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Manufacturing Engineer III - Welding (New Shepard)

BLUE ORIGIN

BLUE ORIGIN

Seattle, WA, USA
USD 108,795-152,311.95 / year
Posted on Apr 30, 2025

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 diverse team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight!

Come join us at our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Kent, WA as a New Shepard Manufacturing Engineer working to develop cost-effective reusable rockets that embody our “Launch. Land. Repeat.” mission with the ultimate goal of making space accessible to everyone for the betterment of Earth.

Our New Shepard Rocket is a reusable suborbital rocket systems designed to take astronauts and research payloads past the Kármán line – the internationally recognized boundary of space. Through operational reusability, New Shepard supports our mission of lowering the cost of access to space. This is a critical vehicle for learning in which we pioneer and validate technologies for our next generation of space vehicles such as New Glenn and Orbital Reef. To build a road to space we are looking to build a diverse team of problem solvers and collaborators who are passionate about building a road to space for millions of people living and working in space.

This role is part of Blue Origin Operations, which is comprised of Integrated Supply Chain, Facilities, and Security. This includes Manufacturing and Supply Chain support across all Blue Origin facilities.

As part of a hardworking team of diverse specialists, technicians, engineers, you will be responsible for working closely with engineering design and company leadership to support all manufacturing efforts and equipment related to building various spaceflight systems. This includes owning the manufacturing and assembly work that is performed on a launch vehicle module, investigating and dispositioning non-conformances (NCs), as well as delivery and commissioning of the various sub-systems in support of programmatic budgets and schedules.

Special Mentions

  • Relocation provided

  • Travel expected up to 5% of the time

  • Shifts available: Regular shift

    • Monday – Friday (5/8 schedule)

  • Interviews will include a technical assessment

Job Description

Come join us at our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Kent, WA as a New Shepard Manufacturing Engineer working to develop cost-effective reusable rockets that embody our “Launch. Land. Repeat.” mission with the ultimate goal of making space accessible to everyone for the betterment of Earth.

Our New Shepard Rocket is a reusable suborbital rocket system designed to take astronauts and research payloads past the Kármán line – the internationally recognized boundary of space. Through operational reusability, New Shepard supports our mission of lowering the cost of access to space.

This role is part of Blue Origin Operations, which is comprised of Integrated Supply Chain, Facilities, and Security. This includes Manufacturing and Supply Chain support across all Blue Origin facilities.

As part of a hardworking team of diverse specialists, technicians, engineers, you will be responsible for working closely with engineering design to support the manufacturing floor in assembly and installation, compliance to engineering requirements, discrepancy resolution, and component acceptance testing – specifically on structures product lifecycle in NS Propulsion Module. In addition, this position expected to perform hands-on engineering and liaison role between our design, test, operations, and manufacturing customers, this includes (but not limited to): facilitating troubleshooting efforts and dispositioning of non-conforming (NC) weld-related issues - preferably on addressing cracks, spatter, inclusion, undercut, incomplete penetration/fusion, etc. type of defects - through detailed work instructions; and lead efforts in isolating NC parts and assemblies.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Provide direct support to production team in fast-paced environment by performing any/all the following:

  • Support the manufacturing floor in assembly and installation, compliance to engineering requirements, discrepancy resolution, and component acceptance testing.

  • Perform hands-on engineering and liaison role between our design, test, operations, and manufacturing customers.

  • Experience with at least one of the following processes: Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), Orbital Tube Welding (OTW), Laser Beam Welding (LBW), Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM), and Brazing.

  • Experience interpreting NDT/NDE results (such as UT, RT, PT).

  • Lead troubleshooting efforts, review NDT results, and dispositioning of non-conforming (NC) weld-related issues - preferably on addressing cracks, spatter, inclusion, undercut, incomplete penetration/fusion, etc. type of defects - through detailed work instructions.

  • Knowledgeable in Aluminum, Titanium, corrosion, Fusion Welding or metallic materials.

  • Lead efforts in isolating NC parts and assemblies.

  • Lead efforts to identify and resolve Root Cause of vehicle non-conformances through Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and Root Cause Corrective Actions (RCCA)

    • Lead DFMA & PFMEA analysis at part, assembly, and system level to improve build sequence, manufacturing processes, layout development and feedback loop between design, build, and test.

  • Support maintenance activities for fielded vehicles as required leading up to a launch.

  • Provide technical expertise on structural subsystems with collaboration with other subsystem Manufacturing Engineers and Design Engineers.

  • Supports products through design and operational gated reviews by evaluating and aiding in the development of required artifacts.

  • Provide design for manufacturability review of vehicle designs, and make recommendations to improve quality, simplify operations and reduce cost.

  • Take ownership of product quality, establishing procedures and processes to support continuous improvement.

  • Collaborate with system design team to ensure process improvements are implemented through Engineering Change Requests (ECR) to improve manufacturability and reduce NC’s.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor of Science degree or higher in mechanical, aerospace, or industrial engineering or other relevant field.

  • 5+ years of relevant experience. Relevant internship experience and/or relevant extracurricular activities may count as years of experience.

  • Working knowledge of structural mechanics principals including but not limited to load path distribution, strength of materials, and how to interpret finite element analysis (FEA).

  • Familiarity with common Non-Destructive Test, including visual, dye penetrant, ultrasound, x-ray, CT scan, Eddy Current, XRF scan.

  • Project management skills and strong coordination to track, manage, and prioritize multiple simultaneous tasks.

  • Experience with manufacturing fabrication and assembly processes, work order creation/management, BOM structures, and quality control.

  • Working knowledge of common aerospace and/or military standards

  • Experienced in repair and rework activities

  • Experienced with 3D CAD software, 2D and 3D engineering drawings.

  • Desire to work hands-on, both independently and as part of a team, throughout the development and production phases of the product lifecycle.

  • Excellent attention to detail and task ownership, someone who demonstrates pride in all work and willingness to perform low-level tasks when needed.

  • Strong written, personal, and computer skills. Ability to communicate clearly and appropriately at the executive leadership level and on the shop floor.

  • Strong interpersonal and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and handle small and large projects with a diversity of internal and external customers.

  • Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to our inclusive culture.

  • 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:

  • Master’s of Science in mechanical or aerospace engineering or related

  • 10+ years of engineering experience and understanding of aerospace fusion welding processes in stainless steel, nickel, titanium, and aluminum materials.

  • Hands-on machining/welding experience (FSW preferred, TIG/GTA acceptable.)

  • Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma processes and implementation.

  • Proficiency in 3D CAD programs (Creo Pro/E preferred)

  • Working knowledge of GD&T (ASME Y14.5)

  • Working knowledge of welding standards (AWS D17.1)

  • Working knowledge of Rigging Hardware (ASME 30.26)


Compensation Range for:

WA applicants is $108,795.00-$152,311.95

Other site ranges may differ

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.

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, 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.

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 EEOCompliance@blueorigin.com.

California Applicant Privacy Notice

If you are a California resident, please reference the CA Applicant Privacy Notice here.