Mechanical Engineer II - Mechanism Design

About the Role

This role supports the development and operations of New Glenn, a single-configuration, heavy-lift orbital launch vehicle capable of routinely carrying people and payloads to low-Earth orbit, geostationary transfer orbit, cislunar, and beyond. Its first stage is fully reusable, and the vehicle was designed from the beginning to be human-capable. As part of a small, hard-working, and accomplished team of experts, you will advance the design, development, and test of launch vehicle Umbilical Systems for New Glenn. This position will directly impact the history of space exploration and will require your dedication and detailed attention towards safe and repeatable spaceflight.

Relocation provided. Up to 10% travel may be required. Interviews will include a technical assessment.

Responsibilities

• Design and analyze mechanisms for next-generation umbilical systems including disconnect mechanisms, attach/release devices, latches, actuators, linkages, and kinematic assemblies
• Participate in the entire design cycle of umbilical mechanisms, including conceptual and detailed design, trade studies, structural analysis, development testing, and qualification
• Generate 3-D models, kinematic simulations, component drawings, assembly drawings, and interface control documents with application of GD&T per ASME Y14.5
• Perform tolerance stack-up analysis for mechanical assemblies
• 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
• Rapidly design and produce proof-of-concept hardware for research and development projects
• Collaborate within a small, agile team to rapidly mature the next-generation umbilical system to flight readiness

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent
• 3+ years of experience designing aerospace or equivalent type mechanical system elements within aircraft, spacecraft, or launch vehicles
• Experience designing mechanisms such as latches, actuators, linkages, hinges, disconnect devices, or similar kinematic assemblies
• Strong mechanical design, integration, and mechanism analysis skills using 3D modeling and simulation tools (CREO preferred)
• Proficiency in Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (ASME Y14.5) and performing tolerance stacks
• Working knowledge of mechanism loads analysis, free-body diagrams, and basic structural hand calculations
• Working knowledge of fabrication and manufacturing processes
• Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to a culture of inclusion
• 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

• Experience in structural FEA using ANSYS, NASTRAN, or similar tools for stress analysis
• Experience with high-cycle mechanical systems, fatigue considerations, and life prediction methods
• Experience with aerospace umbilicals, doors, latches, and disconnect mechanisms
• Experience with fluid systems including hydraulic, pneumatic, or cryogenic applications
• Experience testing mechanisms including functional testing, life testing, and environmental qualification testing
• Experience with spring design, preload calculations, and fastener analysis

Pay

Base Pay Range for CO applicants is $90,934.00 - $127,307.25. WA applicants is $99,201.00 - $138,880.35. 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, 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.