Sr Test Engineer (MSFC 4670)

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

This individual will work on the Alabama Test Operations' (ATO) Maintenance team at Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), in Huntsville, AL. The ATO Maintenance Team supports the thousands of components and dozens of sub-systems that make up the historic MSFC 4670 Engine Test Stand facility structural, fluid, and electrical systems. In this role, you will support maintenance of that hardware as well as the initial build for upgrades to the stand in support of development, qualification and acceptance testing of Blue Engines. As part of a small, passionate, and accomplished team, you will be responsible for maintenance plans, architecture of process, maintenance requirement definition, troubleshooting hardware failure, risk identification/mitigation, automated data review scripts to support predictive maintenance, as well as supporting various continuous process improvements. This position will directly impact the history of space exploration in the heart of Rocket City and will require your dedicated commitment and detailed attention towards safe and repeatable operations.

This job is a 1st shift position but will require ability to perform job duties outside of normal shift hours as needed. 10% travel may also be required to support other sites during surge need as well as for process and professional development.

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, 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!  Passion for our mission and vision is required!

We are looking for someone to apply their technical expertise, leadership skills, and commitment to quality to positively impact safe human spaceflight.

Responsibilities :

• Consistently exhibit strong written, personal, and computer skills. Ability to communicate clearly and promptly within all areas of the organization

• Author work instructions to safely perform maintenance on test facility hardware including instructions for disassembly, inspection, assembly of various mechanical and electro-mechanical components.

• Identification and definition of preventative maintenance of test facility hardware including support equipment needed to perform maintenance on the various components of the test facility.

• Perform root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for permanent problem resolution

• Support functional test of various components (valves, filters, regulators, etc.) for acceptance using high pressure pneumatics, cryogenics, or hydraulics. Troubleshoot, diagnose, and correct malfunctions using work instructions.

• Coordination with external vendors to support both preventative maintenance efforts and repair

• Participate in Test Readiness and Risk Assessment Reviews to ensure compliance with Blue Origin Health and Safety Manual requirements.

• Provide technical support of new designs for maintainability and operability.

• Perform operations as certified operator to support return to service post-maintenance as well as system upgrade first time activations

• Establish training curriculum for engineering and technicians to support job functions and proctor training for team as needed.

• Support robust methods and strategies for sustaining a reasonable inventory of equipment and spares to support stand maintenance.

• Support Supervisor and Managers with establishing best practices and proper work execution strategies

• Engaging with multiple geographic locations and business units to support anomaly resolution, participate in hazard operations (hazops) assessments, stand boards, design reviews, as well as supporting considerations for operations and maintenance (O&M) of future facility expansions and upgrades.

• Actively introduce new technologies and capability improvements.

• Identify inefficiencies, capability gaps, and potential improvements in the O&M process to advocate for and implement better solutions.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

• Direct experience working with rocket test facility

• 10+ years of experience in testing environment with focus on engineering and project management

• Demonstrated ability to lead projects from concept definition to full implementation

• Advanced computer skills such as Windows, Microsoft Office, etc.

• Intermediate technical fundamentals in fluids and thermodynamic principles

• Strong ability to perform data analysis and establish dispositions or recommendations based upon system performance

• Intermediate working knowledge of instrumentation including pressure transducers, thermocouples, silicon diodes, resistance temperature detectors, flow measuring devices, and accelerometers

• Advanced knowledge of high pressure, cryogenic, hydraulic, pneumatic, data acquisition, and electrical power systems.

• Ability to read and interpret engineering standards, technical requirements, and engineering drawings

• Ability to safely work around pressurized systems up to 6,000 PSIG

• Approachable disposition, open minded and able to adapt to rapidly changing requirements

• Calming demeanor in high pressure situations with tenacity to resolve conflict for permanent problem resolution

• A continuous improvement mindset

• Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to a culture of inclusion 

• Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum. Must be able to gain access to Redstone Arsenal

Physical Requirements:

• Test Operations is a physically active, all four (4) seasons role with both indoor and outdoor work requirements, to include rain, wind, cold, heat, & humidity.

Preferred Qualifications:

• M.S. or Ph.D., in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering, Engineering Management, or Business

• Experience with Windchill or similar product lifecycle tools

• Familiarity with CAD applications (Creo preferred)

• Experience with LabVIEW, MATLAB, Python, Winplot, Advanced Excel functions (VBA, Power Query, etc.)

• Working knowledge of aerospace cleanliness specs for Clean Room activities, and Manufacturing environments

• Working knowledge of fabrication techniques for component hardware modifications or creation of spare material from raw stock

• Experience in a leadership position

• Experienced in design tools and methods for facility fluid and/or electrical systems

• Operational understanding of engines and engine sub-components, such as turbopumps, combustion devices, valves and other fluid components

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.

Background Check

• Required for all positions: Blue’s Standard Background Check

• Required for Certain Job Profiles:  Defense Biometric Identification System (DIBDS) 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, 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.

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, 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 “EEO Is the Law,” 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 at [email protected].

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