Ground System Fluid Mechanical Design Engineer III
Blueorigin· Space· Sep 22, 2026 · 1mo ago
Van Horn TX
In office
Full-time
Senior
$99K–$139K
5+ 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 New Shepard program. New Shepard is a reusable suborbital rocket system designed to take astronauts and research payloads past the Kármán line – the internationally recognized boundary of space. Through operational reusability, New Shepard supports our mission of lowering the cost of access to space.
This position is not for immediate vacancy but is intended to fill anticipated future openings. Applicants who best meet the job requirements will be contacted and considered when a position becomes available.
At Blue Origin, we are driven by space exploration and committed to reshaping the future with breakthrough technologies. As a Level 3 Design Engineer - Ground Systems Development, you will contribute significantly to improving and developing new ground testing facilities. This position presents an outstanding chance to work on challenging fluid and mechanical systems essential to propulsion testing. You will independently invent solutions and mentor junior engineers.
As part of a dynamic and dedicated team of Mechanical and Fluid Engineers, you will play a crucial role in developing systems to test rocket engines and space flight vehicles. You will contribute significantly to all aspects of test stand design. Your responsibilities will include designing fluid and structural systems for test facilities, coordinating with suppliers, and overseeing the construction, installation, and commissioning of new test facilities.
Van Horn Specific information:
Being at the heart of Blue Origin operations, the West Texas Site in Van Horn, TX offers eligible employee’s additional attractive financial incentives to supplement their competitive base earnings, including a living allowance and relocation assistance. Eligibility for these additional benefits is based on the employee’s ability to permanently relocate to Van Horn, TX, or travel to Van Horn from another Blue location a minimum of 50% of the time.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Own and lead the design and development of subsystems for ground test operations
Build and analyze fluid and mechanical systems for propellant delivery, handling, and testing
Review builds of entry-level engineers, providing technical guidance and mentorship
Implement test systems, including cryogenics, vacuum systems, and other hazardous commodities
Develop test requirements and procedures for safe operation with hazardous propellants
Perform complex technical analysis and make build decisions based on results
Collaborate with other subsystem owners to ensure coordinated system functionality
Participate in Process Hazard Analysis activities for fluid systems (HAZOP).
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
5 years of experience in fluid systems, mechanical systems, or test operations
Demonstrated experience selecting components or systems for testing applications
Proficiency with CAD software and engineering analysis tools
Strong understanding of fluid mechanics principles and structural analysis
Knowledge of industry standards including ASME B31.3, ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC), IEST-STD-CC1246, State and Federal regulations, and other aerospace fluids related specifications.
Experience conducting build reviews and offering technical mentorship
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Excellent judgement and comfortable making risk based high-quality and high-velocity decisions
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with PTC Creo, AutoCAD, and advanced fluid/structural analysis software
Direct experience with monopropellant or hypergolic propulsion systems
Experience designing and operating vacuum systems
Background in hazardous materials handling and associated safety protocols
Knowledge of quality assurance practices for critical systems
Demonstrated ability to optimize system builds for performance and safety
Special Mentions:
Relocation available
Available locations: Van Horn, Texas or Kent, Washington
Up to 25% travel required between facilities and for field operations from the Kent, Washington location
Base Pay Range for:
CO applicants is $90,934.00 - $127,307.25 WA applicants is $99,201.00 - $138,880.35
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