Pipe Fitter III

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.

As a new program within Engines, this team needs an experienced Pipe Fitter, who will supports the fabrication, assembly, integration, and testing of advanced piping systems within a new program at Blue Origin. The successful candidate will perform complex pipe fitting and mechanical assembly operations on precision piping hardware. This is a development environment where technicians will build work centers, support first article builds, contribute to process development, and help establish pipe fitting methods that will scale to production.

Special Mentions:

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Relocation provided

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Work Schedule: 16 days on / 12 days off rotational schedule. Flexibility to work weekends, holidays, and varying shift days is required.

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All candidates will be required to complete a hands-on skills assessment prior to final level placement. The assessment is designed to evaluate practical proficiency, technical knowledge, and work quality in a real-world pipe fitting environment. Final technician level designation will be based on a combination of verified experience, assessment performance, and evaluator feedback.

Van Horn Specific information [Remove if not applicable]

Being at the heart of Blue Origin operations, the West Texas Site in Van Horn, TX offers eligible employee’s additional attractive financial incentives to supplement their competitive base earnings, including a living allowance and relocation assistance. Eligibility for these additional benefits is based on the employee’s ability to permanently relocate to Van Horn, TX, or travel to Van Horn from another Blue location a minimum of 50% of the time.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

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Read and Interpret Blueprints: Interpret isometric drawings, architectural blueprints, engineering work instructions, and applicable building codes to execute pipe system layouts and installations

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Layout Piping Systems: Map out pipe layouts, paths, and positions according to structural and engineering plans; coordinate routing with other trades and disciplines

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Fabricate Pipes: Measure, cut, thread, and bend pipes to precise dimensions per engineering drawings and process specifications; document as-built dimensions in quality management systems

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Secure and Join Pipe Sections: Join pipe sections using welding, brazing, soldering, or threaded fittings in accordance with work instructions and engineering requirements; ensure proper torque and alignment of all connections

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Support Subassembly Integration: Support integration of piping subassemblies into larger system packages including instrumentation hookup, valve installation, hangers, and supports

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Test and Verify Safety: Perform hydrostatic and pneumatic pressure tests to detect leaks and verify system integrity; document test results and report findings in quality management systems

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Troubleshoot and Diagnose: Diagnose piping system malfunctions; replace worn or failed components such as valves, seals, gaskets, and hangers; support disposition and corrective action activities

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Perform In-Process Inspections: Utilize precision measurement tools (micrometers, dial indicators, torque wrenches, calipers) to verify fit-up, alignment, and dimensional compliance

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Maintain Work Area Standards: Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area per FOD prevention and 5S standards

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Identify and Report Nonconformances: Support first article builds and process development by providing feedback on assembly sequences, tooling needs, and work instruction clarity.

Minimum Qualifications

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High school diploma or GED; associate degree, trade certification, or completion of a recognized pipefitting apprenticeship program preferred

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7+ years of experience in pipe fitting, plumbing, fabrication, construction, or a related hands-on trade; vocational training or technical school coursework counts

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Technical Math Proficiency: Ability to calculate precise pipe angles, lengths, offsets, and flow requirements

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Tool Mastery: Proficiency with torches, saws, pipe threaders, grinding tools, and precision measurement instruments

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Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings including isometric and piping & instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs)

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Strong attention to detail and documentation discipline

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Physical Requirements: Capacity to lift over 50 lbs and ability to work at heights, in confined spaces, or in other challenging physical environments

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Ability to work in a team environment and communicate effectively with engineers and inspectors

Preferred Qualifications

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Licensing or certification through a recognized trade organization (e.g., UA – United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters)

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Experience with pressure testing — hydrostatic or pneumatic proof testing procedures

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Background in aerospace or defense manufacturing with AS9100 quality systems

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Experience with rotating machinery piping interfaces (turbines, compressors, pumps, or similar)

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Familiarity with FOD prevention programs

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Experience with overhead crane and rigging operations

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Experience working to close-tolerance hardware fit-up requirements

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Strong organizational and analytical skills

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