Materials & Processes Engineer III - Rocket Engine Tribology

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 diverse team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight!

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 dedicated commitment and detailed attention towards safe and repeatable spaceflight.

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 small, passionate and accomplished team of authorities, you will be responsible for Tribology of mechanisms and interfaces of various spaceflight systems, with a focus on Engines.

You will share in the team’s impact on all aspects of material system selection, design for producibility, and rugged and robust design.

We are looking for someone to apply their technical expertise, leadership skills, and dedication to quality to positively impact safe human spaceflight.

Passion for our mission and vision is required!

Responsibilities :

Working one-on-one with component design engineers, provide tribology support relating to rocket engine mechanisms (seals, bearings, and sliding interfaces), and collaborate with other partners to select material systems that meet design requirements.

Assist component design engineers in developing wear collaborate with suitable materials, finishes and geometries capable of robust operation in launch and in-space environments.

Identify and mitigate lubrication and wear risks in high performance vehicle mechanisms

Recommend and implement coupon testing to screen materials for wear life and damage modalities.

Collaborate with and audit suppliers to ensure all processes, coatings and finishes meet design and qualification requirements

Identify technology gaps in rocket engine tribological interfaces and complete development efforts to improve technology readiness for future designs.

Qualifications :

Minimum B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Material Science Engineering, or related field.

At least 5+ years materials & processes engineering experience directly related to tribology experience (level commensurate on experience).

Hands-on experience developing test plans, measuring and characterizing friction and wear of tribological systems containing metallic and non-metallic elements.

Fundamental understanding of the behavior of material interfaces in relative motion, in order to support design decisions with respect to operation in high vibration environments.

Specialized experienced in at least one of the following :

Vacuum-compatible dry film lubricants and deposition processes.

Tribology of metal-on-metal interfaces exposed to wide temperature ranges from cryogenic fluids to hot combustion products.

Vacuum- and propellant-compatible greases.

Experience with surface engineering, residual stress treatments, superfinishing, coatings and other surface modifications.

Experience with characterization of wear surfaces and materials using methods such as : optical microscopy, scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive spectroscopy, x-ray fluorescence, fractography, debris sampling and quantification, wear particle analysis, etc.

Ability to travel approximately 10% of the time.

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 :

Masters or PhD in engineering, material science or related field

Experience in methods of contact analysis and wear modeling

Demonstrated experience supporting flight production programs

Proven experience leading technology development projects, measuring technical progress, resources, and handling budgets.

Experience with statistical analysis methods and related tools

Experience running ambient, elevated temperature, and cryogenic thermomechanical testing

Compensation range for on site WA applicants is $111,690-$156,366

Compensation range for on site CA applicants is $111,690-$156,366

Other site ranges may differ

Inclusivity 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 a diverse, inclusive, and 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.

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.

Discretionary bonus : Bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results.

Eligibility for benefits varies by role type, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role.

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, 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 EEO Is the Law, 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 .

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