Actuator Engineer Jobs in Bothell, WA (NOW HIRING)

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!
This role supports the development and operations of New Glenn, a single-configuration, heavy-lift orbital launch vehicle capable of routinely carrying people and payloads to low-Earth orbit, geostationary transfer orbit, cislunar, and beyond. Its first stage is fully reusable, and the vehicle was designed from the beginning to be human-capable.
As part of a hardworking team of dynamic engineers, you will serve as the Single Threaded Leader (STL) for the New Glenn actuation system. In this role, you will lead the system integration, test planning, and system analysis for the end-to-end actuation system, including its interaction with vehicle power and software systems. You will be responsible for the technical coordination between multiple teams including Avionics, Guidance & Control, Actuator Component Design, and Vehicle Operations to ensure the successful development and integration of all systems. This is a system-level role that requires a broad technical background to manage the electronic, software, and mechanical aspects of the system.
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 include but are not limited to:

• Act as the Single Threaded Leader (STL) for the end-to-end actuation system development, integration, and verification.
• Lead integrated system performance analysis, including developing and maintaining models for the power system and maintaining system-level power budgets.
• Serve as the primary technical interface between G&C, Avionics, Component Design Teams, Systems Engineering, and Test and Flight Operations to establish and verify system-level requirements.
• Own Integrated Vehicle Test (IVT) requirements, planning, and acceptance criteria for all actuated systems.
• Conduct system-level design trades, architecture studies, and fault tolerance analysis for the electrical power system, distribution topology, and mechanical components.
• Coordinate schedules and technical plans across contributing organizations to drive the project to meet key commitments.
• Drive design-to-cost initiatives, technology insertion opportunities, and technical excellence within the electromechanical systems engineering discipline.

Minimum Qualifications:

• B.S. degree or higher in Electrical, Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 8+ years of experience in systems engineering, integration, or design of complex aerospace or automotive systems.
• Demonstrated experience with leading the development of Electromechanical Actuation (EMA) systems, motor control, or high-power electrical systems.
• Strong understanding of systems engineering principles, including requirements development, verification, and system-level integration.
• Experience leading cross-functional technical teams and coordinating between multiple engineering disciplines (electrical, software, mechanical).
• Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and strengthen our culture. Ability to communicate effectively with senior leadership to highest levels.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in a relevant engineering field.
• Direct experience with the development of launch vehicle actuation or power distribution systems.
• Proficiency in system modeling and analysis using tools like MATLAB/Simulink.
• Understanding of AI-assisted coding techniques
• Experience with embedded software development processes for safety-critical and mission critical systems.
• Hands-on experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing and integrated vehicle test campaigns.
• Familiarity with requirements management systems (e.g., DOORS Next Generation), issue tracking systems (e.g., JIRA), and revision control systems (e.g., Git).

Compensation Range for:
WA applicants is $145,188.00 - $203,263.20
Other 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.
• Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week)
• 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 EEOCompliance@blueorigin.com. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.