Materials and Process Engineer II - Thermal Protection 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!  

This role is part of Advanced Concepts and Enterprise Engineering (ACE), supporting Blue Origin’s mission of millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. The team fosters innovation and drives engineering workflows of the future, shared solutions and standards, simplicity and lower costs, and manufacturable design.

Summary: As a Materials and Process Engineer II specializing in Thermal Protection Systems (TPS), you will play a critical role in the design, development, and implementation of materials and processes for our innovative space vehicle. You will be part of a dynamic team of engineers and technicians, leveraging your expertise to select, test, and characterize materials for extreme thermal environments.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Lead the execution and logistics of material test campaigns, from initial planning and vendor coordination to final data delivery.

• Evaluate and select metallic and non-metallic materials for use in TPS, considering mechanical properties, thermal performance, and environmental resistance.

• Manage hands-on test article fabrication, hardware builds, and lab characterization activities.

• Meticulously maintain specimen, lot, and batch traceability to ensure data pedigree for all tested hardware.

• Perform data reduction, plotting, and analysis from various material tests to synthesize clear and actionable results.

• Create, review, and maintain engineering documentation, including test procedures, test reports, and material or process specifications.

• Collaborate with design and manufacturing teams to integrate material and process requirements into the vehicle design.

• Support the production, integration, and refurbishment of thermal protection systems.

• Practice root cause analysis and develop corrective actions for non-conformances.

• Stay informed on emerging technologies and industry trends in advanced materials and thermal protection systems.

Minimum Qualifications:

• B.S. in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related technical field.

• 2+ years of relevant experience in Materials and Process Engineering.

• Developing professional expertise in applying materials science fundamentals across the development cycle (requirements, design, analysis, fabrication, test).

• Ability to interpret engineering drawings/models and apply their specific intent.

• Experience contributing to the dispositioning of non-conformances.

• Demonstrated experience in executing test campaigns and coordinating with test labs or vendors.

• Proven ability to work independently on assigned projects and drive them to closure.

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Materials Science/Engineering or a related field.

• Direct hands-on experience with the manufacturing or testing of high-temperature materials and Thermal Protection System (TPS) materials (e.g., ablatives, ceramic matrix composites, high-temperature alloys).

• Experience authoring or contributing to Process Control Documents (PCDs).

• Demonstrated experience as a Material & Process signatory on a flight production program.

• Experience with material characterization techniques (e.g., SEM, EDS, TGA, DSC).

• Familiarity with Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) techniques.

• Working knowledge of composite material testing standards, such as CMH-17.

• Familiarity with design and analysis software (e.g., CAD, FEA, thermal analysis tools).

• Knowledge of environmentally-assisted degradation of materials in space and atmospheric reentry environments.

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, 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.
• Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week)
• 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 [email protected]. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.