Structures Design Engineer III - New Shepard

Structures Design Engineer III - New Shepard

Blue Origin LLC - Seattle, WA

Posted: 8/8/2025 - Expires: 11/6/2025

Job ID: 292299863

Job 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 the New Shepard program. New Shepard is a reusable suborbital rocket system designed to take astronauts and research payloads past the Karman line - the internationally recognized boundary of space. Through operational reusability, New Shepard supports our mission of lowering the cost of access to space.

As part of a hardworking team of engineers, you will be responsible for design, analysis, development and testing of primary and secondary structures for New Shepard. You will take ownership of designs from concept through launch, perform initial sizing and detailed analysis, and work directly with our manufacturing teams to ensure successful hardware integration. This position will directly impact the history of space exploration and will require your dedicated commitment and detailed attention towards safe and repeatable spaceflight. Our best team members are flexible in constantly evolving environments, thorough, detail oriented and passionate. We are looking for someone to apply their technical expertise, leadership skills, and dedication to quality to positively impact safe human spaceflight. Passion for our mission and vision is required!

The New Shepard team is headquartered in Kent, WA.

Responsibilities include:

Lead the design, analysis, development, and testing of primary and secondary structures, including metallic piece parts and weldments, as well as integrated structural assemblies.

Create 3D models, detail part drawings, assemblies, installations, and interface control documents

Provide technical guidance for manufacturing and general Liaison Engineering support.

Coach, mentor and technically assist junior engineers.

Support configuration development and trade studies

Apply practical approaches to hardware fabrication and cost impacts

Create test plans, specifications, and other documentation for the development of flight hardware

Work with vertically-integrated teams that are responsible for materials, manufacturing processes, to produce world-class aerospace hardware

Maintaining and reporting on activity schedule, budget and technical status.

Identify opportunities for safety improvements and operational cost savings.

Qualifications:

B.S. degree or higher in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or related field.

5 + years' experience

Experience on recently developed aircraft or launch vehicles in one or more of the following areas:

Structural design of metallic components and assemblies

Vehicle load path distribution, and first order strength assessment and sizing

Material selection, compatibility and manufacturing techniques

Strong mechanical design and integration skills using 3D CAD software.

Proficiency in structural analysis including hand calculations and Finite Element Analysis.

Ability to rapidly apply structural mechanics principles and development designs using hand calculations and finite element analysis.

Ability to learn, grow and tackle new challenges in a fast-paced environment.

Excellent attention to detail and task ownership, someone who demonstrates pride in all work and willingness to perform low-level tasks when needed.

Experience with full product lifecycle of design, test, and production.

Strong written and personal computer skills.

Passion for advancing the commercial space industry and human spaceflight.

Strong understanding of GD&T (ASME Y14.5).

Desired:

Understanding of material and design considerations in a cryogenic operating environment.

Experience with aircraft, spacecraft, or launch vehicle structures.

Experience with Creo (Pro/E) Wildfire 5 or greater, Windchill 10.

Knowledge of design and analysis of welded structures.

Familiarity with classical hand analysis methods (Bruhn, Niu, Roark's etc.)

Familiarity with analysis codes: Nastran, ANSYS, Optistruct, Abaqus, HyperMesh, Hypersizer.

Compensation Range for:

WA applicants is $117,498.00-$164,497.20

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 (CDL drivers only), 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.

Paid Time Off: Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.

Discretionary bonus: Bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results.

Eligibility for benefits varies by role type, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role.