Sr. Hardware Engineer

Application close date:

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!  

Applies standard engineering techniques to develop, implement, and optimize manufacturing processes for aerospace components, equipment, and systems. Responsible for ensuring manufacturing efficiency, quality, and safety while supporting the production of launch vehicles, spacecraft, satellites, and their ground support systems.

This role supports the development and operations of New Glenn, a single-configuration, heavy-lift orbital launch vehicle capable of routinely carrying people and payloads to low-Earth orbit, geostationary transfer orbit, cislunar, and beyond. Its first stage is fully reusable, and the vehicle was designed from the beginning to be human-capable.

We are looking for someone to apply their technical expertise, leadership skills, and commitment to quality to positively impact safe human spaceflight. Passion for our mission and vision is required!

Special Mentions:

• Relocation provided
• Travel expected up to 10% of the time
• Interviews will include a technical assessment

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Design and implement efficient manufacturing processes and assembly methods
• Create and maintain manufacturing documentation including work instructions, process specifications, and standard operating procedures
• Support production planning and scheduling to ensure on-time delivery
• Perform process capability studies and implement statistical process control methods
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance quality, reduce costs, and increase efficiency
• Troubleshoot manufacturing issues and drive root cause analysis
• Collaborate with design engineering to ensure manufacturability and design for manufacturing principles
• Develop tooling and fixture requirements for manufacturing operations
• Support new product introductions and technology transfer to production
• Perform manufacturing risk assessments and implement mitigation strategies
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and regulatory requirements
• Participate in cross-functional teams for Design for Manufacturing (DFM), Design Failure Mode Effects Analysis (DFMEA), and Root Cause Investigations
• Support production floor operations and provide technical guidance to production teams

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
• 8+ years' experience with manufacturing processes relevant to aerospace applications
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies
• Proficiency with CAD/CAM software and manufacturing simulation tools
• Experience with process documentation and implementation of manufacturing work instructions
• Familiarity with quality systems and manufacturing standards (AS9100, ISO 9001)
• Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
• Experience in aerospace manufacturing environments
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification
• Experience with automation and robotics in manufacturing processes
• Knowledge of additive manufacturing techniques and applications
• Experience with new product introduction and production ramp-up
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements for aerospace manufacturing
• Experience with ERP/MES systems and digital manufacturing technologies
• Knowledge of composite materials manufacturing processes

Base Pay Range for:

Other site ranges may differ

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.