Senior Mechanical Systems Engineer - Stirling Conversion (R38320)

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 diverse team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight!  

We are a team with wide-ranging skillsets that value safety, problem-solving and diversity. This position will directly impact the history of space exploration and will require your commitment and detailed attention towards safe and repeatable lunar habitation and infrastructure development, and exploration. Join us in lowering the cost of access to space and enabling Blue Origin’s vision of millions of people living and working in space to benefit Earth.

As part of a passionate and hardworking team, you will contribute to the design, build, and test of radioisotope power and heat source systems in support of lunar and space exploration and infrastructure development. You will be the Responsible Engineer for Blue’s integration of Stirling engines and help lead Blue’s development of future Stirling engines and related systems.  

We are looking for someone to apply their technical expertise, leadership skills, and commitment to quality to positively impact this and future development programs.

Responsibilities:

• Plan, manage, and conduct all activities related to the integration of Stirling engines for externally contracted efforts.
• Coordinate with external Stirling engine suppliers to optimize the integration and test of their engine into radio-isotope power systems (RPS)
• Partner with the controller and avionics lead in the development and test of the Stirling control system
• Model or support modeling of these RPS systems and their thermodynamic and structural properties
• Support other RPS subsystems with interfaces and feedback
• Support the formulation manager and the program technical leader to identify and track program and technical risk, develop and maintain schedule, resource allocation, and budget for your responsibilities
• Work with the broader team to plan and manage Core Formulation Sprint support to the RPS programs as needed
• Work with the Director of Space Nuclear Power and Propulsion to formulate future Blue Origin Stirling engine development efforts

Qualifications:

• B.S. degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering
• 10+ years of experience with Stirling energy conversion and/or space systems including conceptual design, design, build, and test
• Experience in Stirling engines and similar systems
• Demonstrated effective communication skills with program and executive leadership.
• Demonstrated experience in Stirling engines including conceptualization, design iteration, requirements derivation and verification, build and test
• Demonstrated experience in thermodynamic modeling and analysis and mechanical system design, analysis, build, and test
• Demonstrated experience in engineering management and task planning,
• 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.

Desired:

• M.S. or PhD in aerospace or mechanical engineering
• 15+ years of experience with Stirling space systems including conceptual design, design, build, and test
• Experience in radioisotope power systems
• Understanding of spacecraft system and subsystem functions, and their interfaces
• Experience with Agile development processes and MS Project

Inclusivity 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 a diverse, inclusive, and 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.

 

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: Bonuse