Principle Specialist

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.

This role is part of the Blue Origin GSD business unit, focused on the design, development, manufacturing, and testing of advanced rocket engines and propulsion systems

The Principal Specialist will directly contribute to the advancement of space exploration and the development of safe, reliable, and repeatable spaceflight systems. This position requires a high degree of technical expertise, attention to detail, ownership, and commitment to operational excellence. The role supports Blue Origin’s mission of lowering the cost of access to space and enabling a future in which millions of people can live and work in space to benefit Earth.

As a member of the Manufacturing GSD team, the Principal Specialist will provide technical leadership in the development, fabrication, integration, testing, and operational support of ground and test systems used for engineering development and production. The position requires strong hands-on expertise with pneumatic, hydraulic, cryogenic, mechanical, and electro-mechanical systems, as well as the ability to work effectively across engineering, manufacturing, test, and operations organizations.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and hands-on support throughout the requirements definition, design, architecture, procurement, fabrication, integration, checkout, and deployment of pneumatic, hydraulic, cryogenic, and electro-mechanical hardware supporting launch and field operations.
• Support the construction, commissioning, operation, and continuous improvement of cleaning, passivation, and test facilities.
• Support test stand operations by developing and implementing standards, procedures, and processes for precision cleaning, component preparation, controlled testing, and acceptance of flight and ground-support hardware.
• Perform functional checkout, troubleshooting, and failure investigation of mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and electro-mechanical valve assemblies and associated components.
• Develop, create, and release manufacturing work orders while coordinating material requirements and maintaining an active and responsive supply chain.
• Coordinate with technicians and manufacturing personnel during the cleaning, fabrication, assembly, installation, checkout, and testing of valve assemblies, umbilical’s, fluid components, and related ground-support hardware.
• Maintain configuration control of engineering drawings, manufacturing documentation, and component-level configurations to ensure hardware is built and maintained to current requirements.
• Lead or support problem investigations and corrective actions associated with failed valves, components, and systems supporting field and test operations.
• Assemble and integrate mechanical and electro-mechanical components using engineering drawings, specifications, manufacturing documentation, and applicable supplier instructions.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to technicians and manufacturing personnel in the assembly, testing, troubleshooting, and maintenance of complex fluid and electro-mechanical systems.
• Identify opportunities to improve manufacturing processes, equipment reliability, test efficiency, quality, safety, and operational readiness.
• Support engineering development activities and provide hands-on technical expertise during system modifications, troubleshooting, testing, and field implementation.
• Maintain a strong focus on safety, quality, configuration control, and repeatability throughout all phases of hardware development and operations.
• Position requires up to 25% travel to rocket engine test sites and other operational locations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate degree in a STEM or technical program, or 25+ years of relevant aerospace test, manufacturing, or ground-systems experience.
• 15+ years of industry experience working with pneumatic, hydraulic, cryogenic and electro-mechanical assemblies.
• 25+ years of hands-on experience with one or more of the following: cryogenic systems, hydraulic systems, hydrogen peroxide systems, hypergolic systems, high-pressure pneumatic systems, aerospace cleaning and contamination-control standards, and functional testing of fluid-system components used in ground-support systems.
• Demonstrated experience assembling, handling, testing, and troubleshooting a variety of pneumatic, hydraulic, cryogenic, electrical, and electro-mechanical components.
• Ability to interpret and work from fluid systems and electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, mechanical drawings, engineering specifications, and written assembly procedures.
• Proficiency using fluids GSE and laboratory test and troubleshooting equipment.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to effectively collaborate across engineering, manufacturing, test, and operations organizations.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail and a demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement.
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in a highly integrated, fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, take ownership of assigned responsibilities, and effectively resolve complex technical issues.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• Experience designing, developing, integrating, or commissioning fluids laboratories, electrical and fluids ground-support equipment, and/or electrical, cryogenic, pneumatic, hydraulic, test assets.
• Working knowledge of digital and analog circuits, computers, microprocessors, instrumentation, and networked systems.
• Experience with engineering modeling and drafting using Creo, Zuken, or equivalent CAD and electrical-design software.
• Experience supporting aerospace propulsion, rocket engine test, launch-site ground systems, or other highly regulated test and manufacturing environments.
• Experience developing manufacturing documentation, work instructions, test procedures, and acceptance criteria for complex ground support and flight hardware.
• Demonstrated experience leading technical projects or providing technical direction to multidisciplinary teams.

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.