Fluid Systems Engineer III - Lunar Permanence
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. This role is part of the Lunar Permanence business unit, which develops Blue Origin’s Blue Moon landers and related products. We are building sustainable infrastructure for our transport of crew and cargo from Earth to the lunar surface.
About the role
We are looking for a fluids design engineer to help craft the gas systems for the Lunar Transfer Stage spacecraft. Work will include the complete life cycle of the sub-assembly from definition, interfaces, conceptual design, detailed design, component development, assembly, verification, and operations. This position spans initial design, analysis, hardware procurement, launch, and in-space operations.
A successful candidate will understand fluid systems, components, fluid dynamics, and compressible flow for space vehicles. The position will work under a lead engineer accountable for gas and thruster systems, focusing on gas distribution, storage, and RCS thruster assemblies. Responsibilities include valves, pumps, heat exchangers, sensors, piping, and other fluids equipment. The team will size, select materials, and analyze components for structural integrity due to pressure, vibration, fracture, and fatigue.
You will collaborate with suppliers or internal groups to identify components and support procurement, fabrication, and installation. Additionally, you will manage project plans, including cost and schedule for your sub-assembly. This role directly supports the Transfer Stage Vehicle within the Lunar Permanence Business Unit, contributing to the development of the Lunar Transportation system that will return humans to the Moon and extend human presence permanently beyond Earth.
Responsibilities
- Fluids sub-assembly design and development, including designing parts and assemblies in CAD (Creo preferred), performing trade studies, procurement of components, and analysis of test data.
- Interpreting and generating Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) using AutoCAD.
- Developing and maintaining acceptance and qualification test plans for subsystems and components.
- Developing and maintaining interface definitions between fluid systems and other vehicle subsystems.
- Designing and analyzing custom components for fluid, thermal, and structural applications.
- Performing component verification of internally and externally sourced components to company standards.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or equivalent.
- 3-5 years of proven experience in the design of aerospace fluid or mechanical systems, including test execution and verification.
- Hands-on experience building and testing mechanical assemblies or pressurized components/systems.
- Experience using engineering tools such as: Simulink, Matlab, Thermal Desktop, Engineering Equation Solver (EES), Aft Arrow.
- Experience in 3D CAD programs (Creo preferred).
- Experience in requirement management tools (JAMA preferred).
- Proficiency in crafting engineering drawings with GD&T (ASME Y14.5).
- Experience performing flow and pressure calculations as well as structural and thermal analysis of fluid systems.
- Proven understanding of fluid components such as valves, pumps, heat exchangers, tubing, and pressurized hardware.
- Knowledge of standard installation and fabrication methods of fluid systems (tube stock, fittings, connections, fasteners, welding, etc.).
- Excellent verbal, written, and graphical communications skills.
- Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships.
Desired
- Advanced degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related engineering field.
- Experience with hydrogen and oxygen systems and/or hypergol systems.
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.
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 additional benefits and bonuses based on individual contributions and company results.
Pay
Base Pay Range for WA applicants is $121,023.00 - $169,432.20. Other site ranges may differ.