Ground Systems Fluids Systems Design Engineer

Employer description

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.

Blue Origin is flying New Glenn on the Space Coast today, and scoping the launch sites that will follow. Every one of those pads runs on a fluids backbone: cryogenic propellant storage and transfer, high-pressure gas, water deluge, hydraulics, purge and inerting, environmental control. That backbone has to work on a freezing morning, in a Florida thunderstorm, and at T-zero. We need a design engineer with a couple of years under their belt who wants to own real subsystems on real pads, alongside senior fluids engineers who actually want them in the room when decisions get made.

We’re looking for someone who:

Wants extreme ownership of the subsystems they drawTreats every walkdown and leak check as a chance to learn something the desk version can’t show youIs comfortable making a first cut with incomplete information, then refining as the picture clearsLikes hard problems that don’t come with instructions on how to solveWould rather ship the right answer than debate the perfect one
Key ResponsibilitiesDesign and release cryogenic and high-pressure fluid systems from concept through detailed design, analysis, and hand-off to fabrication: tankage, transfer lines, vent and relief, control valves, panels, manifolds, and the structural supports that carry themOwn P&IDs for assigned subsystems. Draft them, run them through review, maintain configuration through ECNs, and reconcile against as-builtBuild flow-network and thermal models (AFT Fathom, AFT Arrow, GFSSP, Thermal Desktop, or equivalent) to size lines, set valve trims, and predict transient behavior during fill, drain, chill-down, and emergency ventPerform pressure system calcs to ASME B31.3 and B31.12: hoop stress, minimum wall, relief sizing, hydrotest planning. Document the work so the next engineer can pick it up coldWalk down installed hardware. Support leak checks, blowdowns, functional tests, and first cold flow. Fold lessons back into the design instead of writing them into a memo nobody readsCoordinate across mechanical, electrical, controls, structural, and operations to keep the system buildable, operable, and safe. Push back at the interfaces when something doesn’t add upParticipate in PHA, HAZOP, and design reviews with data and a point of view, not just attendanceSupport planning and execution of system-level tests. Analyze the data. Say what it means
Required QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Chemical, or a related engineering discipline2+ years of professional experience in fluid or mechanical system design, analysis, or releaseDemonstrated experience producing P&IDs (not just reading them) and driving them through review and releaseProficiency in at least one fluid network modeling or thermal analysis tool (AFT Fathom / Arrow, GFSSP, Sinda/Fluint, Thermal Desktop, or comparable)Working knowledge of fluid system components: valves, regulators, pumps, fittings, relief devices, filtersWillingness to spend real time in the field: site walks, walkdowns, leak checks, integrated testingStrong communication: written, verbal, and the kind where you have to talk a technician or a vendor off a bad decision without burning the relationshipComfortable rapidly changing roles and priorities in a high-paced, ambiguous environmentAbility to obtain and maintain badging at government installations (Cape Canaveral SFS, KSC)Ability to perform hands-on field work in heat, cold, rain, tight quarters, or at heights
Preferred QualificationsMaster’s degree in a relevant engineering fieldEIT certificate or actively pursuing PEHands-on cryogenic experience (LN2, LOX, LH2, LCH4): pressure testing, cold-flow, valve actuation under cryo, insulation selection, precision-cleaning oxygen serviceHigh-pressure gas system design (helium, nitrogen, hydrogen) or aerospace hydraulicsWorking ASME B31.3 (process piping) and/or B31.12 (hydrogen piping) exposure3D CAD proficiency (Creo, SolidWorks, NX, or similar) with configuration-controlled release experienceCreo and Windchill on a configuration-controlled programTest instrumentation and data acquisition experience: pressure, temperature, flow, strain, high-speed and low-speedPrecision cleaning specifications and material compatibility (oxygen-compat, hydrogen-compat, cryo-compat)Marine and coastal environment awareness: stainless selection, coatings, cathodic protection, corrosion mitigationPrior background at an aerospace, defense, chemical process, oil and gas, semiconductor, or power industry operator or EPC where high-pressure or cryogenic fluids were part of the daily jobFamiliarity with adjacent disciplines (controls, electrical, structural, materials) sufficient to spot when something doesn’t add up at the interfaceOwner’s-rep experience coordinating A/E or specialty contractors through design development and constructionCulture 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 CheckRequired for Certain Job Profiles:  Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installationRequired 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.