Senior Mechanical Engineer (Valve Design) - New Glenn Verified today
About New Glenn
New Glenn is a single-configuration heavy-lift orbital launch vehicle designed from the outset for human spaceflight. It can carry people and payloads to low-Earth orbit, geostationary transfer orbit, cislunar, and beyond. Its first stage is fully reusable.
Your Role
You will lead the design, analysis, development, and qualification of next-generation mechanical components for New Glenn. Your focus will be critical systems including valves, regulators, accumulators, actuators, manifolds, mechanisms, pumps, and other mechanical devices essential to vehicle performance and mission success.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee the complete lifecycle of component systems, from requirements definition and interfaces through conceptual and detailed design, development, assembly, verification, qualification testing, operation, manufacturing support, and post-flight serviceability.
- Ensure all cost, schedule, and performance targets are met through rigorous planning and execution.
- Collaborate with suppliers and internal teams to identify, procure, and integrate high-quality components.
- Perform sizing, material selection, and analyses (fluid flow, thermal, structural) to ensure performance under pressure, vibration, temperature, and mechanical loads.
- Support fabrication, installation, and testing of flight hardware with suppliers and support organizations.
- Contribute to all aspects of mechanical design including requirements definition, layouts, component selection, modeling, drafting, manufacturing, and test planning.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related field.
- 8 or more years of proven experience designing fluid, mechanical, or electro-mechanical systems for aerospace or similar high-reliability applications.
- Proficiency in 3D CAD software (Creo preferred) and Finite Element Analysis tools (ANSYS preferred).
- Expertise in creating engineering drawings with GD&T per ASME Y14.5 standards.
- Knowledge of fluid or mechanical components such as valves, regulators, accumulators, mechanisms, or pumps.
- Strong interpersonal skills with a track record of building trust and fostering professional collaboration.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related field.
- Experience in the aerospace or space industry, particularly with launch vehicles or ground systems.
- Deep understanding of fabrication, integration, and quality control for tubes, machined parts, and welded assemblies.
- Expertise in designing systems for cryogenic fluids (hydrogen, oxygen, methane) or hydraulic systems in liquid/gaseous states.
- Proficiency in thermo-fluid analysis tools such as Thermal Desktop (Sinda Fluint), AFT (Fathom/Arrow), REFPROP, or Excel-based models.
- Knowledge of materials properties, treatments, and aerospace-grade materials.
- Demonstrated ability to manage supplier relationships, drive component development, and support testing.
Compensation and Benefits
Base pay range for Washington applicants: $145,188.00 to $203,263.20. Other site ranges may differ.
Benefits include medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability, 401(k) with company match up to 5%, and Education Support Program. Stock options available for all regular employees working at least 20 hours per week. Paid time off up to four weeks per year and up to 14 company-paid holidays. Bonuses and additional eligibility may apply based on role type and job level.
Employment Requirements
Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted as a refugee or granted asylum. Standard background check required for all positions.
Applications accepted on an ongoing basis until requisition is closed.