CNC Machinist II

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 a foundational member of the machining team for a new advanced hardware program at Blue Origin. The successful candidate will set up, operate, and optimize multi-axis CNC equipment to produce high-precision components for rotating machinery, heat exchangers, and structural assemblies, including 5-axis milling, CNC turning, grinding, and EDM operations on nickel superalloys, stainless steels, and specialty alloys.

As an early hire, this machinist will go beyond running parts. They will provide direct machinability feedback to the design engineering team, influence tolerancing and feature geometry before designs freeze, and help evaluate and select the CNC machines that form the long-term production equipment plan. This is a development environment where the right candidate will shape the machining strategy from the ground up.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

- Set up and operate multi-axis CNC milling machines (3-axis through 5-axis) to produce precision components per engineering drawings and process plans
- Set up and operate CNC lathes and turning centers for precision shaft, housing, and case machining
- Interpret engineering drawings with complex GD&T requirements and plan machining sequences to achieve specified tolerances
- Provide machinability feedback directly to design engineering, advising on tolerancing, feature accessibility, fixturing constraints, and material selection to improve producibility before designs freeze
- Evaluate and recommend CNC machines for the long-term production equipment plan, assessing machine tool capability, work envelope, accuracy, and throughput against program requirements
- Perform first-article machining for new part numbers, optimizing feeds, speeds, tool paths, and fixturing for challenging materials and geometries
- Perform in-process measurement using precision instruments (CMM, micrometers, bore gauges, surface profilometers) and make offset adjustments to maintain tolerance
- Support post-processing of additively manufactured parts, including finish machining of AM components to final dimensions
- Maintain tooling inventories, perform tool life management, and recommend tool selection for new applications
- Document machining results, tool life data, and process parameters for production knowledge capture
- Support process qualification and capability studies (Cp/Cpk) for critical dimensions
- Maintain equipment through basic preventive maintenance and identify issues requiring maintenance support

Minimum Qualifications:

- High school diploma or GED
- 5+ years of hands-on manufacturing experience in an aerospace environment
- 2+ years of experience working with multi-axis lathes and 5-axis mills producing complex parts to tight tolerances
- 2+ years of experience machining hardened metals including nickel-based alloys, stainless steels, and high-temperature superalloys
- Experience with CNC controls such as Mazak, Okuma, Fanuc, Heidenhain, Siemens, or equivalent platforms
- Strong blueprint reading skills, including GD&T per ASME Y14.5; ability to interpret engineering models, drawings, specifications, written work instructions, and test procedures
- CAM software experience, preferably Siemens NX
- Proficiency with precision measurement instruments (micrometers, bore gauges, indicators, CMM, surface profilometers)
- Close attention to detail in a fast-paced, dynamic team environment with changing priorities
- A continuous improvement mindset
- Strong verbal and written communication skills and a customer-focused approach
- Ability to work cooperatively with cross-functional teams across geographic distances
- Strong organizational and analytical skills, with the ability to drive projects with minimal oversight

Preferred Qualifications:

- Experience with turbomachinery components made from nickel-based alloys, stainless steel, copper, or titanium
- Associate degree in machining technology or equivalent technical training
- Tooling and fixture design experience, with the ability to concept and specify work holding for complex geometries
- Experience operating heavy lifting equipment such as cranes and forklifts around flight-critical hardware
- Outside processing knowledge (heat treat, plating, coating, EDM, grinding, etc.)
- Experience with post-processing of additively manufactured parts
- Experience with 5-axis simultaneous machining (DMG Mori, Hermle, Mikron, or similar)
- Experience evaluating and selecting CNC machine tools for production, including vendor assessment, capability studies, and factory acceptance testing
- Familiarity with AS9100 quality management systems

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