Sr. Technical Designer (Space Resources)
Los Angeles, CA - USA
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!
This role is part of Advanced Concepts and Enterprise Engineering (ACE) supporting Blue Origins mission of millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. The team fosters innovation and drives engineering workflows of the future shared solutions and standards simplicity and lower costs and manufacturable design.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!
This role is part of Advanced Concepts and Enterprise Engineering (ACE) supporting Blue Origins mission of millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. The team fosters innovation and drives engineering workflows of the future shared solutions and standards simplicity and lower costs and manufacturable design.
In this hands-on on-site role based at our North Hollywood (CA) facility you will collaborate closely with the Space Resources Program team owning subsystem-level design scope with minimal day-to-day oversight. We are looking for an experienced self-motivated technical designer who brings deep CAD expertise design leadership capabilities and an unwavering commitment to quality and safety. You will translate engineering concepts into detailed manufacturable hardware while communicating design rationale and trade-offs to deliver high-quality drawings and models in a safety- and mission-critical environment.
The pace at Blue Origin is brisk with rapid cycles of design analysis and iteration aimed at delivering scalable solutions. We need someone who is adaptable proactive eager to learn and uncompromising on drawing quality design for manufacturing and safety. Creativity a spirit of innovation and the ability to manage evolving design requirements are key to thriving on our inclusive open-minded and forward-thinking team. Passion for our mission is required!
Key Responsibilities
Develop detailed 3D CAD models and production drawings for mechanical electromechanical and fluid systems including:
- Test equipment and test stands for component and system validation
- Ground support equipment (GSE) for development and test operations
- Assembly handling and integration tooling
- Structural assemblies weldments and machined components
- Mechanisms actuators and mechanical interfaces
- Gas and liquid fluid systems: plumbing assemblies manifolds pressure vessels and flow control hardware
- Pressurized and vacuum systems for test and process applications
Create comprehensive design documentation:
- Production drawings with full GD&T per ASME Y14.5 standards
- Assembly drawings with bills of materials and assembly sequences
- Installation drawings and interface control documentation
- Weld symbols surface finish callouts and material specifications
- Drawing packages that meet Blue Origin standards and industry best practices
Design electromechanical systems and electrical installations:
- Cable routing harness layouts and connector integration
- Electrical enclosures panel layouts and mounting hardware
- Sensor and instrumentation mounting and integration
- Power distribution hardware and control system packaging
Collaborate directly with engineers and other designers:
- Interpret design concepts sketches and technical requirements
- Provide design for manufacturing (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) feedback
- Identify and resolve design conflicts interferences and manufacturing concerns
- Support design reviews and incorporate feedback into models and drawings
Execute design and release process independently:
- Manage design changes through PLM/PDM systems (Windchill or similar)
- Coordinate with manufacturing quality and supply chain on design releases
- Create and release engineering changes (ECOs/ECRs)
- Ensure all documentation meets configuration management requirements
Support analysis and design validation:
- Perform basic finite element analysis (FEA) for stress deflection and thermal analysis
- Size structural members fasteners and weld joints per industry standards
- Validate designs against weight envelope and interface requirements
- Create design concepts and trade study models
Design specialty hardware and systems:
- Vacuum systems: chambers flanges seals feedthroughs and pumping assemblies
- Pressurized gas and liquid systems: tubing fittings regulators and pressure-containing components
- Thermal systems: heat exchangers insulation and temperature control hardware
- Test instrumentation integration: pressure temperature flow and data acquisition interfaces
- Lifting and handling fixtures with proper rigging and safety factors
Maintain exceptional drawing quality and standards:
- Ensure clarity completeness and manufacturability of all drawings
- Follow Blue Origin drafting standards and industry best practices
- Create drawings that minimize shop questions and rework
- Mentor junior designers on drawing quality and standards
Minimum Qualifications
Associates degree in engineering technology industrial engineering CAD/Design or related technical field
10 years of professional CAD design experience in aerospace defense or industrial manufacturing
OR High school diploma/GED with 10 years of relevant design experience
Expert proficiency in 3D CAD software (NX CATIA SolidWorks or similar)
Demonstrated expertise in:
- Creating production drawings per ASME Y14.5 GD&T standards
- Mechanical design: structural components weldments machined parts sheet metal
- Fluid system design: gas and liquid tubing piping fittings valves and pressure vessels
- Electromechanical design: cable routing mounting hardware and electrical integration
- Test equipment and GSE design
Proficiency with:
- PLM/PDM systems (Windchill preferred)
- Design and release processes including ECO/ECR workflows
- Basic FEA tools (ANSYS SolidWorks Simulation or similar)
- Microsoft Office and collaboration tools
Ability to read and interpret engineering specifications P&IDs electrical schematics and technical requirements
Strong understanding of manufacturing processes: machining welding sheet metal fabrication assembly
Excellent attention to detail and commitment to drawing quality
Self-sufficient and able to work independently with minimal supervision
Ability to work extended hours as needed to support program milestones
Must 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 consistent with U.S. export control requirements
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelors degree in mechanical engineering technology or related field 15 years of design experience in aerospace or high-reliability industries Extensive test equipment and GSE design experience:
- Test stands and test fixtures
- Component and subsystem test apparatus
- Handling and lifting fixtures
- Assembly jigs and fixtures
- Integration tooling
- Alignment and measurement tooling
Advanced design experience with:
- Vacuum systems: chambers flanges seals pumps and vacuum-compatible hardware
- High-pressure gas and liquid systems (>3000 psi)
- Cryogenic fluid systems and insulation
- Complex fluid system layouts with multiple gas and liquid services
- Test instrumentation and data acquisition integration
- Thermal processing and environmental test equipment
Proficiency with advanced FEA techniques:
- Linear and non-linear stress analysis
- Thermal analysis and thermal-structural coupling
- Pressure vessel and containment analysis
- Fatigue and fracture mechanics
- Hand calculations to validate FEA results
Experience with:
- Cleanroom-compatible hardware design
- Design for precision assembly and alignment
- Design for test and maintainability
- Design to industry codes and standards (AISC ASME BPVC AWS NFPA 70)
Strong design concept development skills:
- Rapid concept modeling and trade studies
- Design optimization for cost weight and performance
- Creative problem-solving for complex packaging challenges
Demonstrated ability to mentor and train junior designers
Experience with rapid prototyping and iterative design environments for development programs Excellent communication skills for working with cross-functional teams
Base Pay Range for:
CA applicants is $47.01 - $65.81Other 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 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:
Senior 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.