Sr. Technical Designer (Space Resources)

Application close date:

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!

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 Advanced Concepts and Enterprise Engineering (ACE), supporting Blue Origin's mission of millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. The team fosters innovation and drives engineering workflows of the future, shared solutions and standards, simplicity and lower costs, and manufacturable design.

In this hands-on, on-site role based at our North Hollywood (CA) facility, you will collaborate closely with the Space Resources Program team, owning subsystem-level design scope with minimal day-to-day oversight. We are looking for an experienced, self-motivated technical designer who brings deep CAD expertise, design leadership capabilities, and an unwavering commitment to quality and safety. You will translate engineering concepts into detailed, manufacturable hardware while communicating design rationale and trade-offs to deliver high-quality drawings and models in a safety- and mission-critical environment.

The pace at Blue Origin is brisk, with rapid cycles of design, analysis, and iteration aimed at delivering scalable solutions. We need someone who is adaptable, proactive, eager to learn, and uncompromising on drawing quality, design for manufacturing, and safety. Creativity, a spirit of innovation, and the ability to manage evolving design requirements are key to thriving on our inclusive, open-minded, and forward-thinking team. Passion for our mission is required!

Key Responsibilities

Develop detailed 3D CAD models and production drawings for mechanical, electromechanical, and fluid systems, including:

• Test equipment and test stands for component and system validation
• Ground support equipment (GSE) for development and test operations
• Assembly, handling, and integration tooling
• Structural assemblies, weldments, and machined components
• Mechanisms, actuators, and mechanical interfaces
• Gas and liquid fluid systems: plumbing assemblies, manifolds, pressure vessels, and flow control hardware
• Pressurized and vacuum systems for test and process applications

Create comprehensive design documentation:

• Production drawings with full GD&T per ASME Y14.5 standards
• Assembly drawings with bills of materials and assembly sequences
• Installation drawings and interface control documentation
• Weld symbols, surface finish callouts, and material specifications
• Drawing packages that meet Blue Origin standards and industry best practices

Design electromechanical systems and electrical installations:

• Cable routing, harness layouts, and connector integration
• Electrical enclosures, panel layouts, and mounting hardware
• Sensor and instrumentation mounting and integration
• Power distribution hardware and control system packaging

Collaborate directly with engineers and other designers:

• Interpret design concepts, sketches, and technical requirements
• Provide design for manufacturing (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) feedback
• Identify and resolve design conflicts, interferences, and manufacturing concerns
• Support design reviews and incorporate feedback into models and drawings

Execute design and release process independently:

• Manage design changes through PLM/PDM systems (Windchill or similar)
• Coordinate with manufacturing, quality, and supply chain on design releases
• Create and release engineering changes (ECOs/ECRs)
• Ensure all documentation meets configuration management requirements

Support analysis and design validation:

• Perform basic finite element analysis (FEA) for stress, deflection, and thermal analysis
• Size structural members, fasteners, and weld joints per industry standards
• Validate designs against weight, envelope, and interface requirements
• Create design concepts and trade study models

Design specialty hardware and systems:

• Vacuum systems: chambers, flanges, seals, feedthroughs, and pumping assemblies
• Pressurized gas and liquid systems: tubing, fittings, regulators, and pressure-containing components
• Thermal systems: heat exchangers, insulation, and temperature control hardware
• Test instrumentation integration: pressure, temperature, flow, and data acquisition interfaces
• Lifting and handling fixtures with proper rigging and safety factors

Maintain exceptional drawing quality and standards:

• Ensure clarity, completeness, and manufacturability of all drawings
• Follow Blue Origin drafting standards and industry best practices
• Create drawings that minimize shop questions and rework
• Mentor junior designers on drawing quality and standards

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in engineering technology, industrial engineering, CAD/Design, or related technical field
• 10+ years of professional CAD design experience in aerospace, defense, or industrial manufacturing
• OR High school diploma/GED with 10+ years of relevant design experience
• Expert proficiency in 3D CAD software (NX, CATIA, SolidWorks, or similar)
• Demonstrated expertise in:

• Creating production drawings per ASME Y14.5 GD&T standards
• Mechanical design: structural components, weldments, machined parts, sheet metal
• Fluid system design: gas and liquid tubing, piping, fittings, valves, and pressure vessels
• Electromechanical design: cable routing, mounting hardware, and electrical integration
• Test equipment and GSE design

Proficiency with:

• PLM/PDM systems (Windchill preferred)
• Design and release processes, including ECO/ECR workflows
• Basic FEA tools (ANSYS, SolidWorks Simulation, or similar)
• Microsoft Office and collaboration tools

• Ability to read and interpret engineering specifications, P&IDs, electrical schematics, and technical requirements
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes: machining, welding, sheet metal fabrication, assembly
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to drawing quality
• Self-sufficient and able to work independently with minimal supervision
• Ability to work extended hours as needed to support program milestones
• 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, consistent with U.S. export control requirements

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering technology or related field

• 15+ years of design experience in aerospace or high-reliability industries
• Extensive test equipment and GSE design experience:

• Test stands and test fixtures
• Component and subsystem test apparatus
• Handling and lifting fixtures
• Assembly jigs and fixtures
• Integration tooling
• Alignment and measurement tooling

Advanced design experience with:

• Vacuum systems: chambers, flanges, seals, pumps, and vacuum-compatible hardware
• High-pressure gas and liquid systems (>3,000 psi)
• Cryogenic fluid systems and insulation
• Complex fluid system layouts with multiple gas and liquid services
• Test instrumentation and data acquisition integration
• Thermal processing and environmental test equipment

Proficiency with advanced FEA techniques:

• Linear and non-linear stress analysis
• Thermal analysis and thermal-structural coupling
• Pressure vessel and containment analysis
• Fatigue and fracture mechanics
• Hand calculations to validate FEA results

Experience with:

• Cleanroom-compatible hardware design
• Design for precision assembly and alignment
• Design for test and maintainability
• Design to industry codes and standards (AISC, ASME BPVC, AWS, NFPA 70)

Strong design concept development skills:

• Rapid concept modeling and trade studies
• Design optimization for cost, weight, and performance
• Creative problem-solving for complex packaging challenges

• Demonstrated ability to mentor and train junior designers
• Experience with rapid prototyping and iterative design environments for development programs Excellent communication skills for working with cross-functional teams

Base Pay Range for:

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 [email protected]. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.