Test Engineer IV (Senior) | Test Operations Maintenance | Engines

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!  

This individual will join the Alabama Test Operations (ATO) Maintenance team at Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) in Huntsville, AL. The ATO Maintenance team is responsible for the thousands of components and dozens of sub-systems that make up the historic MSFC 4670 Engine Test Stand facility structural, fluid, and electrical systems, as well as the component test capability supporting engine factory checkout areas, including environmental, proof, and flow testing. Our premier capability is full-scale liquid propellant rocket engine testing at Test Stand 4670. In this role, you will sustain that hardware and support the initial build and activation of facility upgrades in support of development, qualification, and acceptance testing of Blue Origin engines and their components.

As part of a small, passionate, and accomplished team, you will be responsible for maintenance plans, process architecture, maintenance requirement definition, troubleshooting hardware failures, risk identification and mitigation, automated data review scripts to support predictive maintenance, and a wide range of continuous process improvements.

This position will directly impact the history of space exploration in the heart of Rocket City and will require your dedicated commitment and detailed attention toward 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 is a 1st shift position but will require the ability to perform job duties outside of normal shift hours as needed to support test operations and maintenance windows. Up to 10% travel may be required to support other Blue Origin test sites during surge needs, as well as for process and professional development.

Responsibilities

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

Scope, autonomy, and leadership expectations scale with level as described in the Minimum Qualifications below.

Minimum Qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline, with years of relevant experience per the level table below. Looking for Level IV however would also consider strong Level III.
• Experience in a test, propulsion, industrial, energy, or comparable hardware-rich operating environment.
• Working knowledge of high-pressure, cryogenic, hydraulic, pneumatic, data acquisition, and electrical power systems, commensurate with level.
• Technical fundamentals in fluid mechanics and thermodynamics.
• Ability to perform data analysis and establish dispositions or recommendations based on system performance.
• Working knowledge of instrumentation, including pressure transducers, thermocouples, silicon diodes, resistance temperature detectors, flow measurement devices, and accelerometers.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering standards, technical requirements, and engineering drawings.
• Ability to safely work around pressurized systems up to 6,000 PSIG.
• Proficiency with Windows and Microsoft Office applications.
• Approachable disposition, open-minded, and able to adapt to rapidly changing requirements.
• Calm demeanor in high-pressure situations, with the tenacity to resolve conflict and drive permanent problem resolution.
• A safety first, 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. Must be able to obtain and maintain access to Redstone Arsenal.

Experience by Level

Test Engineer III

B.S. + 6 years, or M.S. + 4 years

Owns major systems and their maintenance strategy; leads root cause investigations and projects from concept through activation; mentors junior engineers and technicians.

Sr. Test Engineer

B.S. + 10 years, or M.S. + 8 years

Sets facility-wide maintenance architecture and standards; drives cross-site and cross-BU alignment; serves as technical authority in reviews and boards; leads capital upgrade and activation campaigns.

Desired Qualifications

• Direct experience working at or with a rocket propulsion test facility.
• M.S. or Ph.D. in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering, Engineering Management, or Business.
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects from concept definition through full implementation.
• Experience with environmental (thermal/vacuum/vibration), proof, and flow testing of flight components.
• Experience with Windchill or a similar product lifecycle management tool.
• Familiarity with CAD applications (Creo preferred).
• Experience with LabVIEW, MATLAB, Python, Winplot, or advanced Excel functions (VBA, Power Query, etc.).
• Experience with a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) and reliability-centered maintenance methods.
• Working knowledge of aerospace cleanliness specifications for clean room activities and manufacturing environments.
• Working knowledge of fabrication techniques for component hardware modification or creation of spare material from raw stock.
• Experience in a formal or informal leadership position.
• Experience with 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.

Physical and Environmental Requirements

Test Operations is a physically active, all-four-seasons role with both indoor and outdoor work requirements, including exposure to rain, wind, cold, heat, and high humidity typical of the Tennessee Valley. The role requires the ability to climb ladders and stairs, work at elevation on test stand structures, work in confined spaces, lift and carry up to 40 lbs, and wear personal protective equipment including respirators as required.

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 EEOCompliance@blueorigin.com. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.