Thermal Protection System - Testing Facility Lead

We are a diverse team of collaborators, doers, and problem-solvers who are relentlessly committed to a culture of safety. This position will directly impact the history of space exploration and will require your commitment and detailed attention towards safe and repeatable space flight. Join us in lowering the cost of access to space and enabling Blue Origin’s vision of millions of people living and working in space to benefit Earth.

As part of a hardworking team of diverse engineers, you will be responsible for developing high enthalpy thermal protection system test capabilities for our launch vehicles, in-space systems, planetary landers, and crewed vehicles. You will work with a world class team of experts in thermal protection systems and help expand our presence beyond low Earth orbit, developing sustainable access architectures to space and planetary surfaces.  You should be comfortable working in a fast-paced and often uncertain environment, contributing to innovative solutions, while demonstrating personal leadership, technical competence, and attention to detail.

We are looking for someone to apply their technical expertise, leadership skills, and commitment to quality to positively impact safe human spaceflight. Passion for our mission and vision is required!

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and operate ground test infrastructure for screening novel thermal protection system materials in high-enthalpy flow

• Develop, conduct, and supervise internal and external testing campaigns for novel thermal protection systems for launch and atmospheric entry systems.

• Plan, conduct, and technically direct projects, coordinating the efforts of a small team or contractors as needed. Monitor and report on progress.

Qualifications:

• B.Sc. in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, physics or related technical discipline

• Successful candidates typically have 8+ years of relevant experience

• Demonstrated experience in high-enthalpy flow facility development and optical flow diagnostics.

• In depth knowledge of high-enthalpy flow physics

• Capable of collaborating as a member of a broad interdisciplinary team across a variety of domains

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to communicate technical information clearly and appropriately to audience with wide technical and non-technical background.

• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team

• Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and strengthen our culture of inclusion

• 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.

Desired

• M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Engineering, Physics, or related technical discipline

• Experience with test planning and execution of thermal protection system environmental tests.

• Experience simulating high enthalpy flows and correlating test conditions to flight conditions

• Aerospace/Launch vehicle experience

• Experience with safety critical systems

The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience. Estimated salary wage (Colorado only): 132k- 200k

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.

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, diverse, 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, in which all employees recognize and appreciate the diversity of individual team members. 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, gender, 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. For more information on “EEO Is the Law,” please see here and here.

Blue Origin will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the Washington Fair Chance Act, Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws.

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 EEOCompliance@blueorigin.com.

Benefits

Employee Benefits include: Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, short and long-term disability and 401(k) with up to 5% company match.

Paid Time Off:  Provides up to 4 weeks per year, in addition to 14 holidays