Senior Lead Ground System Fluid/Mechanical Engineer

Application close date:

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.

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. Join our team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight! 

This role is part of Blue Origin Operations, which is comprised of Integrated Supply Chain, Test Operations, Safety, Quality, and Mission Assurance. This includes Manufacturing and Supply Chain support across all Blue Origin facilities.

As part of a dynamic and dedicated team of Mechanical and Fluid Engineers and Technical Project Managers, you will play a crucial role in developing systems to test rocket engines, components, and integrated space flight vehicles. As a Senior Lead Ground System Fluid/Mechanical Engineer, you will serve as both a hands-on technical contributor and a technical authority for the design, development, and delivery of complex fluid and mechanical ground test systems. You will personally own and deliver detailed design and analysis packages while simultaneously being a technical leader, driving system architecture decisions, holding program technical approval authority, and shaping the engineering direction of world-class test infrastructure. You will mentor engineers at all levels and represent the team as the prime technical contact with customers and stakeholders. Passion for our mission and vision is required!

Special Mentions

• Relocation available
• Up to 25% travel required between facilities and for field operations from the Kent, Washington location
• Interviews will include a technical assessment

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Lead and personally execute the design and development of fluid and mechanical systems for ground test facilities across the full system lifecycle, from System Requirement Review (SRR) through Pre-Activation Review (PAR), independently and without oversight
• Own and deliver detailed design and analysis packages — including P&IDs, fluid system analyses, pipe stress analyses, structural calculations, and supporting engineering documentation — while also setting quality standards and reviewing the work of engineers at all levels
• Develop advanced technical solutions to complex, cross-disciplinary design challenges in high-pressure gas, cryogenic, and propellant fluid systems; personally execute and own system architecture decisions and trade studies
• Perform engineering reviews of P&IDs, components, and analyses across assigned programs to verify technical accuracy and completeness prior to release
• Own and chair hazard assessments including Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) and Hazard and Operability Studies (HAZOPs); define safety standards and ensure compliance across assigned programs
• Lead design reviews (SRR, IDR, FDR) and build reviews; support PAR and lead final system readiness assessments
• Manage supplier relationships at the program level; lead resolution of complex technical issues affecting cost, schedule, and performance
• Right-size and enforce standards for proof testing, passivation, and cleaning of fluid system components across the team
• Ensure designs meet internal and external industry standards such as ASME B31.3 and ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC); author project-specific interpretations, deviations, and engineering dispositions
• Accountable program schedule, budget, milestones, and technical approval authority for assigned projects
• Lead anomaly investigations and root cause analyses; develop and execute recovery plans for major non-conformances
• Lead technical trade studies for solutions to resolve complex issues.
• Lead on-site support during fabrication, installation, and start-up of new facilities or upgrades; define activation and commissioning strategies
• Mentor, train, and technically develop engineers at all levels; contribute to hiring, onboarding, and skills development
• Representing the team in cross-functional technical reviews as the prime technical contact with customers and external stakeholders
• Drive process improvements, tool development, and capture of best practices at the department level

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
• 8+ years of experience in fluid systems, mechanical systems, or test operations
• Advanced expertise in fluid mechanics, structural analysis, and system integration across the full development lifecycle, with a proven record of personally owning and delivering detailed design and analysis packages
• Expert-level knowledge of fluid system components including valves, regulators, and pumps for cryogenic, propellant, and high-pressure gas applications
• Deep knowledge of standard installation and fabrication methods for piping systems, connections, fasteners, and welding
• Advanced-level knowledge of ASME B31.3 and ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC), including the ability to author project-specific interpretations and deviations
• Expert-level ability to review, approve, and personally produce engineering drawings and P&IDs
• Demonstrated ability to independently lead complex projects, own technical decisions, and drive hardware to delivery
• Proven track record of mentoring and developing engineers across multiple experience levels
• Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to a culture of inclusion
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to present at program and executive-level reviews

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced engineering degree
• Experience with PTC Creo/ProEngineer, ProPiping, or AutoCAD Plant/P&ID
• Experience with PLM configuration management tools such as Windchill
• Experience with pipe stress analysis tools such as Bentley AutoPipe, CAESAR II, or equivalent
• Experience 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)
• Extensive experience with propellant handling or propulsion system design and testing
• Experience chairing Process Hazard Analysis (HAZOP, FMEA) and managing PSM programs
• Experience leading commissioning, activation, and operational readiness of large-scale test facilities

Base Pay Range for:

WA applicants is $145,188.00 - $203,263.20

Other site ranges may differ

Culture Statement

Don’t meet all desired requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At Blue Origin, we are dedicated to building an authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every desired qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Export Control Regulations

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.

Background Check

• Required for all positions: Blue’s Standard Background Check
• Required for Certain Job Profiles: Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installation
• Required for Certain Job Profiles: Drivers who operate Commercial Motor Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or combination of power unit and trailer that meets or exceeds 10,001 lbs. and/or transports placardable amounts of hazardous materials by ground in any vehicle on a public road while in commerce, may be subject to additional Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations including: Driver Qualification Files, Medical Certification (obtained before onboarding), Road Test, Hours of Service, Drug and Alcohol Testing, vehicle inspection requirements, CDL requirements (if applicable) and hazardous materials transportation/shipping training.
• Required for certain Job Profiles: Ability to obtain and maintain Merchant Mariner Credential, which includes pre-employment and random drug testing as well as DOT physical

Benefits

• Benefits include: 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%, and an 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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Blue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified and dedicated work force. Blue Origin hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Blue Origin will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Washington Fair Chance Act, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws. For more information on “Know Your Rights,” please see here.

Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation

Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin’s Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us at EEOCompliance@blueorigin.com. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.