Ground Systems Fluids/Mechanical Design Engineer

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! 

This role is part of the New Shepard program. New Shepard is a reusable suborbital rocket system designed to take astronauts and research payloads past the Kármán line – the internationally recognized boundary of space. Through operational reusability, New Shepard supports our mission of lowering the cost of access to space.

As part of a dynamic and dedicated team of Mechanical and Fluid Engineers, you will play a crucial role in developing systems to test rocket engines, components, and integrated space flight vehicles. As a Ground System Fluid/Mechanical Engineer II, you will contribute to all aspects of test stand design across the full system lifecycle — designing fluid and structural systems for test facilities, supporting supplier coordination, and helping bring new test systems from concept through commissioning. You will grow your technical expertise while delivering meaningful work on world-class test infrastructure under the guidance of senior engineers. Passion for our mission and vision is required!

Special Mentions

• Relocation available

• Up to 25% travel required between facilities and for field operations from the Kent, Washington location

• Interviews will include a technical assessment

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Support design and development of fluid and mechanical systems for ground test facilities across the system lifecycle, from System Requirement Review (SRR) through Pre-Activation Review (PAR)

• Develop and release engineering deliverables including P&IDs, models, drawings, eBOMs, and engineering analyses under the guidance of senior engineers

• Apply fluid mechanics, structural analysis, and system integration fundamentals to the design of high-pressure gas, cryogenic, and propellant fluid systems — including process architecture, layout, and component selection

• Design and develop mechanical test fixtures and structural supports

• Support hazard assessments including Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) and Hazard and Operability Studies (HAZOPs)

• Participate in design reviews (IDR, FDR) and build reviews; support PAR readiness activities including system walkdowns

• Coordinate with suppliers on technical requirements under supervision; support tracking of cost and schedule inputs

• Support proof testing, passivation, and cleaning of fluid system components to required IEST cleanliness standards

• Apply industry standards including ASME B31.3 and ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) to design work

• Provide on-site support during fabrication, installation, and start-up of new facilities or upgrades

• Identify and communicate technical, cost, and schedule risks to the team or project lead

• Maintain configuration management of engineering deliverables in Windchill

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field

• Experience in fluid systems, mechanical systems, or test operations (3+ years, Level II | 5+ years, Level III | 8+ years, Level IV)

• Foundational knowledge of fluid mechanics, structural analysis, and system integration

• Demonstrated knowledge of fluid system components including valves, regulators, and pumps for cryogenic, propellant, and high-pressure gas applications

• Practical knowledge of standard installation and fabrication methods for piping systems, connections, fasteners, and welding

• Working knowledge of industry standards including ASME B31.3 and ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC)

• Ability to create and interpret engineering drawings and P&IDs

• Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to a culture of inclusion

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• 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

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced engineering degree

• Experience with PTC Creo/ProEngineer, ProPiping, or AutoCAD Plant/P&ID

• Experience with PLM configuration management tools such as Windchill

• Familiarity with pipe stress analysis tools such as Bentley AutoPipe, CAESAR II, or equivalent

• Familiarity with fluid system simulation tools such as AFT Arrow/Fathom or equivalent

• Experience with static or non-linear FEA analysis (e.g., ANSYS)

• Knowledge of aerospace fluid system cleanliness standards (IEST-STD-CC1246)

• Familiarity with propellant handling or propulsion system design and testing

• Exposure to Process Hazard Analysis (HAZOP, FMEA) or similar safety assessment methodologies

• Experience operating or commissioning test facilities

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.

• 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.