Propulsion Engineer III Verified today

About This Role

This position is part of the Blue Origin Engines business unit, focused on designing, developing, manufacturing, and testing engines and propulsion systems for commercial, civil, national security, and human spaceflight.

You will own valve component designs from concept through qualification, while taking on increasing responsibility for coordinating development timelines, aligning cross-functional stakeholders, and mentoring junior engineers. This role is structured to prepare high-performing engineers for a project management career track.

Components you may be responsible for include: solenoid valves, pneumatically actuated valves, check valves, cryogenic valves, and pressurized fluid systems.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Engineering

• Own valve component and assembly designs from concept development through qualification, ensuring designs meet rigorous safety, reliability, and performance standards
• Apply strong fundamentals in propulsion, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and structural analysis to drive sound design decisions
• Examine non-conforming hardware and develop effective technical resolutions in a timely manner
• Oversee component testing, both standalone and within engine hot fire test environments, ensuring compliance with design requirements and goals
• Utilize CAD tools and GD&T practices to develop precise, manufacturable hardware designs

Project Coordination and Cross-Functional Leadership

• Coordinate development activities across program leaders, systems engineers, suppliers, and test groups to align on architecture selections and design solutions
• Manage project timelines and deliverables for assigned valve and mechanism development efforts, tracking progress against milestones and proactively identifying and mitigating schedule or technical risks
• Lead stakeholder communication by preparing and presenting design status updates, technical reviews, and project health reports to program leadership
• Collaborate with suppliers and vendors to manage component procurement, track deliverables, and resolve issues
• Support design-to-production transitions, partnering with manufacturing and quality teams to ensure smooth handoffs and production readiness
• Define and refine best practices for engine valves and mechanisms, driving process improvements that increase team efficiency

Mentorship and Team Leadership

• Mentor and guide junior engineers through development approaches, design techniques, and problem-solving methods
• Foster a collaborative, safety-first team culture consistent with Blue Origin's core values

Required Qualifications

• B.S. degree in an engineering discipline (Aerospace, Mechanical, Chemical, or Physics preferred)
• 5+ years of professional engineering experience with valves, fluid control systems, and/or mechanisms, including rocket or jet engine experience
• Demonstrated experience coordinating across multiple teams or stakeholders in a technical program or project setting
• Strong technical fundamentals in propulsion, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and structural analysis
• Strong knowledge of hardware design processes and fabrication techniques related to valves
• Experience examining and resolving non-conforming hardware
• Proficiency with Computer-Aided Design (CAD) tools
• Familiarity with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) per ASME Y14.5
• Familiarity with data analysis and data processing
• High attention to detail with strong organizational and coordination skills
• Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum

Preferred Qualifications

Technical

• Advanced degree in an engineering discipline
• Experience designing products for cryogenic fluid environments
• Experience with pneumatic/hydraulic valve design, test, and manufacturing
• Experience with Creo (Pro/E) Wildfire 5 or greater and Windchill 10
• Experience with Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA)
• Experience with production quality management systems
• Experience transitioning products from development to production

Project Management-Oriented

• PMP certification or active pursuit of PMP certification
• Familiarity with Agile, Scrum, or hybrid project management methodologies
• Experience in vendor management and supplier relationship oversight
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical reviews, manage meeting cadences, and drive decisions across stakeholders
• Experience using project tracking tools (e.g., Jira, MS Project, or similar)
• Any prior experience in a project lead, technical lead, or deputy program role

Compensation

Washington applicants: $121,023.00 to $169,432.20. Other site ranges may differ.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Basic and supplemental life insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Short and long-term disability
• 401(k) with company match up to 5%
• Education Support Program
• Stock options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week)
• Paid Time Off: Up to four weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays
• Performance bonuses based on individual contributions and company results (eligibility and amounts not guaranteed)

Background Check

Blue's Standard Background Check is required for all positions. Additional checks may apply depending on role requirements, including DBIDS checks for military installation access or CDL/hazmat transport certifications.