Principal Propulsion Engineer - Materials and Processes
Blueorigin· Space· Sep 15, 2026 · 1mo ago
Greater Seattle Area
In office
Full-time
Principal
$170K–$237K
10+ years exp
Job description
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. 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!
This role is part of the Blue Origin Engines business unit, where our focus is the design, development, manufacturing, and testing of engines and propulsion systems. Built for multiple uses, our family of engines is powering the next generation of rockets for commercial, civil, national security, and human spaceflight.
As part of a hardworking team of specialists, technicians, and engineers (use as appropriate), you 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.
As part of a group of accomplished industry experts, you will be used as a material expert within Blue Origin’s Engines Business Unit demonstrating and developing technology on propulsion projects ongoing and planned. You will leverage your extensive experience in materials, advanced manufacturing, and process development to support engine products through system engineering, modeling and manufacturing methods, metallic and non-metallic materials, additive and subtractive manufacturing, joining processes, composites development and process development. The position will require regular active participation with product and functional teams at Blue Origin’s headquarters in Kent, Washington and Blue Origins test locations through virtual or in-person attendance.
It is expected that you will have been involved in and understand how research flows into development which flows into production and operations on human/high value launch vehicle rocket propulsion. You will have ownership over design and development tasks. You will also mentor and advise younger team members to understand how you have been successful and unsuccessful in prior rocket engine efforts. You will mentor M&P engineers and guide tactical and strategic program-related decisions. You will provide broad materials & processes support for metallic (e.g. forging, casting, forming, extrusion, plating, coating, brazing, anodization, passivation) and non-metallic (e.g. O-rings, seals, lubricants) hardware alike.
To be successful in this role, you must be able to collaborate closely with design, analysis, manufacturing, quality, and integration engineers to implement requirements. You will review production drawing for large complex assemblies systematically, documenting the review to the established requirements. Responsibilities include designing, collecting and statistically analyzing thermomechanical properties data for materials. You will lead material and part process development and qualification efforts. Additionally, you will contribute to the development of internal engineering and quality processes to standardize and accelerate material evaluation, implementation, and qualification.
We are looking for someone to apply their technical expertise, leadership skills, and commitment to quality to positively impact safe human spaceflight. Passion for our mission and vision is required!
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum B.S. in Material Science Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field
10 years’ experience in Material and Process engineering application in liquid aerospace industry
Demonstrated experience (M&P signatory authority) on a flight production program
Hands-on experience measuring, analyzing, developing, characterizing nickel, aluminum, copper, and oxygen-compatible alloys
Proven experience developing and executing test plans for analysis and qualification efforts of components or materials
Familiarity with standard methods for testing mechanical properties (including fatigue, fracture, creep, stress rupture) of metallic and soft materials
Experience with statistical analysis methods and related tools
Experience organizing and managing thermomechanical test data in a company accessible database
Preferred Qualifications
Masters or PhD in Material Science/Engineering or related field
15 years’ relevant experience
Aerospace coatings experience
Familiarity with high-temperature, high pressure Oxygen Engines applications
Familiarity with analysis, testing, and mitigation for Hydrogen Embrittlement
Hands-on skills with SEM, EDS, metallography, mechanical testing.
Demonstrated experience developing new aerospace processes and refining existing ones
Experience running ambient, elevated temperature, and cryogenic thermomechanical testing
Experience with Failure and Forensic Analysis experience for rotating machinery (e.g. turbomachinery) and static hardware
Experience with statistical analysis for preparation of design allowables
Knowledge of industry standards for material data analysis (e.g. MMPDS)
Proven experience managing technology development projects, measuring technical progress, resources, and managing budgets
Base Pay Range for:
WA applicants is $169,624.00 - $237,473.25
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 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 Origin’s Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us at EEOCompliance blueorigin.com . Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.
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Benefits
Benefits detected in the listing.
Dental
Vision
401(K)
Paid Time Off
Parental Leave