ECLS Hardware Engineer

Application close date:

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!

Blue Origin is seeking a Senior Engineer to take direct ownership of the design and development of Environmental Control and Life Support (ECLS) System and crew systems hardware for our human spaceflight programs. This position is part of the Human Spaceflight Development organization, which supports Blue Origin's mission of enabling millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. The ideal candidate will personally design, analyze, and shepherd critical fluid systems, mechanical assemblies, and crew support hardware through the complete development lifecycle while meeting stringent human certification requirements.

As an experienced engineer within the Human Spaceflight Development organization, you will share in the team's impact on all aspects of designing, building, testing and flying Environmental Control and Life Support (ECLS) flight hardware. The ECLS System consists of essential hardware that enables humans to safely inhabit space. ECLS circulates air around the vehicle, picking up carbon dioxide, humidity, and trace contaminants to be scrubbed, and provides oxygen for breathing. The internal cabin pressure is maintained and monitored. Clean drinking water is provided to the crew. The ECLS system also monitors for emergencies such as rapid depressurization and fire and counteracts them.

You will be the primary technical owner for specific ECLSS and crew systems hardware components, with responsibility for fluid systems, mechanical design, waste management solutions, and crew-operated interfaces.

Responsibilities:

• Own ECLS hardware components through the entire life cycle: Conception, Design, Build, Test, Install, and Operations
• Personally design and analyze ECLS and crew systems hardware from concept through flight
• Directly perform detailed engineering calculations including heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and mechanical stress analyses
• Create and refine CAD models for flight hardware components and assemblies
• Develop technical solutions for atmospheric control, water management, waste collection, and crew interfaces
• Solve technical and program problems with the help of your team
• Be actively involved in development testing of your hardware
• Determine and manage the schedule and budget for owned hardware
• Show system and component compliance to Blue and NASA technical requirements
• Be the technical point of contact for your hardware
• Support hardware integration and resolve technical issues in real-time
• Design mechanical systems with consideration for crew operation and maintenance
• Coordinate with manufacturing teams to ensure design intent is maintained
• Adhere to Blue Leadership Principles

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or related engineering field (Advanced degree preferred)
• 8+ years of experience in aerospace systems engineering with focus on fluid systems and mechanical hardware design
• Demonstrated experience directly designing and analyzing complex mechanical and fluid systems
• Strong analytical skills with experience in fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and mechanical design
• Proven ability to develop hardware from concept through manufacturing and testing
• Experience with hands-on hardware troubleshooting and problem-solving
• Proficiency with CAD software and engineering analysis tools
• Experience leading small technical teams

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in relevant engineering discipline
• 10+ years of direct experience designing spacecraft systems and mechanical components
• Working knowledge of Thermal Desktop or other heat transfer software * Working knowledge of Creo or other CAD software
• Experience with small project management
• Direct design experience with life support systems such as atmospheric control, water management, or waste processing
• Experience designing hardware with human-centered considerations for maintenance and operation
• Hands-on experience with hardware manufacturing processes relevant to aerospace
• Experience working directly with technicians and manufacturing personnel
• Worked on a crewed spaceflight program
• Understanding of human-system integration principles for spacecraft design

Special Mentions:

• Relocation assistance provided
• Travel expected up to 10% of the time
• Position will involve direct interaction with manufacturing, test teams, and suppliers
• Regular presence required in lab and manufacturing facilities
• Will personally participate in design reviews and technical discussions
• Interviews will include a technical assessment focusing on fluid systems design, mechanical analysis, and problem-solving

Compensation Range for:

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 (CDL drivers only), 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.

• 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 atEEOCompliance@blueorigin.com. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.