Test Engineer

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.

 As part of a hardworking team of engineers, you will work on the Launch Site One Test Operations' (LSO) Maintenance team in Van Horn, TX. The LSO Maintenance Team supports the thousands of components and dozens of sub-systems that make up GEEx, VEEx and XEEx Engine Test Stand facility structural, fluid, and electrical systems. In this role, you will support maintenance of that hardware as well as the initial build for upgrades to the stand in support of development, qualification and acceptance testing of Blue Engines. As part of a small, passionate, and accomplished team, you will be responsible for maintenance plans, architecture of process, maintenance requirement definition, troubleshooting hardware failure, risk identification/mitigation, automated data review scripts to support predictive maintenance, as well as supporting various continuous process improvements. This position will directly impact the history of space exploration and will require your dedicated commitment and detailed attention towards safe and repeatable operations. We are looking for someone to apply their technical expertise and commitment to quality for positive impact to spaceflight.

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, 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!  Passion for our mission and vision is required!

This job is a 1st shift position but will require ability to perform job duties outside of normal shift hours as needed. 10% travel may also be required to support other sites during surge need as well as for process and professional development.

Special Mentions

• Relocation provided
• Travel expected up to _10_% of the time
• Shifts available:
  • 8 days on and 6 days off "A" Rotation or "B" Rotation
• Interviews will include a technical assessment

Van Horn Specific information

Being at the heart of Blue Origin operations, the West Texas Site in Van Horn, TX offers eligible employee’s additional attractive financial incentives to supplement their competitive base earnings, including a living allowance and relocation assistance.  Eligibility for these additional benefits is based on the employee’s ability to permanently relocate to Van Horn, TX, or travel to Van Horn from another Blue location a minimum of 50% of the time.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Consistently exhibit strong written, personal, and computer skills. Ability to communicate clearly and promptly within all areas of the organization
• Author work instructions to safely perform maintenance on test facility hardware including instructions for disassembly, inspection, assembly of various mechanical and electro-mechanical components.
• Identification and definition of preventative maintenance of test facility hardware including support equipment needed to perform maintenance on the various components of the test facility.
• Perform root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for permanent problem resolution
• Support functional test of various components (valves, filters, regulators, etc.) for acceptance using high pressure pneumatics, cryogenics, or hydraulics. Troubleshoot, diagnose, and correct malfunctions using work instructions.
• Coordination with external vendors to support both preventative maintenance efforts and repair
• Participate in Test Readiness and Risk Assessment Reviews to ensure compliance with Blue Origin Health and Safety Manual requirements.
• Provide technical support of new designs for maintainability and operability.
• Perform operations as certified operator to support return to service post-maintenance as well as system upgrade first time activations
• Establish training curriculum for engineering and technicians to support job functions and proctor training for team as needed.
• Support robust methods and strategies for sustaining a reasonable inventory of equipment and spares to support stand maintenance.
• Support the Managers with establishing best practices and proper work execution strategies
• Engaging with multiple geographic locations and business units to support anomaly resolution, participate in hazard operations (hazops) assessments, stand boards, design reviews, as well as supporting considerations for operations and maintenance (O&M) of future facility expansions and upgrades.
• Actively introduce new technologies and capability improvements.
• Identify inefficiencies, capability gaps, and potential improvements in the O&M process to advocate for and implement better solutions.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
• Direct experience working with rocket test facility
• 4+ years of experience in testing environment with focus on engineering and project management
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects from concept definition to full implementation
• Advanced computer skills such as Windows, Microsoft Office, etc.
• Intermediate technical fundamentals in fluids and thermodynamic principles
• Strong ability to perform data analysis and establish dispositions or recommendations based upon system performance
• Intermediate working knowledge of instrumentation including pressure transducers, thermocouples, silicon diodes, resistance temperature detectors, flow measuring devices, and accelerometers
• Advanced knowledge of high pressure, cryogenic, hydraulic, pneumatic, data acquisition, and electrical power systems.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering standards, technical requirements, and engineering drawings
• Ability to safely work around pressurized systems up to 6,000 PSIG
• Approachable disposition, open minded and able to adapt to rapidly changing requirements
• Calming demeanor in high pressure situations with tenacity to resolve conflict for permanent problem resolution
• A continuous improvement mindset.
• 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 Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering, Engineering Management, or Business
• Experience with Windchill or similar product lifecycle tools
• Familiarity with CAD applications (Creo preferred)
• Experience with LabVIEW, MATLAB, Python, Winplot, Advanced Excel functions (VBA, Power Query, etc.)
• Working knowledge of aerospace cleanliness specs for Clean Room activities, and Manufacturing environments
• Working knowledge of fabrication techniques for component hardware modifications or creation of spare material from raw stock
• Experience in a leadership position
• Experienced in design tools and methods for facility fluid and/or electrical systems
• Operational understanding of engines and engine sub-components, such as turbopumps, combustion devices, valves and other fluid components

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.

• 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.