Senior Satellite Structural Analyst - TeraWave

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!  

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’re not just building the future of space exploration—we’re revolutionizing global connectivity through our TeraWave satellite network. As a Senior Satellite Structural Analyst, you will support the structural design, analysis, verification, and test activities that enable reliable spacecraft production and operation at constellation scale. You will work closely with structures, configuration, systems, manufacturing, AIT, test, and external integration teams to assess structural performance, resolve technical challenges, and mature hardware from concept through qualification and flight readiness.

Join our team and help build a space-based network designed for tomorrow, where your expertise will directly contribute to creating reliable connectivity anywhere on Earth.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Support structural analysis and verification of TeraWave spacecraft structures, mechanisms, and mechanical interfaces throughout design, qualification, acceptance, and flight-readiness activitiesIndependently plan and execute assigned structural-analysis work packages, from requirements definition and model development through margin closure, test correlation, and final documentationDefine and maintain structural design criteria, load cases, and analysis assumptions for assigned hardware using applicable launch-vehicle, dispenser, transportation, ground-handling, test, and on-orbit environmentsSupport development and maintenance of structural requirements, mechanical ICDs, and interface loads documentation for spacecraft subsystems, MGSE, dispenser, and launch-vehicle interfaces, as assignedPerform comprehensive structural analysis on primary and secondary satellite structures using classical hand calculations and advanced finite element analysis (FEA) techniquesDevelop and validate detailed finite element models of satellite components, subsystems, and full spacecraft to satisfy launch and on-orbit requirementsAnalyze and verify structural designs for applicable launch, ground-handling, transportation, test, and on-orbit environments, including quasi-static, random vibration, sine vibration, acoustic, shock, thermal distortion, and fatigue as applicableEvaluate structural margins of safety for critical components and verify structural integrity through analysis and testingIdentify structural constraints and recommend mitigation strategies for design challengesCollaborate with cross-functional teams, including mechanical design, systems engineering, manufacturing, AIT, and test, to optimize structural designs that meet stiffness, strength, mass, manufacturability, and performance requirementsDevelop structural-analysis inputs to qualification and acceptance test plans; support test execution, instrumentation definition, data review, anomaly resolution, and correlation of analytical models to test resultsCorrelate analytical models to test data and update models, margins, and verification evidence as requiredSupport manufacturing, AIT, and operations teams in resolving structural nonconformances, test anomalies, and flight-hardware integration issuesDevelop and maintain structural-analysis documentation in compliance with Blue Origin engineering standardsSupport design reviews and present analysis results, technical risks, and recommendations to internal and external stakeholdersMinimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field7+ years of experience in structural analysis for aerospace applicationsExperience with spacecraft structural design and analysis, including understanding of launch-vehicle environmentsDemonstrated expertise in finite element analysis using industry-standard software such as NASTRAN, ANSYS, or AbaqusProficiency in analyzing composite and metallic aerospace structuresStrong knowledge of structural dynamics, vibration analysis, and modal testingExperience generating structural margins of safety, analysis reports, and verification documentationExperience supporting structural test planning, test-data review, and correlation of analytical models to test resultsDemonstrated ability to independently execute structural-analysis and verification work packages and communicate technical results, risks, and recommendations to cross-functional teamsExperience with structural optimization techniques and mass-reduction strategiesMust 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

Master’s degree or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field10+ years of experience in satellite structural analysisExperience with optical or communications-satellite structural designKnowledge of spacecraft thermal-structural analysis and thermal-distortion effectsExperience with multi-orbit satellite constellation design considerationsFamiliarity with space-environment effects on structural materialsExperience with structural testing and correlation of test data with analytical modelsKnowledge of industry standards and practices for spacecraft structural design, such as NASA and AIAA standardsExperience mentoring junior engineers and leading technical teamsExcellent technical communication skills, both written and verbalProgramming skills in Python, MATLAB, or similar languages for automation of analysis tasks
 Base Pay Range for:

CA applicants is $145,188.00 - $203,263.20 CO applicants is $133,500.00 - $186,898.95 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 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.