Instrumentation & Controls Technician

BLUE ORIGIN•Van Horn, TX

About The Position

This role is part of Blue Origin’s Advanced Concepts and Enterprise Engineering (ACE) team, which supports the company’s mission of enabling millions of people to live and work in space for the benefit of Earth. The team focuses on engineering innovation, future workflows, shared solutions and standards, simplicity, lower costs, and manufacturable design. As a member of the instrumentation and controls technician team, you will fabricate, install, and check out instrumentation and control systems used in rocket engine testing. Systems and hardware include wire harnesses, control panels, flight hardware, video hardware, and instrumentation systems. The role requires understanding safety procedures for working with hazardous chemicals and high-pressure systems. Responsibilities may also include managing contractors performing instrumentation and controls installations. The base schedule is an 8-days-on/6-days-off rotation, Monday through Monday, on an A or B rotation. Standard hours are 6:00 AM to 4:30 PM and may change based on operational needs. The position may require off-shift work and overtime, and travel up to 25% to support other Blue Origin locations. Relocation is provided. At the West Texas site in Van Horn, Texas, eligible employees may receive a living allowance and relocation assistance if they permanently relocate there or travel to Van Horn from another Blue Origin location at least 50% of the time. Multiple positions are available.

Requirements

At least 2 years of experience in instrumentation and controls, avionics, rocket or jet engine testing, or a similar field.
Ability to closely follow electrical schematics, diagrams, and P&IDs.
Experience fabricating cable harness assemblies, including power, signal, and data cables, and fabricating control panels.
Familiarity with test, flight, and safety practices and proper handling of critical hardware.
Demonstrated ability to work with Data Acquisition Systems and sensors, with a good understanding of instrumentation calibration.
Mechanical aptitude; ability to use hand tools and follow safe working practices.
Familiarity with PLCs and with installing and troubleshooting instrumentation such as valve positioners, thermocouples, and pressure transducers.
Proficiency troubleshooting low-voltage systems, 4–20 mA signals, and thermocouples.
Working knowledge of hazardous areas and NEC Article 500 installations.
Ability to work effectively, with a strong work ethic and close attention to detail, in a fast-paced, dynamic team environment with evolving roles and responsibilities.
Ability to lift 50 pounds, work at medium heights, and climb ladders and stairs.
Basic computer skills, including Windows and Microsoft Office.
Strong customer focus and verbal and written communication skills in English.
Willingness and ability to work off shifts and overtime as needed.
Ability to travel up to 25% of the time, if needed, to support other Blue Origin locations.
Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident, or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.
Must complete Blue’s Standard Background Check.

Nice To Haves

At least 5 years of experience in propulsion facility or system, or launch vehicle operation, integration, or maintenance.
Certifications such as IPC/WHMA-A-620, MIL-DTL-22520, NASA-STD-8739, J-STD-001, and/or ANSI/ESD S20.20.
Working knowledge of rocket propellants, including liquid oxygen, and cryogenic fuels.
Working knowledge of camera and video system technologies and troubleshooting IP and SDI video signals.
Experience setting up and pulling large amounts of low-voltage wiring.
Experience with WAGO push-in termination blocks or similar.
Experience handling aerospace components and ESD-sensitive components.
Experience operating forklifts, scissor lifts, and telescopic boom lifts.
Understanding of 5S principles and tool-control measures.

Responsibilities

Fabricate, install, and check out wire harnesses, control panels, flight hardware, video hardware, and instrumentation systems used in rocket engine testing.
Perform mate/de-mate, cleaning, inspection, assembly, and testing of harnesses and electronic components.
Work with Data Acquisition Systems and sensors, including instrumentation calibration.
Install and troubleshoot instrumentation, including valve positioners, thermocouples, pressure transducers, and other general electronics.
Apply safety procedures when working with hazardous chemicals and high-pressure systems.
Manage contractors performing instrumentation and controls installations, as needed.
Travel to other Blue Origin locations, as needed, to support work.