Manufacturing Engineer III - Rocket Engine BE-7

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 is part of Blue Origin Operations, which is comprised of Integrated Supply Chain, Test Operations, Safety, Quality, and Mission Assurance. This includes Manufacturing and Supply Chain support across all Blue Origin facilities.

Join the Manufacturing Engineering team within the BE-7 Program in Huntsville where we provide technical solutions across Combustion Devices Value Stream for BE-7. This role will set manufacturing operations direction for long term build planning across the entire product life cycle for all Combustion Device components.

As part of a small, passionate, and accomplished team of guides, you will be responsible for developing new rocket engine combustion devices components manufacturing and assembly processes. As a Manufacturing Engineer, you will translate engineering intent, drawings, and configurations into fully combustion devices hardware ready for test, qualification, and flight. Throughout the manufacturing process, you will also identify, develop, and deploy methods to improve quality, reduce cost, and optimize the build sequence and schedules of combustion devices components. As an integral member of the team, you will conduct DFMA and PFMEA studies to strengthen the feedback loop between design, build, and test and accelerate the pace of rocket engine development.

Special Mentions:

• Relocation provided
• Travel expected up to 50% of the time
• Shift available: Day shift, Monday-Friday

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Develop manufacturing work instructions to clearly define the following manufacturing process: receiving inspection, fabrication, assembly, test, integration, and refurbishment
• Closely manage cost, quality, build sequence, and schedule of hardware throughout the entire manufacturing process
• Perform engineering drawing review and provide final approval for manufacturing
• Develop process control measures and evaluation through statistical analysis
• Define and support repair and rework activities
• Design, procure, install, and integrate custom manufacturing equipment
• Interface with external suppliers and manufacturing partners to ensure that hardware and equipment is manufactured, processed, packaged, and delivered properly, on time, and on budget
• Perform capacity analysis for manufacturing equipment and processes
• Perform root cause analyses when non-conformances and escapes are identified and deploy corrective actions
• Design proper material handling and packaging to protect hardware throughout the build and test process
• Manage hardware configuration and maintain pedigree throughout the entire build and test process
• Serve as the manufacturing technical focal for assigned components and/or assembly, integration activities, establishing manufacturing plans for component architectures and presenting solutions to leadership.
• Plan for and support builds of engineering demonstrators, test articles, and prototype hardware, providing hands-on support during fabrication, assembly, and testing to validate manufacturing approaches
• Drive Design for Excellence (DFX) principles, conduct producibility assessments, support trade studies, and develop roadmaps to bridge manufacturing technology gaps
• Develop manufacturing artifacts including Production Readiness Level assessments, manufacturing management plans, build strategies, facility capacity plans, and tooling designs
• Partner with Program Management and Design Engineering teams to identify manufacturing risks, establish mitigation plans, and influence design/programmatic decisions
• Mentor engineers, challenge teams to question requirements and identify elegant solutions, and foster a culture of integrity and continuous improvement

Minimum Qualifications:

• 7+ years of direct manufacturing and manufacturing engineering experience
• Bachelors of Science in Engineering from an accredited university
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic team environment supporting constantly evolving design iterations
• Solid understanding of engineering fundamentals for mechanical design and manufacturing
• Familiarity with lean systems and methodologies
• Ability to interpret engineering models, drawings, specifications, written work instructions, and test procedures
• Ability to communicate clearly and appropriately at all levels of the organization
• Exceptional organizational, analytical, and project management skills, particularly in regards to attention to detail
• Hands on experience in hardware manufacturing (i.e. castings, forgings, additively manufactured components, welding, machining, cleaning, non-destructive testing methods, tight tolerance assembly, leak testing, final acceptance testing of integrated hardware, and Manufacturing Execution Systems/Software)
• Record of completing manufacturing projects including but not limited to: design for manufacturability, cycle time reduction, and mistake proofing systems
• Strong understanding of component and system development lifecycle from concept through production
• Proven capacity to provide technical leadership, set strategic direction for manufacturing solutions, and apply project management skills to coordinate activities across multiple stakeholders 
• Experience planning and supporting R&D hardware builds including defining/reviewing design requirements, authoring manufacturing work instructions, managing BOMs, process documentation, and non-conformance resolution/RCCA
• Proven success influencing design requirements and developing manufacturing processes
• Experience with CAD systems (NX, CATIA, or SolidWorks) and PLM tools

• Ability to work extended hours/weekends to support critical milestones

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in fabrication processes such as:  5 axis machining, machine automation, machine optimization, GTAW welding, vacuum heat treat
• Experience working in test processes such as:  hydrostatic proof, water/gas flow testing, non-destructive testing, leak testing
• Experience in technical leadership roles, without direct reports and mentorship
• Knowledge in Combustion Devices design and key characteristics
• On-Site R&D/prototype experience establishing novel manufacturing processes, tooling/fixturing/GSE, and ensuring producible designs through application of DFX principles
• Knowledge of AS9100, ISO9001, and/or other quality standards

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.

• 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.

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