Senior Structural Analyst - Space Exploration Systems

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!

As a member of the Blue Origin family of companies Honeybee Robotics has been at the forefront of robotics for over 40 years, establishing ourselves as pioneers in developing novel exploration systems for the most extreme planetary environments. At our Southern California location, we look to "Touch Life" by supporting planetary science, including every NASA Mars rover since Spirit and Opportunity. We aim to "Mine the Sky" through the development of practical In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) solutions. We search for technically brilliant individuals in engineering, software, and support fields who take ownership of their work, enjoy collaborating in teams, and have a laser focus on the details that drive excellence.

Honeybee Robotics' Exploration Systems division is seeking an experienced Structural Analyst with technical expertise, leadership skills, and commitment to join our team. As a key technical leader, you will be responsible for leading projects that require advanced structural analysis expertise. You will be pivotal in ensuring the structural integrity of our aerospace components/system, leading complex analyses, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver results. Your primary responsibility will be to conduct comprehensive load, dynamic, and structural analyses. You will also apply state-of-the-art techniques to design, develop, and test groundbreaking aerospace structures and space electro-mechanical systems. Proficiency in loads and stress analysis, to include physics-based hand calculations, finite element methods, static and dynamic structural analysis, and forcing function development is needed.

The Exploration Systems division specializes in the development of advanced robotic systems and technology solutions. Our focus is on creating innovative mechanisms and instruments for a wide range of applications, including space exploration, planetary science, and various terrestrial industries. Our expertise includes designing drilling and sampling systems, robotic arms, mobility systems, and custom solutions that meet the complex needs of challenging environments. We are known for our pioneering work on technologies that enable exploration and operations in harsh conditions, aiming to advance human and robotic capabilities through cutting-edge engineering and collaboration.

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 not limited to:

• Lead and conduct advanced structural analysis for aerospace components and systems
• Lead project teams, manage deliverables, and ensure timely completion of project milestones
• Perform structural analyses using finite element analysis (FEA) and other methods, on a wide variety of designs and materials including composites and metals
• Manipulate large scale finite element models that support primary and secondary structure loads development
• Collaborate with design, manufacturing, and test teams to ensure accurate results and compliance with specifications
• Develop and validate analytical models to simulate structural performance under various conditions
• Optimize structures for weight, strength, and durability while ensuring compliance with applicable design codes
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior analysts/engineers
• Produce engineering documentations, reports, and manipulate/analyze technical data from hardware testing
• Identify and implement best practices for structural analysis methodologies
• Vibroacoustic environmental test data measurement and interpretation
• Lead project teams, manage deliverables, and ensure timely completion of project milestones

Special Mentions:

• The role requires working in an office/laboratory environment (Altadena, CA) with occasional visits to test facilities and manufacturing sites
• Relocation assistance is provided

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Structural Engineering, or related discipline
• 10+ years of relevant experience performing structural analysis
• Strong understanding of material properties, failure mechanisms, and structural dynamics
• Demonstrated leadership skills with experience in leading cross-functional projects
• Strong understanding of product development cycle in space industry
• Excellent problem-solving and communication abilities
• Experience with finite element analysis (FEA) software, strong preference for FEMAP
• Candidate must be able to write technical reports and to present results to a multi-disciplined team
• Ability to lead projects and work effectively in a team environment

Preferred Qualifications:

• MATLAB & Python knowledge
• 3D CAD tools (preferably Inventor)
• Experience with FEMAP, HyperMesh, ANSYS, LS-DYNA
• Experience in verification for complex spaceflight systems
• Experience with electro-mechanical systems
• Experience with deployables
• Experience in kinematic analysis
• Experience with composite materials (e.g., honeycomb panel, CFRP design)
• Experience in avionic structural analysis
• Familiarity with aerospace standards and regulations
• Excellent reporting and presentation skills
• Ability to meet deadlines on fast-paced projects

Compensation Range for:
CA applicants is $140,959.00-$197,342.25

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


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, 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.

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 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 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.