Senior Structural Analyst – Lunar Permanence

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 diverse team of collaborators, doers, and problem-solvers who are relentlessly committed to a culture of safety. This position will directly impact the history of space exploration and will require your commitment and detailed attention towards safe and repeatable space flight. 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.

We are actively seeking a highly experienced Senior Structural Analyst to play a pivotal role in our ambitious Zero Boil Off (ZBO) cryocooler program, focused on pushing the boundaries of aerospace technology. As part of a small, passionate, mission driven, and accomplished team of experts, you will collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, qualify, and integrate ZBO’s cryocooler technology onto launch vehicles and/or payloads. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 10 years of experience designing, analyzing, qualifying, and launching flight hardware. Additionally, the candidate should be technically ambitious, have grit, and a proven track record of developing processes for new technology. This position is based in Kent, WA.

Responsibilities:

• Develop, execute, and manage structural analyses, reports, and qual test plans of flight hardware

• Lead and mentor junior engineers and insist on the highest standards

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary across programs and earn the trust of others

• Evaluate and refine designs to ensure performance, reliability, and cost effectiveness

• Conduct static and dynamic finite element analysis to determine stress, deformation, and fatigue characteristics

• Evaluate and recommend materials and manufacturing processes for structural components

• Support the design, manufacturing, assembly, testing, and qualification of new flight hardware

• Participate in anomaly resolution and failure investigation efforts

• Review and approve designs, changes, and risk assessments/mitigations

• Lead technical presentations and communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders

• Ensure compliance with company, industry, and regulatory requirements

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, or a related field

• A minimum of 10 years of experience in analysis and design

• Expert knowledge of finite element analysis, structural dynamics, thermal loading, and problem solving skills

• Strong technical knowledge of complex vehicle packaging systems, including pressure vessels, thermal isolation, and structural supports required to sustain environmental loads

• Experience in specifying launch or space vehicle testing requirements of low/high cycle fatigue, fracture, creep, shock, and vibration response tests

• Experience managing requirements, verifications, and certification documents

• Experience with composite and metallic materials

• Proficient in simulation tools (such as ANSYS or NASTRAN) and CAD software (such as CREO, NX, Catia)

• Experience with industry and regulatory requirements such as NASA-STD-5020, ANSI/AIAA S-080A-2018, JSC 65829

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary team environment

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate technical concepts to non-technical audiences

• Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and strengthen our culture of inclusion

• 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:

• Masters or PhD in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering or related field

• Successfully designed, analyzed, qualified, and launched space vehicle hardware (including valves, turbomachinery, and pressure vessels)

• Knowledge and familiarity with fatigue and fracture mechanics

• Experience in executing launch or space vehicle testing, including low/high cycle fatigue, fracture, creep, shock, and vibration response tests

• Experience with analyzing pneumatic/cryogenic pressure systems - including fluid fittings, flexib