Blue Origin

Senior Engineer, Satellite Propulsion

Seattle, WA Full time

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!  

The role is part of the In-Space Systems business unit, which is focused on addressing two of the most compelling challenges in spaceflight today: space infrastructure and increasing mobility on-orbit.

We are seeking a talented Senior Engineer to join our Satellite Propulsion team. In this role, you will design, analyze, test, and optimize propulsion systems for our next-generation spacecraft. Your expertise will directly contribute to advancing our propulsion capabilities, improving spacecraft performance, and enabling more complex and longer-duration missions. This position is critical to our company's ability to deliver innovative space solutions that meet evolving customer needs and maintain our technological leadership in the space industry. 

Key Responsibilities: 

  • Design and develop advanced electric and chemical propulsion systems, with particular focus on hall effect thrusters and related technologies 

  • Perform detailed analysis and modeling of propulsion system performance, efficiency, and integration requirements 

  • Create and execute test plans to evaluate propulsion system performance and validate design models 

  • Develop attitude control solutions that integrate with propulsion systems to optimize spacecraft maneuverability 

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams on power processing unit design and power electronics integration 

  • Apply orbital mechanics principles to mission planning and propulsion system requirements definition 

  • Document engineering designs, analyses, and test results according to company standards and regulatory requirements 

Required Qualifications: 

  • B.S. degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related engineering field 

  • 8+ years of experience in spacecraft propulsion system development 

  • Demonstrated knowledge of electric propulsion technologies, particularly hall effect thrusters 

  • Experience with chemical propulsion systems and their applications in spacecraft 

  • Understanding of attitude control systems and their interaction with propulsion 

  • Proficiency in orbital mechanics calculations and applications 

  • Experience with power processing and power electronics for propulsion systems 

 
Preferred Qualifications: 

  • M.S. degree or PhD in Aerospace Engineering or related field 

  • Experience with in-space propulsion testing and qualification 

  • Knowledge of emerging propulsion technologies and research trends 

  • Background in thermal management for propulsion systems 

  • Experience with propellant management and feed systems 

  • Familiarity with space environmental effects on propulsion components 

  • Prior work on flight-qualified propulsion systems that have achieved successful orbital operations 


 

Compensation Range for:

CO applicants is $129,611.00-$181,454.70;WA applicants is $140,959.00-$197,342.25

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.

  • 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 submit 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 EEOCompliance@blueorigin.com. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.

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