R&D Fabrication & Test Stand Maintenance Technician 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 team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight!

As part of a small, high-impact team supporting Blue Origin's test operations, you will be responsible for hands-on fabrication and machining of custom hardware, tooling, and ground support equipment. This role is approximately 70% shop-based work-requiring knowledge in machining, welding, cutting, and custom fabrication - and 30% facility and test stand maintenance support.

You will contribute directly to the readiness of an array of test stands, cryogenic/pneumatic fluid systems, environmental test equipment (vibration tables, thermal chambers), and other test infrastructure supporting various spaceflight programs including New Glenn, BE-4, and advanced development projects.

We're looking for a versatile and driven technician who can move between manual machining, CNC programming, welding and fabrication - and then jump in to assist with stand hardware swaps, system troubleshooting, inventory or test maintenance support when needed.

Key Responsibilities:

R&D Machining & Fabrication (70%)

• Operate and maintain manual or CNC mills/lathes (e.g., Haas, DMG, etc.).
• Program, set up, and machine custom components using 3-axis CNC machines.
• Cut and prep metal stock using bandsaws, plasma tables, oxy-acetylene torches, and angle grinders.
• Machine product from cradle to grave: evaluate, select work-holding & tooling, program, setup, machine and inspect, while communicating with design teams throughout the entire life cycle.
• MIG and TIG weld aluminum and stainless-steel hardware for test support (basic fixtures, adapters, etc.).
• Interpret engineering drawings and 3D CAD models (CREO, Fusion360, etc.).
• Perform root cause analyses when non-conformances and escapes are identified and deploy corrective actions.
• Build, modify, and repair custom R&D ground support equipment (GSE), test panels, vibration/shock fixtures and test enclosures.
• Perform in-house prototyping for urgent hardware requests or test rig modifications.
• Maintain fabrication shop tools and ensure compliance with 5S/FOD practices.

Test Stand & Environmental Lab Maintenance (30%)

• Support maintenance and basic troubleshooting of hydraulic carts, data acquisition boxes, shaker tables, thermal chambers, and LN2/GN2 environmental test systems.
• Assist with facility rig-ups and hardware installations, including torquing, aligning, and assembling test hardware.
• Work collaboratively with engineers, technicians, and test operators to support test readiness.
• Operate forklifts, overhead cranes, and manlifts in accordance with site safety protocols.
• Support general facility upkeep and hardware inventory organization.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 2+ years of experience in machining and/or fabrication roles. (Tooling and fixture design)
• Closely manage quality, build sequence, and schedule of hardware throughout the entire R&D manufacturing process.
• Experience using cutting torches, grinders, plasma tables, and general fab tools.
• Capable of reading and interpreting GD&T-based blueprints.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and work in both indoor and outdoor shop environments.
• Proficiency in using standard mechanical tools and fabrication shop equipment.
• Extreme customer focus combined with strong verbal and written communication.
• Strong safety mindset and mechanical intuition.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 5+ years total experience with increasing responsibility in a fabrication/machine shop.
• 5+ years of experience involving fluid component testing, processing, and facility support, specifically in testing rocket or jet engines or similar applications.
• Conversational CNC programming (Haas or Mazak).
• Familiarity with environmental testing equipment such as thermal vacuum chambers, vibration tables (e.g., Unholtz-Dickie), and cryogenic systems.
• Experience assisting with high-pressure fluid systems or test article plumbing.
• Ability to weld aluminum and stainless using MIG/TIG methods.
• Knowledge of sensors, application, and operating theory behind them including strain gauges, temperature sensing devices and pressure sensors.
• Forklift, crane, or manlift experience.
• Experience working in aerospace, automotive R&D, or industrial testing environments.

Compensation Range for:

Other site ranges may differ

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 (CDL drivers only), 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.

• 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 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. 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, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Blue Origin will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Washington Fair Chance Act, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws. For more information on "Know Your Rights," please see here.

Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation

Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin's Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us atEEOCompliance@blueorigin.com. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.

California Applicant Privacy Notice

If you are a California resident, please reference the CA Applicant Privacy Notice here.