Sr. Automation Mechanical Engineer

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 Blue Origin Operations, which includes Integrated Supply Chain, Test Operations, Safety, Quality, and Mission Assurance, supporting Manufacturing and Supply Chain across all Blue Origin facilities.

Blue Origin is a spaceflight and exploration company founded on the belief that humanity's future depends on our ability to live and work in space. We aim to lower the cost of access to space through reusable launch vehicles and in-space systems, enabling a future where millions thrive in space. We value curiosity, passion, integrity, and a relentless drive to achieve our mission.

About This Role

Blue Origin's Factory Automation team, part of the Advanced Manufacturing organization within Operations, serves as the in-house automation integrator. We design, build, and deploy custom equipment and systems that enable scalable, repeatable production across Blue Origin's manufacturing business units. We develop automated solutions that directly drive the delivery of Blue Origin's products across current and future programs.

We seek an experienced Mechanical Engineer with deep hands-on expertise in custom automation design—someone who thrives in a build-it-and-refine-it environment and takes full technical ownership from concept through commissioning. In this role, you will lead the mechanical design of automated manufacturing equipment and collaborate across engineering disciplines to deliver production-ready systems. We value engineers who understand the "why" behind their designs, reason from physics and engineering fundamentals, diagnose root causes, and develop sound mechanical solutions to novel challenges. A passion for our mission and the discipline of building reliable systems is essential.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with applications engineers on conceptual automated manufacturing equipment and provide feedback to product design teams to improve Design for Manufacturability.
• Lead mechanical design of custom automated manufacturing equipment using 3D CAD.
• Design custom automation equipment including robotic end-of-arm tooling, material handling systems, fixtures, weldments, machine frames, safety guarding, and production cell layouts.
• Apply engineering first principles—including mechanics, kinematics, and materials science—to analyze system behavior, evaluate design trade-offs, and develop technically sound solutions to novel mechanical challenges.
• Drive iterative development cycles; make pragmatic design trade-offs to balance performance, cost, and schedule constraints.
• Integrate mechanical, electronic, pneumatic, and related components into unified systems.
• Lead equipment commissioning, startup, and production ramp-up; own resolution of mechanical issues during installation and debug.
• Create and deliver mechanical documentation packages including BOMs, drawings, recommended spare parts lists, and assembly procedures.
• Provide technical input to project schedules and budgets throughout the project lifecycle.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.
• Minimum 6 years of experience in the from-scratch design, assembly, and commissioning of custom automated tooling or manufacturing equipment, with demonstrated application of mechanical principles including load calculations, material selection, and motion/kinematics.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD for mechanical design (CREO, SolidWorks, or equivalent).
• Working knowledge of control systems, robotics, and automated industrial equipment, machines, and processes.
• Demonstrated ability to create, interpret, and review mechanical drawings and engineering documentation.
• 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

• Advanced CREO parametric modeling including top-down design and family tables.
• Experience with ANSYS or similar engineering simulation software for structural analysis, finite element analysis (FEA), or other multiphysics simulations.
• Familiarity with PLC, robot, and CNC programming for industrial control systems.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and review electrical drawings.
• Demonstrated history of delivering custom automated equipment projects from concept through production ramp-up.
• Experience identifying product features that complicate automation and recommending design modifications to support Design for Automated Manufacturing (DfAM).
• Demonstrated ability to apply engineering fundamentals—including mechanics, structural analysis, and kinematics—to diagnose complex system failures and develop first-principles solutions in novel or undefined problem spaces.

Don’t have all the listed qualifications? Blue Origin is committed to building a diverse team. If you meet the basic qualifications and are excited about this role, we encourage you to apply.

Pay

Base pay range for CO applicants is $181,626.00 - $254,275.35. Other site ranges may differ.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 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 performance (eligibility and amounts are not guaranteed).

Bonus amounts and eligibility are subject to change and cancellation. Please check with your recruiter for more details.