Instrumentation and Controls Technician

About the position

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 supports the development and operations of New Glenn, a single-configuration, heavy-lift orbital launch vehicle capable of routinely carrying people and payloads to low-Earth orbit, geostationary transfer orbit, cislunar, and beyond. Its first stage is fully reusable, and the vehicle was designed from the beginning to be human-capable. As part of a diverse and hardworking team of technicians and engineers, you will be responsible for installation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of instrumentation and controls used in various spaceflight systems. You will share in the team's impact on all aspects of a world class launch facility. As a senior technician, you will lead and mentor teams guiding them through the interpretation of engineering documents, complex troubleshooting, and the maintenance of systems in dynamic launch environments. Your expertise in electronic principles along with instrumentation and controls will be invaluable in collaborating with operation engineers to troubleshoot and resolve issues. Using your industry experience, you'll take ownership and deliver results by continuously improving processes through technological and process advancements. You will maintain flexibility for overtime and weekend work, balance independent initiative with effective team collaboration, and ensure safety standards are met. 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 commitment and detailed attention towards safe and repeatable space flight. Join us in lowering the cost of access to space and enabling Blue Origin's vision of millions of people living and working in space to benefit Earth. We are looking for someone to apply their technical expertise, leadership skills, and commitment to quality to positively impact safe human spaceflight. Passion for our mission and vision is required!

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage maintenance tasks for ground support equipment ensuring launch complex readiness.
• Mentor junior technicians in troubleshooting and repair of ground hardware, as well as test and integration of components and equipment.
• Supervise electrical and instrumentation installations, pre-job planning, layout, and ensure a high level of attention to detail.
• Collaborate with launch operation engineers to address and resolve intricate launch issues.
• Work with technician and engineering teams to support electrical and instrumentation systems on the launch pad.

Requirements

• 2+ years of instrumentation and controls experience in one of the following fields: aerospace, industrial, energy, or oil and gas.
• Ability to closely follow electrical diagrams, schematics, technical manuals, and P&ID's.
• Skilled in utilizing multimeters, documenting process calibrators, HART communicators, oscilloscopes, ground resistance testers, signal generators, and megohmmeters.
• Ability to conduct preventative maintenance, troubleshoot operational issues, repair and calibrate field devices to include transmitters, flow meters, strain gauges, accelerometers, load cells, pressure transducers, valve positioners, gas detectors, thermocouples (TC's), resistance temperature devices (RTD's).
• Demonstrated expertise with variable frequency drives (VFD) and proficiency in managing electrical systems up to 480VAC with a strong understanding of hazardous location protocols.
• Working knowledge of propellants, understanding of hazardous and class division/groups, NEC, UL 508a, and NFPA 70E.
• Knowledge of PLC's, data acquisition systems, and data communication technologies.
• Mechanical aptitude, use of hand tools, and safe working practices.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, proficient in the Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to lift 50lbs, work at medium heights, climb ladders, stairs, etc.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment as well as be a self-starter.
• Ability to quickly adapt to changing roles and responsibilities in a fast-paced and challenging work environment.
• Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to a culture of inclusion.
• Understanding of 5S principles and tool control measures.
• Proficiency in operating aerial lifts, scissor lifts, and other vehicles used for maintenance at heights.
• 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.

Nice-to-haves

• 5+ years of experience building/maintaining launch pads or similar industrial controls field.
• Associates degree in electronics or technical field.

Benefits

• 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.