Space Resources Sr. MRE Engineer - Technology Development

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!

This position is part of the Space Systems Development (SSD) business unit. SSD is Blue Origin’s advanced development arm dedicated to developing mission architectures, creating, and feeding new technologies into our existing offerings, building our next generation of leaders, and commercializing new platforms that fuel Blue Origin’s growth and further its mission. Our work scope is broad and deep, forging the path toward our vision of millions of people living and working in space.

We believe that to preserve our planet, humanity must expand beyond our limits, venturing into space to explore and discover new energy and material resources.

In pursuit of this vision, we invite you to join our dynamic Space Resources Program. We're dedicated to developing and demonstrating In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) technologies for the Moon and beyond. If our mission resonates with you and you are eager to contribute, you could be the perfect addition to our inclusive, open-minded, and forward-thinking team.

As part of a hardworking team of diverse specialists, technicians, and engineers, as a Sr. Engineer , you will play a crucial role in all phases of our Molten Regolith Electrolysis (MRE) reactor development, including designing experimental test campaigns, cell prototype design, and electrochemical testing of existing reactors.

In this hands-on role, you will work entirely onsite at our Los Angeles Facility with the Space Resources Program team. We are seeking a dynamic Sr. R&D Engineer to join our hands-on Technology Development team. You will play a crucial role in our MRE reactor process development from concept to prototype operation and subsystem testing.

Responsibilities:

• Designing and owning MRE test campaigns to optimize process parameters and explaining electrochemical behavior of molten oxide systems.
• Providing subject matter expertise to inform the design and development of prototype MRE cells and reactors.
• Performing electrochemical analysis for mature reactor testing activities.
• Providing electrochemistry subject matter expertise across the program for existing and future projects.

The successful candidate will focus on pushing the boundaries of our MRE technology and implementing lessons learned into integrated systems. This role requires exceptional knowledge of electrochemical and/or pyrometallurgical principles, and the state-of-the-art in ultra-high temperature electrolysis processes.

We work in fast-paced cycles of design, analysis, and Integration to deliver scalable solutions. We are looking for someone who is adaptable, willing to take action, eager to learn and committed to safety and quality. Your creativity, innovative spirit, and ability to navigate changing requirements are crucial.

Minimum Qualifications

• M.S. in electrochemistry, metallurgy, materials science, chemical engineering, or an equivalent technical field.
• Minimum 7 years of industry experience in a relevant field.
• Proven, hands-on experience with high temperature electrochemical or pyrometallurgical systems such as, but not limited to, molten oxide electrolyzers/batteries, molten salt electrolyzers/batteries, or traditional smelters.
• Knowledge of molten oxide or molten salt electrochemistry.
• Experience with electrochemical measurement techniques such as CV and EIS using commercial potentiostats.
• Proven experience independently developing analytical protocols for electrochemical systems and using analytical results to improve system design or operation.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently to identify and implement technical solutions while working to implement those solutions with a broader team.
• Proven ability to ensure timely completion of tasks and communicate schedule and budget risks with stakeholders.
• Experience in collaborating with multiple teams and aligning with overall business objectives.
• Capability to identify improvement opportunities and develop detailed improvement plans.
• Proven ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to a culture of inclusion.
• Capacity to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in electrochemistry, metallurgy, materials science, chemical engineering, or an equivalent technical field.
• Demonstrated knowledge of chemical reactor design and scaling.
• Experience with molten oxide electrolysis.
• Experience with thermodynamic modeling using CALPHAD tools.
• Familiarity with material characterization tools such as micro-CT, XRD, SEM, XRF.
• Familiarity with high temperature furnaces and refractory materials.
• Experience in designing and building prototype reactors for commercial applications.
• Experience in aerospace technology development environment.

Compensation Range for:

Other site ranges may differ

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.

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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