Mechanisms Engineer III Opto-Mechanical Systems

Mechanisms Engineer III

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.

About the Role

The Emerging Systems business unit at 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 5,408 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 Origin's Emerging Systems is seeking a driven Mechanisms Engineer III to join a small, fast-moving team developing precision mechanical systems for the TeraWave constellation. On a lean team, you will personally own significant mechanism design scope end-to-end — from concept through qualification — with a high degree of autonomy and accountability for your hardware. You will work shoulder-to-shoulder with senior and principal engineers, but you will be the directly responsible engineer for the mechanisms you take on.

Responsibilities

Own the design and development of precision gimbal assemblies and pointing mechanisms for space-based optical communications terminals, from concept through flight qualification

Develop and be accountable for 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, and defend your recommendations in design reviews

Plan and execute mechanism qualification including component- and system-level testing in shock, vibration, and thermal vacuum environments, and own the resulting data and corrective actions

Author and maintain mechanism design documentation, analysis reports, and test procedures supporting hardware build and test

Coordinate directly with cross-functional partners on mechanism integration, harness routing, and interface definition — acting as the point of contact for your hardware

Partner with senior and principal engineers on the toughest technical problems, escalating risks early and proposing solutions

Support production transition through tolerance analysis, DFM/DFA improvements, and direct supplier engagement

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

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Automotive or related technical field

5+ years of experience in precision mechanisms design for space, aerospace, or high-reliability applications

Demonstrated ability to independently own the design, analysis, and qualification of gimbal assemblies, multi-axis pointing mechanisms, or similar precision mechanical systems

Proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., Creo, NX, SolidWorks) and finite element analysis tools (e.g., ANSYS, NASTRAN, Comsol)

Working knowledge of mechanism kinematics, dynamics, and structural analysis

Hands-on experience with space qualification testing including vibration, shock, and thermal vacuum

Experience with bearing systems, drive trains, or precision actuators for space mechanisms

Solid understanding of GD&T, tolerance stack-up analysis, and interface control documentation

Familiarity with Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles

Self-directed work style with a strong sense of ownership and the ability to thrive with minimal oversight on a small team

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Automotive or related field

Experience with optical communications terminals or lasercom pointing, acquisition, and tracking (PAT) systems

Exposure to lubrication and tribology for space mechanisms (e.g., dry film, ionic liquid, oil-impregnated)

Familiarity with STOP (Structural-Thermal-Optical-Performance) analysis workflows

Experience supporting transition of precision mechanisms from development into production

Exposure to statistical process control or production data analysis for mechanism performance verification

Base Pay Range for:

CA applicants is $121,023.00 - $169,432.20 CO applicants is $110,938.00 - $155,312.85 WA applicants is $121,023.00 - $169,432.20 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, 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