Docking Mechanisms Engineer III - Lunar Permanence

About the Role

This role is part of the Lunar Permanence business unit, which develops Blue Origin’s Blue Moon landers and related products. You will work directly with NASA and our National Team Partners as part of the Human Landing System (HLS) Sustaining Lunar Development (SLD) program, playing a key role in developing the Lunar Permanence system that will return humans to the Moon and extend human presence permanently beyond Earth. This position reports to the Docking Mechanisms Subsystem inside the Lunar Permanence business unit.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop safety-critical mechanical components and systems for pressurized docking mechanisms.
• Participate in the entire design cycle of flight hardware, including conceptual and detailed design, trade studies, structural analysis, development testing, and qualification.
• Generate component drawings, assembly drawings, and interface control documents with application of GD&T per ASME Y14.5.
• Create documentation for assembly and testing of development and flight hardware.
• Participate in subsystem-level testing, including planning, execution, data reduction, and analysis.
• Develop component specifications and manage suppliers.
• Leverage experience and engineering judgment to quickly design and produce non-flight, proof-of-concept hardware for fast-moving research and development projects.
• Participate in a small, agile team to create and adapt to frequently shifting priorities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering.
• 5+ years of experience designing aerospace or equivalent type mechanical system elements within aircraft, spacecraft, or launch vehicles.
• Strong mechanical design, integration, and mechanism analysis skills using 3D modeling and simulation tools (CREO preferred).
• Knowledge of manufacturing, assembly, integration, and qualification testing.
• Proficient in technical writing, communicating sophisticated ideas clearly and concisely.
• Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with spacecraft docking systems design, analysis, test, qualification, and production.
• Familiarity with docking system standards, such as the International Docking System Standard (IDSS) and Gateway Docking System Standard (GDSS).
• Knowledge of aerospace mechanisms design practices & standards, including applicable NASA specifications such as NASA-STD-5017.
• Experience with GD&T analysis (ASME Y14.5) and performing tolerance stacks.
• Fluency in mechanisms avionics interfaces and control logic.
• Background in mechanical finite element analysis, statics, and dynamics.
• Experience with thermal design of spacecraft structures & mechanisms.

Pay

Base Pay Range for WA applicants is $121,023.00 - $169,432.20. Other site ranges may differ.

Benefits

• 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%.
• 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.