Application close date:
Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.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!
The role is part of the In-Space Systems business unit, which is focused on addressing two of the most compelling challenges in spaceflight today: space infrastructure and increasing mobility on-orbit.SENIOR OPTO-MECHANICAL ENGINEER
Location: Longmont, CO (Onsite)
Role Summary:
The Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineer will serve as the technical lead for the mechanical design, structural analysis, and line-of-sight (LOS) stability of optical communication systems for space environments. This role is critical to a production line. You will own the mount/cell design, Structural-Thermal-Optical Performance (STOP) analysis, and environmental qualification for an optical payload.
Special Mentions:
This position requires relocation to Longmont, CO
Travel expectations: Up to 10% travel may be required for technical reviews and test campaigns
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Opto-Mechanical Design Leadership
Lead mechanical design of sub-assemblies, including telescope mounts/cells, benches, kinematic interfaces, and fiber management systems
Design for maximum stability against dynamic launch loads (random vibration, shock) and on-orbit thermal cycling
Define datum/fiducials, build-to tolerances, and align-to tolerances; generate interface control drawings (ICDs) and production-ready drawings with comprehensive GD&T
Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Production Integration
Drive DFM and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles into the hardware design from the start to enable reliable, cost-effective production
Interface with internal manufacturing, tooling, and GSE teams to optimize assembly sequences, reduce part count, and simplify fixtures
Support tolerance stack-ups and dimensional metrology planning to ensure designs meet production quality
Structural-Thermal-Optical Performance (STOP) Analysis
Perform detailed STOP analysis using Finite Element Analysis (ANSYS/Nastran) to model and predict effects of thermal loads, vibration, and static loads on optical performance (Wavefront Error, MTF, LOS jitter) with Optical Engineer
Own the LOS stability budget; conduct sensitivity studies for mount compliance, CTE mismatch, thermal gradients, and structural damping
Optimize stiffness/mass ratios and modal separation strategies to survive vibe/shock while protecting WFE/MTF performance
Partner with the Thermal & Materials Engineer on athermalization strategies for interfaces
Verification, Qualification, and AI&T Support
Support environmental test campaigns (TVAC, random vibration, shock) and lead root-cause analysis for any structural or mechanical anomalies
Support hands-on optical alignment and integration in a Class 100/1000 cleanroom, providing mechanical expertise to resolve fit and function issues
Minimum Qualifications:
BS in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (MS preferred) and 10+ years of professional experience in opto-mechanical engineering for space payloads
Proven expertise in structural FEA (ANSYS/Nastran) for modal, random vibration, and shock analysis
Expert proficiency in CAD (PTC Creo or NX) for complex opto-mechanical assemblies and production drawings
Strong understanding of GD&T, tolerance analysis, and DFM/DFA principles
Hands-on experience with interfaces, kinematic mounts, and contamination-sensitive optical hardware
Preferred Qualifications:
Expertise in STOP analysis and athermalization techniques
Experience with fiber optics, pigtails, and active alignment systems
Prior flight hardware qualification and environmental test campaign leadership
Knowledge of ISO 9001/AS9100 and spaceflight documentation practices
Compensation Range for:
CO applicants is $129,611.00-$181,454.70Other 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 at [email protected]. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.
California Applicant Privacy Notice
If you are a California resident, please reference the CA Applicant Privacy Notice here.
Top Skills
Blue Origin Seattle, Washington, USA Office
Seattle, WA, United States
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