Mechanisms Engineer 3
Blue Origin
Mechanisms Engineer 3
Blue Origin
Builds rockets, engines and lunar spacecraft
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.At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth.We’reworking 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!
About the Role
The Emerging Systems business unit at Blue Origin is pioneering the future of space-based communications withTeraWave, a revolutionary satellite communications network designed to deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6Tbpsanywhere on Earth. This multi-orbit constellation will consist of 5,408 optically interconnected satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) and 128 satellites in medium Earth orbit (MEO), providing enterprise-grade connectivity for critical operations worldwide.
Blue Origin's Emerging Systems is seeking a driven Mechanisms Engineer III to join a small, fast-moving team developing precision mechanical systems for theTeraWaveconstellation. On a lean team, you will personally own significant mechanism design scope end-to-end — from concept through qualification — with a high degree of autonomy and accountability for your hardware. You will work shoulder-to-shoulder with senior and principal engineers, but you will be thedirectly responsibleengineer for the mechanisms you take on.
Special Mentions
Relocationassistanceis available for qualified candidates.
Travel expectations: Up to 20% travel may berequiredfor integration activities, launch campaigns, and customer/vendor meetings.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Own the design and development of precision gimbal assemblies and pointing mechanisms for space-based optical communications terminals, from concept through flight qualification
Develop and be accountable for mechanism-level performance requirements, error budgets, and design margins across structural, thermal, and dynamic domains
Drive design trades for gimbal configurations, balancing mass, volume, stiffness, pointing accuracy, and on-orbit lifetime, and defend your recommendations in design reviews
Plan and execute mechanism qualification including component- and system-level testing in shock, vibration, and thermal vacuum environments, and own the resulting data and corrective actions
Author andmaintainmechanism design documentation, analysis reports, and test procedures supporting hardware build and test
Coordinate directly with cross-functional partners on mechanism integration, harness routing, and interface definition — acting as the point of contact for your hardware
Partner with senior and principal engineers on the toughest technical problems, escalating risks early and proposing solutions
Support production transition through tolerance analysis, DFM/DFA improvements, and direct supplier engagement
Examples ofadditionalareas where you may contribute include:
Motor and encoderselectionfor precision drive systems
Bearing selection, preload analysis, and lubrication strategies for space mechanisms
Mechanism-level FMEA and reliability analysis
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering,Automotiveor related technical field
5+ years of experience in precision mechanisms design for space, aerospace, or high-reliability applications
Demonstrated ability to independently own the design, analysis, and qualification of gimbal assemblies, multi-axis pointing mechanisms, or similar precision mechanical systems
Proficiencyin 3D CAD software (e.g., Creo, NX, SolidWorks) and finite element analysis tools (e.g., ANSYS, NASTRAN,Comsol)
Working knowledge of mechanism kinematics, dynamics, and structural analysis
Hands-on experience with space qualification testing including vibration, shock, and thermal vacuum
Experience with bearing systems, drive trains, or precision actuators for space mechanisms
Solid understanding of GD&T, tolerance stack-up analysis, and interface control documentation
Familiarity with Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles
Self-directed work style witha strong senseof ownership and the ability to thrive with minimal oversight on a small team
Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering,Automotiveor related field
Experience with optical communications terminals orlasercompointing, acquisition, and tracking (PAT) systems
Exposure to lubrication and tribology for space mechanisms (e.g., dry film, ionic liquid, oil-impregnated)
Familiarity with STOP (Structural-Thermal-Optical-Performance) analysis workflows
Experience supporting transition of precision mechanisms from development into production
Exposure to statistical process control or production data analysis for mechanism performance verification
Why Blue Origin
At Blue Origin, we are driven by our company motto, GradatimFerociter, meaning "Step by Step,Ferociously." We believe in methodical innovation to achieve our vision of enabling millions of people to live and work in space for the benefit of Earth. As a Mechanisms Engineer III on a small, high-ownership Opto-Mechanical Systems team, you will have outsized impact and direct accountability for hardware that will fly on theTeraWaveconstellation.You'llwork alongside world-class engineers on challenging problems, have access tostate-of-the-artfacilities, and see your designs through from sketch to orbit.
Base Pay Range for:
CA applicants is $121,023.00 - $169,432.20
CO applicants is $110,938.00 - $155,312.85
WA applicants is $121,023.00 - $169,432.20Other 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
Benefits
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.
Builds rockets, engines and lunar spacecraft
Blue Origin builds rockets, engines and spacecraft for commercial satellite operators and government space programs. Its New Glenn orbital rocket uses a reusable first stage, while Blue Moon landers are designed to transport cargo and astronauts to the lunar surface. The company designs and manufactures liquid-fueled propulsion systems, and its New Shepard vehicle is built for short suborbital trips carrying people and research payloads. Customers pay for launch services and engines, and government development contracts fund work on systems for exploration beyond Earth orbit. Founded by Jeff Bezos in 2000, Blue Origin is headquartered in Kent, Washington.
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