Mechanical Systems Engineer III

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!  

The role is part of the In-Space Systems business unit, which is focused on addressing two of the most compelling challenges in spaceflight today: space infrastructure and increasing mobility on-orbit.

The role is part of the Blue National Security business unit, which is focused on delivering advanced space-based capabilities in support of national security missions. Within the Advanced Capabilities organization, this team operates at the forefront of mission engineering and architecture, developing next-generation space systems that address the most demanding and consequential challenges in the defense domain.

As a Mechanical Systems Engineer III, you will play a hands-on role in shaping the mechanical systems that enable Blue Origin's in-space infrastructure and on-orbit mobility missions. You'll apply engineering principles to design, analyze, and optimize mechanical hardware — from study-level concepts through detailed CAD models — while contributing directly to payload accommodation solutions that balance mass, volume, and performance. Partnering closely with cross-functional teams, you'll help resolve mechanical interface challenges, translate system-level requirements into actionable design specifications, and support trade studies that shape critical design decisions. This role offers the opportunity to build foundational systems engineering expertise while working on real aerospace hardware that supports humanity's expansion into space.

Special Mentions:

• This role may be performed from any of Blue Origin's primary U.S. locations, including but not limited to: Kent, WA; Denver, CO; Huntsville, AL; Reston, VA; Los Angeles, CA
• Relocation assistance is available
• Travel requirements: Less than 25%
• An active Top Secret / SCI clearance is not required to start in this role, but candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain one (see Minimum Qualifications)

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Apply engineering techniques to design, install, modify, analyze, and optimize mechanical systems hardware for space applications
• Support study-level mechanical design efforts contributing to mission architecture development and concept exploration
• Support development of structural and mechanical specifications for aerospace products, parts, and associated operations to improve efficiency and reliability
• Contribute to payload accommodation solutions that meet mission requirements while optimizing for mass, volume, and performance
• Conduct basic structural analysis to validate design concepts and identify necessary improvements
• Utilize CAD software to create detailed plans and specifications to support production and integration activities
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify and resolve mechanical interface issues
• Translate system-level requirements into mechanical design specifications
• Support trade studies to evaluate mechanical design alternatives against mission requirements
• Document engineering decisions, analyses, and design rationales to support technical reviews
• Help identify and resolve roadblocks to facilitate integration tasks
• Support the evaluation of new or existing suppliers, products, materials, or technologies
• Understand and comply with all federal regulatory requirements and specifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical field
• 3+ years of experience in mechanical engineering, with exposure to systems engineering principles
• Experience with CAD software (proficiency with Blue Origin's CAD systems preferred)
• Demonstrated ability to perform basic structural analysis and mechanical design
• Experience with aerospace mechanical systems, structures, and mechanisms
• Foundational knowledge of systems engineering principles and processes
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance
• 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:

• Active or current Top Secret / SCI clearance strongly preferred
• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Systems Engineering
• 5+ years of experience in aerospace mechanical systems design and analysis
• Experience with payload accommodation and integration for spacecraft
• Knowledge of space environments and their impact on mechanical systems
• Experience with mechanism design for space applications
• Familiarity with materials selection for aerospace applications
• Experience with requirements development and management
• Background in trade study development and analysis
• Experience with verification and validation of mechanical systems
• Knowledge of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methodologies
• Experience with technical risk assessment and mitigation strategies

 

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 - $169,432.20 VA 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.