Avionics Hardware Launch Vehicle Engineer II

Application close date:

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 role is a part of New Shepard, a reusable suborbital rocket system designed to take astronauts and research payloads past the Karman line, the internationally recognized boundary of space. Through operational reusability, New Shepard supports our mission of lowering the cost of access to space.

We are a diverse team of collaborators, doers, and problem-solvers who are relentlessly committed to a culture of safety. This position will directly impact the history of space exploration and will require your dedication and detailed attention towards safe and repeatable space flight!

As a launch vehicle engineer, you will support the refurbishment cycles of the fielded flight vehicles by creating and implementing design changes, identifying and dispositioning non-conformances, supporting preflight integrated vehicle testing, and leading all aspects of preventative vehicle maintenance in the Avionics Hardware lifecycle. You will support the vehicle managers in performing risk assessment before rollout of the vehicles for launch. You will also support flight operations through ops product development and as Engineering Back Room support in mission control. Following a New Shepard mission, you immediately begin getting the vehicles ready for launch again, reviewing inspection results and working with members of the maintenance team to implement repairs and upgrades to get the vehicle ready for another safe flight by diagnosing discrepancies and identify corrective actions. You will perform post-flight data reviews and tracking of all resulting anomalies.

This role will coordinate with engineers and managers in Kent, WA as you work closely with engineers and technicians at Launch Site One in Van Horn, TX. These efforts will be met with challenges to increase launch cadence and reduce cost, while maintaining high engineering and safety standards.

In order to accomplish the task of enabling safe and repeatable space flight, you will have to learn and understand the vehicle systems as well as the requirements that govern our standards and practices. You will collaborate across team interfaces to understand and overcome logistics, supply chain, and resource challenges to deliver mission-ready vehicles. You will implement that knowledge to write safe and executable work instructions and revise procedures to enable more efficiencies and expand capabilities. Every day, our team draws upon a wide breadth of engineering skills, along with a team of highly experienced technicians to improve our processes and the refurbishment workflow.

This is a job that requires you to be a hands-on, highly collaborative and energetic individual who always welcomes a challenge. You are motivated to do or learn whatever is required to get the job done while maintaining the high standards required for safe human spaceflight. Passion for our mission and vision is required!

This position is located in Van Horn, TX or Kent, WA - working either a rotational schedule (16 day-on and 12 day-off rotation) or regular M-F. Being at the heart of New Shepard operations, the West Texas Site offers eligible employees additional attractive financial incentives to supplement their competitive base earnings, including a living allowance and relocation assistance, etc.

Minimum Qualifications:

• B. S. degree in Electrical or Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent experience in the maintenance and operation of aerospace, marine, automotive, or ground support systems.

• Demonstrated track record in aerospace or related industry in the full lifecycle management of avionics hardware systems and components.

• Intermediate knowledge with all basic engineering fields - mechanisms, fluids, electrical, software, etc.

• Experienced in reading and interpreting engineering drawings and CAD models and applying their specific intent.

• Practiced technical communication ability, including written, visual, and verbal, to wide audiences of varying backgrounds.

• Able to provide solutions to a variety of technical problems of moderate scope and complexity using intermediate application of company policies and procedures.

• Ability to multitask, prioritize, and supervise multiple open issues, balancing due-dates and project scope while keeping customers in-the-loop.

• Maintains clarity and can deliver results when under pressure.

• Able to remain composed and focused while working in a dynamic environment on launch days.

• Strong planning, organization, and coordination skills in a real-time operations environment.

• Willingness to relocate to, or perform extended rotations to, our remote launch site.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 2-8+ years (depending on level) of proven technical experience in the operation or maintenance of systems in one or more of the following fields: propulsion, pneumatics, cryogenics, avionics, hydraulics, life support, test engineering, launch operations.

• Experience operating or maintaining crewed (human-occupied) vehicles in aerospace, land, or marine environments.

• Passion for the space industry and human access to space.

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

Special Mentions

• Location Options: Kent, WA or Van Horn, TX

• Relocation provided

• Travel expected minimum 25% of time if based in Kent, WA

• Travel expected up to 10% of time if based in Van Horn, TX

• Shifts available:

• Mon-Fri, 1st shift (Kent or Van Horn)

• 16/12 (16 on, 12 off), 10hr days (Van Horn)

• Interviews will include a technical assessment

Compensation Range for:

Other site ranges may differ

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 ad.