Sara Ballantyne
About Sara Ballantyne
Sara Ballantyne is a Propulsion Engineer II at Blue Origin, supporting the BE-7 lunar lander engine program. She has extensive experience in mechanical engineering and has contributed to various aerospace projects since 2014.
Professional Role at Blue Origin
Sara Ballantyne holds the title of Propulsion Engineer II at Blue Origin. She has been with the company since 2022 and is based in Los Angeles, California. In her role, she plays a critical part in the development and testing of propulsion systems. Her current focus includes supporting the BE-7 lunar lander engine program as part of the Engines Validation and Test group.
Previous Experience at Blue Origin
Before becoming a Propulsion Engineer II, Sara worked in several other positions at Blue Origin. From 2020 to 2022, she was a Propulsion Engineer based in the Greater Seattle Area. Prior to that, she participated in the New Graduate Rotation Program from 2019 to 2020, where she contributed to projects like New Glenn, BE-3U, BE-4, and New Shepard. Additionally, she interned as a New Shepard Structures Intern in 2018 in Kent, Washington.
Education and Early Career
Sara Ballantyne earned her Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering, where she studied from 2015 to 2019. During her time at Olin College, she was actively involved in various projects and initiatives, such as leading a student product design team that developed machine-vision wearable tech for Boeing in her senior year. Prior to her college education, she graduated as Salutatorian from Bishop Kelly High School with a cumulative GPA of 3.98.
Roles at Olin College and Internships
During her undergraduate studies, Sara held several roles at Olin College of Engineering. She was the AIAA Design-Build-Fly Fabrication Lead from 2017 to 2019 and a Machine Shop TA for Oxy-Acetylene Brazing and Plasma Cutting during the same period. Additionally, she served as a Resident Resource (R2) and was a Representative for Intercollegiate Affairs in the Student Government. She also gained practical experience through internships, including roles at Lovevery, AeroLEDs LLC, and the Idaho Science and Aerospace Scholar Program.