CAD Drafter III – Ground Support Equipment

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

This role is part of Blue Origin Operations, which is comprised of Integrated Supply Chain, Test Operations, Safety, Quality, and Mission Assurance. This includes Manufacturing and Supply Chain support across all Blue Origin facilities.

A CAD Drafter III is an established technical expert who develops, maintains, and submits for release engineering drawings, systems designs, and engineering documentation by applying company, industry, and governmental standards. Utilizing PTC Creo Parametric 12 and Windchill PLM, the Drafter III creates, develops, and maintains complex 3D parametric models, 2D drawings, Model-Based Definition (MBD) datasets, and product structures across mechanical/structural, fluid, and electrical disciplines. This role exercises ownership over complex design tasks, authors Engineering Change Requests, and contributes to tool and process development for ground support equipment serving New Glenn launch operations, engine test facilities, transportation and handling systems, and advanced manufacturing tooling.

Job Description

We are a diverse team of collaborators, doers, and problem-solvers who are relentlessly committed to a culture of safety. This position will directly impact the history of space exploration and will require your commitment and detailed attention towards safe and repeatable space flight. Join us in lowering the cost of access to space and enabling Blue Origin's vision of millions of people living and working in space to benefit Earth.

As part of our Ground Support Development (GSD) Engineering Services CAD Support team, you will provide advanced technical design support for ground systems hardware across multiple disciplines. Our team supports Launch Pad and Launch Accessories for New Glenn, engine and space hardware test stands, transportation and handling equipment, advanced manufacturing tooling, and other miscellaneous ground systems. As a Drafter III, you will exercise ownership over complex design tasks and subsystems, develop technical plans, author change requests, and serve as a discipline point of contact within the team. You are versatile and skilled with demonstrated experience using Creo's supplemental extensions and proficient in manipulating Windchill product structures and change notices.

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

Responsibilities:

• Exercise ownership over complex design tasks, subsystems, and product definition datasets using PTC Creo Parametric 12 and Windchill PLM

• Develop and maintain advanced Model-Based Definition (MBD) datasets; champion MBD adoption and best practices within the team

• Lead mechanical/structural design efforts including complex steel frameworks, custom machine assemblies, lifting/rigging systems, structural weldments, and platform/access designs using Creo AFX

• Lead fluid system design including complex piping routes, tubing assemblies, manifold designs, P&ID development support, and component integration using Creo Piping extension with knowledge of ASME B31.1 and B31.3

• Drive electrical system design including enclosure assemblies, cable tray routing, panel layouts, and cable/harness routing using Creo Cabling extension; support the team's transition from AutoCAD Electrical to Creo-based electrical workflows

• Manage and optimize large-scale CAD assemblies using advanced techniques: simplified representations, shrinkwrap, family tables, flexible components, top-down design methods, and skeleton models

• Author Engineering Change Requests (ECRs) and generate Change Notices within Windchill for release and revision processing

• Develop technical plans for applying design solutions to complex problems

• Provide input to program teams to support schedule and budget planning

• Leverage and champion AI-assisted design tools, generative design, and automation workflows to drive team productivity, reduce repetitive tasks, and improve design quality

• Perform and lead model and drawing check/peer review activities during release reviews

• Participate in significant tool and process development; provide support to strategic initiatives and department-level best practices

• Serve as point of contact for your discipline within the team; provide infrequent updates to program and customers

• Review others' work as required; mentor junior drafters

Minimum Qualifications:

• 2-year AS degree in Computer Aided Drafting, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or equivalent; OR 4-year BS degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical, or Systems Engineering or related field

• 5+ years of experience in a technical design role

• Established technical expertise with PTC Creo Parametric (or Pro/ENGINEER) and Windchill PLM

• Demonstrated experience creating fabrication and installation drawings for complex assemblies

• Strong knowledge of ASME Y14.100, Y14.5, Y14.41

• Experience managing large CAD assemblies and associated drawings

• Experience with engineering change management processes and PLM workflows

• Knowledge of GD&T application and interpretation

• Ability to work autonomously in a dynamic and fast-paced work environment

• Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and strengthen our culture of inclusion

• 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:

• 5–8 years of relevant aerospace or heavy industrial design experience

• Strong experience with Creo Advanced Framework Extension (AFX) for structural steel design

• Strong experience with Creo Piping/ProPiping for fluid system routing and design

• Experience with Creo Cabling extension or demonstrated ability to transition electrical design from 2D (AutoCAD Electrical) to 3D parametric environment

• Knowledge of ASME B31.1 and B31.3 piping codes

• Experience with Model-Based Definition (MBD) implementation and 3D annotation per ASME Y14.41

• Knowledge of standard components, installation, and fabrication methods of piping systems (pipe stock, fittings, connections, valves, fasteners, structural members, welding)

• Knowledge of fluid components typical in tubing and piping systems (valves, regulators, pumps)

• Experience with large assembly management strategies and performance optimization

• Experience leveraging AI tools for design automation, quality checking, or workflow optimization

• Knowledge of precision cleaning processes/levels and passivation of stainless steel

• Solid understanding of common manufacturing processes (mills, lathes, welding, sheet-metal, lifting/rigging, assembly, inspection)

• Launch component Ground Support Equipment (GSE) experience

• Experience with AutoCAD, AutoCAD Electrical, or Bentley AutoPipe

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.