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.

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