Space Resources Senior Extractive Metallurgist

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 diverse team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight!

This position is part of the Space Systems Development (SSD) business unit. SSD develops next-generation concepts and systems to advance our future of living and working in space sustainably.

In pursuit of this vision, we invite you to join our Space Resources Program in Los Angeles, CA. We believe that to preserve our planet, humanity must expand beyond our limits and venture into space to explore and discover new energy and material resources. We're dedicated to developing and demonstrating In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) technologies for the Moon and beyond. If our mission resonates with you and you are eager to contribute, you could be the perfect addition to our inclusive, open-minded, and forward-thinking team.

As a Sr. Extractive Metallurgist, you will play a crucial role in developing state-of-the-art, primary metal extraction processes. Your work will include process exploration, process design, reactor prototyping, defining and executing test campaigns, and acting as a subject matter expert across the team for ongoing extraction work. We are seeking a focused and creative engineer to join our hands-on team by supporting both funded efforts to mature our molten regolith electrolysis (MRE) technology as well as helping to identify and prototype new metal extraction opportunities for space and terrestrial markets.

Responsibilities:

• Designing and owning MRE test campaigns to optimize process parameters and increase extraction efficiency and yield.

• Designing new or modified processes to extract metals from lunar and terrestrial feedstocks.

• Reactor prototyping and testing.

• Providing metallurgical expertise across the team for metal extraction, purification, and processing.

We work in fast-paced cycles of design, analysis, and Integration to deliver scalable solutions. We are looking for someone who is adaptable, willing to take action, eager to learn and committed to safety and quality. Your creativity, innovative spirit, and ability to navigate changing requirements are crucial.

Minimum Qualifications:

• M. S. in metallurgy, materials science, or an equivalent technical field.

• Proven, hands-on experience with high temperature electrochemical or pyrometallurgical systems such as, but not limited to, molten oxide electrolyzers/batteries, molten salt electrolyzers/batteries, or traditional smelters.

• Knowledge of molten oxide or molten salt chemistry.

• Knowledge of the metal and mining industry.

• Proven experience independently developing new processes or process improvements for metal extraction or refining systems.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently to identify and implement technical solutions while working to implement those solutions with a broader team.

• Proven ability to ensure timely completion of tasks and communicate schedule and budget risks with stakeholders.

• Experience in collaborating with multiple teams and aligning with overall business objectives.

• Capability to identify improvement opportunities and develop detailed improvement plans.

• Proven ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to a culture of inclusion.

• Capacity to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ph. D. in metallurgy, materials science, or an equivalent technical field.

• Demonstrated experience with scaling metal extraction processes.

• Experience with molten oxide electrolysis.

• Experience with thermodynamic modeling using CALPHAD tools.

• Familiarity with material characterization tools such as micro-CT, XRD, SEM, XRF.

• Familiarity with high temperature furnaces and refractory materials.

• Experience in designing and building prototype reactors for commercial applications.

• Experience in aerospace technology development environment.

Compensation Range for:

Other site ranges may differ

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.

Inclusivity 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 a diverse, inclusive, and 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.

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.

Paid Time Off: Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.

Discretionary bonus: Bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results.

Eligibility for benefits varies by role type, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Blue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified, diverse, and dedicated work force. Blue Origin hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork, in which all employees recognize and appreciate the diversity of individual team members. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, gender, sexua.