Sr Vacuum System Test Design Engineer – Ground Systems
| Company | Blue Origin |
|---|---|
| Location | Seattle, WA, USA, Huntsville, AL, USA, Van Horn, TX, USA |
| Salary | $140959 – $197342.25 |
| Type | Full-Time |
| Degrees | Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD |
| Experience Level | Senior, Expert or higher |
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering (or related discipline) or equivalent experience.
- Demonstrated experience designing, specifying, and operating vacuum systems for testing in-space thrusters and aerospace components.
- Expertise in steam or inert motive vacuum systems, including ejector sizing, design, motive fluid selection, and conducting CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) analysis.
- Proficiency with electrical vacuum pumps and associated controls.
- Working knowledge of fluid system components (valves, regulators, and pumps for cryogenics, propellants, and other fluids).
- Familiarity with standard installation and fabrication practices for aerospace ground systems.
- Experience with risk assessments and process hazard analyses for test systems.
- In-depth understanding of ASME BPVC and B31.3 codes.
- 8+ years of hands-on experience in vacuum system design and operation for rocket engine testing or similar high-consequence applications.
- Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted as a refugee or granted asylum.
- Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to a culture of inclusion.
Responsibilities
- Develop and propose robust solutions for vacuum test stands supporting in-space thruster and component testing.
- Execute comprehensive designs for vacuum systems—including diffusers, ejectors, and airlines—performing system analyses, component selections, and specification activities.
- Create precise 3D models and engineering drawings to support effective fabrication and assembly of concepts.
- Manage supplier relationships, control project costs, and maintain schedule adherence while meeting all technical requirements.
- Oversee the fabrication, installation, and commissioning of new or modified vacuum systems, ensuring high quality and operational readiness.
- Develop and document maintenance plans to ensure long-term system reliability and performance.
- Lead root cause analyses and resolution efforts for operational issues within vacuum systems.
- Guide and mentor junior engineers, conduct peer reviews, and foster knowledge sharing within the team.
- Willingness to travel up to 25% of the time to support project and program objectives.
Preferred Qualifications
- Advanced engineering degree (MS, PhD, or equivalent).
- Experience designing and operating chemical steam generation systems.
- Expertise with deep vacuum system technologies, including cryopumps, ion pumps, and turbomolecular pumps.
- Proficiency with CAD and P&ID tools such as AutoCAD, AutoCAD Plant/P&ID, ProEngineer/Creo, and Windchill.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multidisciplinary project teams and drive outcomes in a fast-paced environment.