Mechanism Design Engineer III - Deployable Solar Arrays in , us

Application Close Date

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.

Overview

At Blue, 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 innovation. Join our team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of space flight! This role is part of Advanced Concepts and Enterprise Engineering (ACE), supporting Blue's mission of millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. The team fosters innovation and drives engineering workflows of the future, shared solutions and standards, simplicity and lower costs, and manufacturable design.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop components and subsystems for deployable mechanisms.
• Participate in the full design cycle for flight hardware, including contributing to trade studies, conceptual and detailed design, structural analysis, and development testing.
• Build and test hands‑on prototypes to mature designs on fast‑moving research and development projects.
• Perform analysis for mechanism systems, including kinematic studies, motor/spring/gear sizing, tolerance stacks, and structural checks.
• Apply Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFM/DFA) principles to help reduce cost and meet production schedules.
• Generate component and assembly drawings.
• Support testing of flight hardware, including thermal vacuum, modal, vibration, and functional deployment tests.
• Collaborate in a cross‑disciplinary R&D environment to ensure designs are fully integrated with other subsystems.

Special Mentions

• Travel expected up to 15% of the time.
• Interviews will include a technical assessment.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering discipline (Mechanical or Aerospace).
• 5+ years of relevant experience in mechanical or mechanism design.
• Experience designing and building mechanical hardware.
• Demonstrated hands‑on prototyping and testing experience.
• Proficiency in mechanical design using 3D modeling tools (CREO).
• Understanding of GD&T (ASME Y14.5) and experience performing tolerance stack analysis.
• Experience with standard manufacturing processes, assembly, integration, and hardware verification/qualification testing.
• Desire/drive to learn new skills and technical tools as the project develops.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with deployable structures, such as solar arrays or antennas.
• Familiarity with designing hardware for space or other harsh environments.
• Familiarity with aerospace mechanism design practices (e.g., NASA-STD-5017).
• Experience with composite materials in design.
• Knowledge of material, coating, lubricant, and bearing selection for vacuum environments.
• Experience using finite element analysis tools for static and dynamic analysis.
• Experience with setting up tests, using data acquisition systems, and processing test data.

Compensation

WA applicants: $121,023.00 – $169,432.20. Other site ranges may differ.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance.
• Paid parental leave.
• Short‑term and long‑term disability.
• 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%.
• Education Support Program.
• Stock options for all regular employees working at least 20 hours per week.
• Paid time off: up to four weeks per year based on scheduled hours, and up to 14 company‑paid holidays.

Background Checks

• Required for all positions: Blue's Standard Background Check.

Export Control Regulations

Applicants must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or lawfully admitted to the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Blue is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified and dedicated workforce. Blue 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, national origin, age, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Blue will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For more information on "Know Your Rights," please see the relevant local regulations. Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue's affirmative action plans or requiring a reasonable accommodation in the application or interview process should contact the EEO compliance email