Principal Aerodynamics Engineer

As part of a diverse and hardworking team of specialists, you will be a leader for aspects of aerodynamic and aerothermodynamic design across all flight regimes for current and future spaceflight systems. You will lead the development of airframe and Outer Mold Line (OML) design and configuration, aerodynamic/aerothermal models, and develop databases for space launch and reentry vehicles for human flight using hand calculations, engineering methods, numerical methods, and detailed test methods. You will share in the team's impact on all aspects of the program through their entire lifecycle, from early conceptual design and configuration through flight operations and sustaining engineering. This position will require your commitment and detailed attention towards safe and repeatable spaceflight and will directly shape the future of space exploration. Responsibilities: Lead the development of airframe and Outer Mold Line (OML) design and configuration for launch, re-entry, and interplanetary vehicles Develop aerodynamic/aerothermal subsonic, transonic, and hypersonic models Lead teams in the development of tools and tool chains Be involved in all aspects of an entire program lifecycle: from early conceptual design and configuration through flight operations and sustaining engineering. Participate in/lead working groups and committees Own strategic initiatives advancing technology and developing best practices Qualifications: MS degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering 15 years combination of academic and/or professional experience with air vehicle aerodynamics, aerothermodynamics, or flight mechanics Strong aerodynamic fundamentals and intuition through multiple flight regimes (hypersonic, supersonic, transonic, subsonic; continuous and free molecular flow) Demonstrated experience leading engineering teams and projects Demonstrated experience in the development of aerodynamic and aerothermodynamic data for various vehicle configurations Proven experience developing and maintaining databases for use in trajectory, GN&C (Guidance, Navigation, and Control), and structural loads analyses using both analysis and test methods (e.g., hand calcs, CFD, wind tunnel testing) Demonstrated experience with aerodynamic testing and engineering level methods (e.g., Missile DATCOM, MINIVER) Experience in development of integrated systems and effective communication of aerodynamic impacts to other subsystems and product objectives 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: PhD in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering Demonstrated experience with CFD tools including mesh generation and solution post-processing Experience in aerodynamic tool development and integration with optimization/analysis toolchains Experience with CFD solvers: CFD , FUN3D, LAURA; and pre/post processing tools: Pointwise, Ensight, ParaView, Tecplot Experience supporting wind tunnel testing and, flight testing including data reduction and post-flight data analysis Experience with vehicle aerothermodynamic environments through all phases of flight (launch, exo-atmospheric, re-entry, landing and recovery) Experience developing flight test plans and operational procedures Familiarity with Astrodynamics, Vehicle Dynamics, and Flight Environment Analysis and Modeling ITAR Requirements To conform to U.S. Government commercial space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3), applicants for employment at Blue Origin must be a U.S. citizen or national, lawfully admitted for permanent residence into the U.S. (i.e. current green card holder), or lawfully admitted as a refugee or granted asylum under 8 U.S.C. § 1157-1158. Learn more about the ITAR here. 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 11 holidays