Senior Project Engineer

At Blue Origin, we aspire to a future where countless individuals thrive in space, contributing to the well-being of our planet. Our mission is to create reusable, secure, and cost-effective space vehicles and systems, all within a framework of safety, teamwork, and inclusivity. Become a part of our varied team of innovators as we continue to shape the narrative of space exploration.

This position is integral to the Blue Origin Engines division, focusing on the design, development, manufacturing, and testing of propulsion systems and engines. Our advanced engine family is set to power the next wave of rockets for commercial, civil, national security, and human spaceflight endeavors.

As a key member of a dedicated team of engineers, you will operate at the nexus of program management, engineering, supply chain, manufacturing, and quality assurance, enhancing team synergy and collaboration. Your responsibilities will include managing the Valves & Ignition Integrated Product Team (IPT), prioritizing tasks, overseeing project scope, budget, schedule, and risk management, as well as coordinating procurement activities and stakeholder engagement. In the initial phases of projects, you will outline project scope and timelines to meet overarching program objectives and component specifications. As projects progress, you will facilitate communication among internal and external stakeholders, manage changes, and tackle unforeseen challenges to ensure the successful design, development, testing, and integration of valves into engine assemblies.

In your role as a Project Engineer within the Engines Design Office, you will lead a dynamic team of specialists supporting the BE-4 Valves & Ignition IPT. You will collaborate with various groups to deliver essential engine valves and components. Additionally, you may establish and guide Valve or Ignition component teams, monitor non-conformances, coordinate testing rationale, resolve issues, and act as a liaison among the Program Management Office, Engineering, Manufacturing Operations, and Testing departments. Your contributions will drive design enhancements and the development and testing of valve components and assemblies. You will also help define and refine best practices to optimize project execution, manufacturing strategies, and processes. As the primary contact, you will excel in addressing communication and organizational challenges, building trust, and enhancing the overall performance of all involved cross-functional teams. We seek a proactive and exceptionally organized individual capable of working independently and coordinating teams to successfully execute engineering integration activities. This role will significantly influence the future of space exploration and demands your unwavering commitment and meticulous attention to detail to ensure safe and repeatable spaceflight.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and sustain project plans, achieving program milestones for hardware production, testing, and integration.
• Lead a cross-functional team through all stages of the product lifecycle: concept, design, development, certification, production, and flight.
• Facilitate BE-4 program meetings and communication with the IPT Lead, including regular program management reviews, long-term forecasting, project assessments, design evaluations, and IPT meetings.
• Prioritize, monitor, and report progress in support of valve and ignition assembly and acceptance testing.
• Evaluate the programmatic implications of engineering change requests, devise and present implementation strategies, and oversee their execution.
• Coordinate and advance engineering modifications with stakeholders both upstream and downstream within the Valves and Ignition IPT.
• Address unexpected anomalies by leading a core team through initial responses and planning, ensuring design and development activities remain on schedule and within budget while upholding the highest quality standards.
• Review procurement strategies for outsourced components, ensuring compliance with scope and budget.
• Collaborate with procurement and stakeholders to ensure tooling requirements are met and effectively managed to support program development and build milestones.
• Identify and mitigate risks, including the removal and escalation of obstacles.
• Formulate recovery strategies when non-conformances or other issues arise.
• Identify critical hardware, equipment, personnel, and facilities; develop recommendations and plans to address constraints.
• Generate and report key project metrics.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Strong commitment to Blue Origin's mission: Enabling millions to live and work in space.
• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering.
• Over 5 years of proven project management experience in a technical domain.
• Experience in coordinating and leading teams through aerospace engineering design processes and review stages.
• Proven track record in leading complex engineering design changes and anomaly investigations, serving as the primary liaison with chief engineers, program management, and clients.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively lead an engineering team through both programmatic and technical projects.
• Experience in implementing process improvements and managing them from inception to completion.
• Ability to thrive in high-pressure environments while maintaining composure and guiding technical teams to meet program objectives.
• Exceptional attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Strong aptitude for troubleshooting and quick decision-making to advance project progress.
• Proven ability to cultivate trusting and effective working relationships that enhance team performance and yield results.
• Familiarity with configuration management principles and practices.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Capacity to build trust, maintain positive professional relationships, and foster an inclusive culture.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident, or legally admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in Aerospace Engineering or a related field.
• Experience with complex aerospace component development and manufacturing.
• Familiarity with valves, manifolds, fluid systems, ignition systems, or relevant experience in combustion device design, testing, and manufacturing.
• Experience in developing tools to enhance documentation, visibility, and tracking of project scope and forecasts.
• Experience leading a multidisciplinary technical team.
• Proficiency with project management tools such as P6, Microsoft Project, or similar.
• Experience utilizing JIRA or similar systems.
• Experience in Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA).
• Experience leading teams through trade studies, assessing both technical and programmatic impacts.

Special Notes:

• Selected candidates must be available to work onsite.
• Willingness to travel domestically as required.

Compensation: Salary ranges will vary based on location and role.

Inclusivity Statement: At Blue Origin, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. If you are enthusiastic about this opportunity but do not meet every qualification, we encourage you to apply. You may be the ideal candidate for this or other positions.

Equal Employment Opportunity: Blue Origin is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, dedicated to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce. We hire and promote individuals based on qualifications, performance, and abilities, ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants and employees.