Principal Mechanisms Design Engineer TeraWave
Job Location:
Southgate, MI - USA
Monthly Salary:
Posted on:
Vacancies:
Job Summary
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. Were 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.The Emerging Systems business unit at Blue Origin is pioneering the future of space-based communications withTeraWave a revolutionary satellite communications network designed to deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6Tbpsanywhere on Earth. This multi-orbit constellation will consist of 5408 optically interconnected satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) and 128 satellites in medium Earth orbit (MEO) providing enterprise-grade connectivity for critical operations worldwide.
Blue Origins Emerging Systems is seeking an exceptional Principal Engineer to provide technical leadership in opto-mechanical design for ourTeraWave this role you will focus on developing critical optical systems including telescopes and gimbal assemblies whileprovidingtechnical guidance on avionics enclosures and optical ground stations.
Special Mentions:
Relocationassistanceis available for qualified candidates.
Travel expectations: Up to 20% travel may befor integration activities launch campaigns and customer/vendor meetings.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Lead the architectural design and development of precision gimbal assemblies and pointing mechanisms for space-based optical communications terminals
Define and own mechanism-level performance requirements error budgets and design margins across structural thermal and dynamic domains
Drive design trades for gimbal configurations balancing mass volume stiffness pointing accuracy and on-orbit lifetime
Lead mechanism qualification programs including component-level and system-level testing inshockvibration thermal vacuum environments
Develop and maintain mechanism design standards analysis workflows and documentation to supportincremental hardware build and test.
Provide technical guidance to engineering teams on mechanism integration harness routing and interface control
Mentor junior and mid-level mechanical engineers in mechanisms design principles analysis methods and space qualification practices
Support production transition through design-for-manufacturability improvements tolerance analysis and supplier development
Examples of additional areas where you may contribute include:
Motor and encoder selection for precision drive systems
Bearing selection preload analysis and lubrication strategies for space mechanisms
Mechanism-level FMEA and reliability analysis
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering Aerospace Engineering or related technical field
15 years of experience in precision mechanisms design for space or aerospace applications
Demonstrated experience designing analyzing manufacturing and qualifying gimbal assemblies or multi-axis pointing mechanisms for space environments
Proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g.Creo NX SolidWorks) and finite element analysis tools (e.g. ANSYS NASTRANComsol)
Experience with mechanism kinematics dynamics and structural analysis
Knowledge of space qualification testing including vibration shock thermal vacuum and lifetesting
Experience with bearing systemsdrivetrains and precision actuators for space mechanisms
Strong understanding of GD&T tolerance stack-up analysis and interface control documentation
Knowledge of Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles
Preferred Qualifications:
Masters degree or PhD in Mechanical Engineering Aerospace Engineering or related field
Experience with optical communications terminals orlasercompointing acquisition and tracking (PAT) systems
Background in fast steering mirror systems and fine pointing mechanism design
Experience with lubrication and tribology for space mechanisms (e.g. dry film ionic liquid oil-impregnated)
Familiarity with STOP (Structural-Thermal-Optical-Performance) analysis workflows
Experience transitioning precision mechanisms from development to high-rate production
Experience with statistical process control and production data analysis for mechanism performance verification
Why Blue Origin:
At Blue Origin we are driven by our company motto GradatimFerociter meaning Step by StepFerociously. We believe in methodical innovation to achieve our vision of enabling millions of people to live and work in space for the benefit of Earth. As a Principal Engineer for Opto-Mechanical Systems you will play a crucial role in developing revolutionary optical communication technologies for theTeraWaveconstellation.Youllwork with world-class teams on challenging problems have access tostate-of-the-artfacilities and contribute to missions that will shape the future of space exploration andutilization.
Compensation Range for:
WA applicants is $183193.00 - $256469.85Other site ranges may differ
Culture Statement
Dont 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 youre excited about this role but your past experience doesnt 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 a refugee or granted asylum.
Background Check
Required for all positions: Blues 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 10001 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.
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 companys intent to reward individual contributions and enable them to share in the companys results or other factors at the companys 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 Origins Affirmative Action Plans or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process please contact us at. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.
Required Experience:
Staff IC
About Company
Blue Origin was founded by Jeff Bezos with the vision of enabling a future where millions of people are living and working in space for the benefit of Earth.
