System Engineer (Hardware Configuration)

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 building the physical backbone of next-generation autonomous manufacturing at Blue Origin. We're looking for a Systems Engineer to specify, integrate, and bring up the automated stations, tooling, and robotic work cells that turn our production lines into an integrated autonomous factory.

You will work with our automation team to define automation requirements, select and integrate equipment, and lead station bring-up from concept through qualification. Your work will span robotic cells, PLC-controlled equipment, test stations, and material handling.

Key Responsibilities

- Define automation requirements and concepts of operation for factory stations, translating production rate, takt time, and process needs into equipment specifications
- Design and integrate robotic work cells, automated tooling, fixtures, and end effectors across assembly and test stations
- Specify and review PLC, controls, and safety architecture for automated equipment in partnership with controls engineers
- Lead equipment selection, vendor technical evaluation, and acceptance testing for capital automation purchases
- Develop station layouts, material flow, and interfaces between robotic cells, conveyance, and operator work areas
- Lead installation, commissioning, and bring-up of automated stations on the production floor
- Partner with design engineering on DFM/DFA to ensure hardware is manufacturable and automation-ready
- Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and controls issues on automated equipment and drive corrective action
- Document automation requirements, interface definitions, acceptance criteria, and as-built station configurations

Basic Qualifications

- Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
- 3-4 years of engineering experience with automated manufacturing equipment or systems
- Working knowledge of PLCs, industrial controls, and robotic systems
- Experience specifying, integrating, or commissioning automation hardware
- Ability to read and produce mechanical and electrical drawings, schematics, and interface documents
- Familiarity with robotics or industrial automation workflows, including sensors, controllers, HIL/SIL, or sim-to-real validation
- Programming skills in Python and C++

Desired Qualifications

- Experience with robotic station design and offline programming (KUKA, FANUC, ABB, or similar)
- Familiarity with automation planning: rate studies, takt time, cycle time, and capacity analysis
- Experience with machine vision, automated test equipment, or automated inspection/NDT
- Knowledge of industrial safety standards and risk assessment for automated equipment
- Experience in high-volume or high-rate production environments
- Familiarity with MES/ERP integration and factory data systems
- Develop standardized HMI interfaces for operator interaction and production monitoring
- Architect industrial network infrastructure (e.g., EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, EtherCAT) for automated lines
- Design safety system architecture per ISO 13849 and IEC 62443 (functional safety and cybersecurity)
- Create reusable control system templates and code libraries for global deployment standardization
- Define MES integration specifications and data exchange protocols between automation cells and enterprise systems

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.