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 Lunar Permanence business unit, which develops Blue Origin’s Blue Moon landers and related products. To further Blue Origin's mission of millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth, we are building sustainable infrastructure for our transport of crew and cargo from Earth to the lunar surface.

We are actively seeking a highly experienced Principal Structural Analyst to play a pivotal role in our ambitious Zero Boil Off (ZBO) cryocooler program, focused on pushing the boundaries of aerospace technology. As part of a small, passionate, mission driven, and accomplished team of experts, you will collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, qualify, and integrate ZBO’s cryocooler technology onto launch vehicles and/or payloads. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 15 years of experience designing, analyzing, qualifying, and launching flight hardware. Additionally, the candidate should be technically ambitious, have grit, and a proven track record of developing processes for new technology. This position is based in Kent, WA.

Special Mentions:

Relocation provided
Travel expected up to 15% of the time
Interviews will include a technical assessment

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Develop, execute, and manage structural analyses, reports, and qual test plans of flight hardware
Lead and mentor engineers and insist on the highest standards
Collaborate with multidisciplinary groups across programs and earn the trust of others
Evaluate and refine designs to ensure performance, reliability, and cost effectiveness
Conduct static and dynamic finite element analysis to determine stress, deformation, and fatigue characteristics
Evaluate and recommend materials and manufacturing processes for structural components
Support the design, manufacturing, assembly, testing, and qualification of new flight hardware
Participate in anomaly resolution and failure investigation efforts
Review and approve designs, changes, and risk assessments/mitigations
Lead technical presentations and communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders
Ensure compliance with company, industry, and regulatory requirements and standards

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
A minimum of 10 years of experience in analysis and design
Expert knowledge of finite element analysis, structural dynamics, thermal environments, and problem solving skills
Strong technical knowledge of complex vehicle packaging systems, including pressure vessels, thermal isolation, vibration isolation, and structural supports required to sustain environmental loads
Experience in specifying launch or space vehicle testing requirements of low/high cycle fatigue, fracture, creep, shock, and vibration response tests
Experience developing Maximum Predicted Environments (MPEs) for space vehicle components
Experience with component sensitivity analysis to random vibration and shock environments
Experience managing technical reporting, requirements, verifications, and certification documents
Experience leading complex aerospace development programs through the complete lifecycle from initial design and requirements definition to successful flight operations and mission completion
Proficient in simulation tools (such as ANSYS or NASTRAN) and CAD software (such as CREO, NX, Catia)
Experience with industry and regulatory requirements such as NASA-STD-5020, ANSI/AIAA S-080A-2018, JSC 65829, SMC-S-016
Experience setting technical direction for complex systems, including conducting trade studies and system optimization analyses to evaluate low, medium, and high-performance technical architecture options
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate technical concepts to non-technical audiences

Preferred Qualifications:

Masters or PhD in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering or related field
Successfully designed, analyzed, qualified, and launched space vehicle hardware (including valves, turbomachinery, heat exchangers, and pressure vessels)
Knowledge and familiarity with fatigue and fracture mechanics
Experience in executing launch or space vehicle testing, including low/high cycle fatigue, fracture, creep, shock, and vibration response tests
Experience interpreting and applying SMC-S-016 vibration environments to large system models
Experience with analyzing pneumatic/cryogenic pressure systems - including fluid fittings, flexible elements, welded tubing, weight critical pressure vessels, and separation critical fastened joints
Experience in resolving anomalies, conducting root cause analyses, presenting/dispositioning high value mission critical engineering significant non-conformances
Experience chairing at decision making meetings

Base Pay Range for:

WA applicants is $145,188.00 - $203,263.20

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 (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 EEOCompliance@blueorigin.com. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.

Senior Structural Analyst – Lunar Permanence