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