Mechanisms Engineer II — Opto-Mechanical Systems
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!
Blue Origin is pioneering the future of space-based communications with TeraWave, a revolutionary satellite communications network designed to deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps anywhere on Earth. This multi-orbit constellation will consist of optically interconnected satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) and medium Earth orbit (MEO), providing enterprise-grade connectivity for critical operations worldwide.At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth.We’reworking 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!
About the Role
The Emerging Systems business unit at Blue Origin is pioneering the future of space-based communications withTeraWave, a revolutionary satellite communications network designed to deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6Tbpsanywhere on Earth. This multi-orbit constellation will consist of 5,408 optically interconnected satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) and 128 satellites in medium Earth orbit (MEO), providing enterprise-grade connectivity for critical operations worldwide.
Blue Origin's Emerging Systems is seeking a motivated Mechanisms Engineer II to support the design, analysis, and qualification of precision mechanical systems for theTeraWaveconstellation. In this role, you will work under the guidance of senior and principal engineers, contributing to gimbal assemblies, pointing mechanisms, and related hardware while building yourexpertisein space mechanism design. This is an excellent opportunity to grow your skills on challenging spaceflight hardware within a collaborative, mentorship-focused team.
Special Mentions
Relocationassistanceis available for qualified candidates.
Travel expectations: Up to 20% travel may berequiredfor integration activities, launch campaigns, and customer/vendor meetings.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Support the design and development of precision gimbal assemblies and pointing mechanisms for space-based optical communications terminals, under the direction of senior engineers
Assistin developing mechanism-level performance requirements, error budgets, and design margins across structural, thermal, and dynamic domains
Perform design trade studies and analyses for gimbal configurations (mass, volume, stiffness, pointing accuracy, on-orbit lifetime) with guidance and review from senior staff
Support mechanism qualification activities including component- and system-level testing in shock, vibration, and thermal vacuum environments
Prepare mechanism design documentation, analysis reports, and test procedures for senior engineer review
Collaborate with cross-functional teams on mechanism integration, harness routing, and interface definition
Apply mechanism design principles and analysis methods while developing your skills under the mentorship of senior and principal engineers
Support production transition activities including tolerance analysis and DFM/DFA reviews
Examples ofadditionalareas where you may contribute include:
Motor and encoderselectionfor precision drive systems
Bearing selection, preload analysis, and lubrication strategies for space mechanisms
Mechanism-level FMEA and reliability analysis
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering,Automotiveor related technical field
2+ years of experience in mechanisms design for space, aerospace, or high-reliability applications
Exposure to the design or analysis of gimbal assemblies, multi-axis pointing mechanisms, or similar precision mechanical systems
Proficiencyin 3D CAD software (e.g., Creo, NX, SolidWorks); exposure to finite element analysis tools (e.g., ANSYS, NASTRAN,Comsol)
Foundational knowledge of mechanism kinematics, dynamics, and structural analysis
Familiarity with space qualification testing concepts including vibration, shock, and thermal vacuum
Familiarity with bearing systems, drive trains, or precision actuators
Working knowledge of GD&T, tolerance stack-up analysis, and interface control documentation
Awareness of Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles
Eagerness to learn and grow under mentorship, with strong collaboration and communication skills
Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering,Automotiveor related field
Exposure to optical communications terminals orlasercompointing, acquisition, and tracking (PAT) systems
Exposure to lubrication and tribology for space mechanisms (e.g., dry film, ionic liquid, oil-impregnated)
Awareness of STOP (Structural-Thermal-Optical-Performance) analysis workflows
Interest in transitioning precision mechanisms from development into production
Exposure to statistical process control or production data analysis
Why Blue Origin
At Blue Origin, we are driven by our company motto, GradatimFerociter, meaning "Step by Step,Ferociously." We believe in methodical innovation to achieve our vision of enabling millions of people to live and work in space for the benefit of Earth. As a Mechanisms Engineer II for Opto-Mechanical Systems, you will grow your engineering skills alongside world-class teams, learn from experienced mentors, and contribute to revolutionary optical communication technologies for theTeraWaveconstellation - all while working on missions that will shape the future of space exploration and utilization.
Base Pay Range for:
CA applicants is $99,201.00 - $138,880.35 CO applicants is $90,934.00 - $127,307.25 WA applicants is $99,201.00 - $138,880.35Other 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 [email protected]. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.