assemblies.
• Direct thermal management strategies for high-power RF payload electronics, ensuring compliance with performance and reliability requirements.
• Perform structural and thermal analyses, including tolerance stack-ups, to validate RF payload mechanical designs.
• Lead architecture trade studies to define mechanical packaging approaches for RF payload hardware across programs.
• Serve as technical point of contact for RF payload mechanical design, coordinating closely with electrical and RF engineering teams.
• Provide technical leadership to suppliers and manufacturing partners, ensuring producibility of RF payload mechanical hardware.
• Coordinate mechanical engineering efforts across programs to align RF payload packaging requirements with electrical interfaces.
• Mentor junior and mid-level mechanical engineers on RF payload packaging design and analysis practices.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field.
• 6+ years of experience in mechanical design and packaging of complex electronic hardware systems.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD tools, such as CATIA, SolidWorks, or NX, for assembly modeling.
• Experience performing structural and thermal analyses using analytical methods or finite element software tools.
• Experience applying GD&T principles and engineering drawing standards, including ASME Y14.5, in mechanical designs.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field, supporting advanced RF hardware design.
• Knowledge of thermal management technologies, including heat sinks and thermal interface materials, for high-power RF hardware.
• Experience packaging RF hardware for space-qualified systems, including radiation, thermal vacuum, and vibration environments.
• Experience mentoring junior and mid-level mechanical engineers on RF payload packaging design and development practices.
• Familiarity with phased array antenna mechanical integration, including panel-level packaging and beamforming module thermal design.
• Experience leading design for manufacturability and testability efforts with contract manufacturers for RF hardware production.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present technical content to cross-functional stakeholders.

Base Pay Range for:

CA applicants is $121,023.00 - $169,432.20
WA applicants is $121,023.00 - $169,432.20

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, 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.
• Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week)
• Paid Time Off:  Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.
• Dependent on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on the company's intent to reward individual contributions and enable them to share in the company's results, or other factors at the company's sole discretion. Bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and subject to change and cancellation. Please check with your recruiter for more details.

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.