Ground Systems Fluids/Mechanical Design Engineer | Mid - Senior Level
Blue Origin · Merritt Island, FL · 1 mo ago
On-siteEngineeringFull-time
About the role
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.
Responsibilities
- 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
- Care for coordination 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
Requirements
- 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
Qualifications
- 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
Skills
- Possession of passion for our mission and vision
- 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)
- Exposure to Process Hazard Analysis (HAZOP, FMEA) or similar safety assessment methodologies
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