Launch Engineer III - Propulsion

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 supports the development and operations of New Glenn, a single-configuration, heavy-lift orbital launch vehicle capable of routinely carrying people and payloads to low-Earth orbit, geostationary transfer orbit, cislunar, and beyond. Its first stage is fully reusable, and the vehicle was designed from the beginning to be human-capable.

As part of a team of engineers and technicians, you will contribute to the test and operation of the New Glenn orbital launch vehicle. You will be responsible for processing your systems, from receipt of the New Glenn stages at the launch site through launch and landing.

You will work with other element teams to develop operational requirements and advocate for design-for-operations. As a test conductor, you will author detailed procedures and help develop test equipment to complete integrated flight systems testing. As a task leader, you will accomplish your assignments by managing a team of technicians and engineers while ensuring the safety of the team and the vehicle. You will help develop and maintain production schedules, quality documents, and engineering.

As a member of the Launch Operations team, you will ensure the launch vehicle and associated ground systems are prepared for flight. To prepare for launch, you will develop ground software requirements, write sequencer code, and help create controller panels. You will have the opportunity to earn certification as a launch controller, ultimately operating your assigned systems on launch day. You will determine and correct anomaly causes, often during time-critical operations. After flight, you will perform data reviews and incorporate process improvements.

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

Qualifications:

- Minimum of a B.S. Degree in Engineering, Science, or Math
- Minimum 5+ years of demonstrated technical expertise in cryogenic, propellant handling, or engine systems
- Strong operations planning and organizational skills
- Effective technical communications capabilities
- Ability to support occasional off shift work schedules

Desired:

- Knowledge of propellant loading and transfer processes
- Recent experience with launch vehicle integration and launch operations
- Ability to perform fluid flow estimate calculations
- Control room or operations experience in a real-time, intense, and high consequence environment
- Experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), software-in-the-loop (SIL), or simulations testing
- Demonstrated successful experience writing technical procedures, non-conformance documentation, and specifications
- Successful experience leading and managing teams integrating multiple subsystems to meet a top-level system requirement
- Strong safety record and mindset, including hands-on experience planning and conducting hazardous or critical tests and operations
- Experience leading test teams as a Test Conductor, Test Engineer, or engineering lead
- Strong personnel management and mentoring skills
- Effective project management, budget management, and team leadership skills
- Knowledgeable in Qt/QML, Simulink, MATLAB, Python, or Git

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.