Mechanical/Fluids Engineer (any level)

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

• Applies standard engineering techniques to design, install, modify, analyze, repair and test tools, engines, machines, and other mechanically functioning equipment.
• Development, release, and support of engineering artifacts across the development cycle to support hardware fabrication, assembly, verification, test and operations.
• Implements operating procedures, resolves system malfunctions, and provide technical information.
• Researches and analyzes customer design proposals, specifications, manuals, and other data to evaluate the feasibility, cost, and maintenance requirements of designs or applications.
• Specifies system components or directs modification of products to ensure conformance with engineering design and performance specifications.
• Investigates equipment failures and difficulties to diagnose faulty operation, and to make recommendations to maintenance crew.
• 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.
• Coordinate 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.
• Assemble and maintain a robust technical knowledge base.
• Contribute to the development of new test systems and processes.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure successful project delivery.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• 3+ years of experience in fluid systems, mechanical systems, or test operations.
• Foundational knowledge of fluid mechanics, structural analysis, and system integration.
• 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.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Qualifications

• Advanced engineering degree preferred.
• 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.
• Exposure to propellant handling or propulsion system design and testing.

Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to learn and adapt to new technologies and processes.

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.
• Paid Time Off: Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.
• Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week).

Pay

Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience.

Schedule

The schedule is flexible and can vary based on project needs.