Mechanical Test Engineer III

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!  

We are seeking a highly skilled Test Engineer III to join our Space Resources Program team at our Los Angeles facility. This role is crucial for supporting, navigating, and advancing our rapid product development cycle, encompassing conceptualization, formal design, environmental testing, and final integration.

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!

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Lead the development, documentation, and updating of test procedures, including Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs), and detailed test plans to ensure knowledge transfer, operational excellence and compliance with safety standards (Safety of personnel, equipment, and data)
• Own the test setup, operation, and maintenance of environmental test systems, primarily vacuum chambers, for integrated testing of high-power and high-temperature systems under vacuum conditions.
• Design and assemble hardware fixtures to support a variety of unique tests and take initiative in operating data acquisition devices and selecting appropriate fittings.
• Troubleshoot custom and commercial control systems, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of test operations.
• Conduct and lead Test Readiness Reviews, ensuring all systems and subsystems meet the necessary testing requirements and documenting the process meticulously.
• Oversee the installation, operation, and maintenance of instruments and equipment, ensuring they meet project requirements and safety standards.
• Play a pivotal role in ensuring laboratory vacuum chamber experiments adhere to the highest Environmental Health and Safety standards.
• Collaborate closely with the team to deliver scalable solutions in fast-paced design, analysis, and construction cycles, with a keen focus on safety, quality, and innovation.
• Manage laboratory chemical waste, coordinating proper disposal procedures with Environmental Health and Safety departments.
• Provide comprehensive documentation and reports on test results, methodologies, and any issues encountered during testing phases.
• Mentor and guide team members in test operation operations and safety procedures

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Physics, or related field.
• 3+ years of hands-on laboratory experience with an emphasis on vacuum chamber operations, flight hardware, and fast-paced test operation.
• Demonstrated experience in developing, operating, and maintaining large vacuum chambers for integrated testing.
• Ability to plan and execute assembly and disassembly sequences and commissioning.
• Advanced proficiency in drafting and updating SOPs, JHAs, and detailed documentation for test procedures.
• Significant experience in conducting Test Readiness Reviews and managing data acquisition devices.
• CAD Design and fabrication experience for custom test support fixtures.
• Proficiency in troubleshooting, calibration, maintenance of a variety of laboratory instruments and equipment.
• Familiarity with safety standards applicable to laboratory vacuum chamber experiments and a proven record of ensuring compliance.
• Excellent communication skills, attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and team-oriented.
• Experience with post-flight and post-test analysis and illustrate results to wider engineering teams.
• Demonstrate proficiency in using DAQ software and modify the code as needed.
• Ability to lift or move heavy equipment up to 40 lbs as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, related engineering fields, or Physics.
• Experience with designing mechanical systems and mechanisms.
• Experience with High temperature material and thermal analysis.
• Ability to modify code in python and C as needed.
• Experience with In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) systems and typical aerospace systems.
• Demonstrate experience with environmental testing regulations for space missions.
• Relevant certifications in safety, hazardous materials handling, or vacuum chamber operations.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects and work successfully across multiple disciplines. 

Compensation 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 (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 [email protected]. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.

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