Launch and Test Engineer III (Ground Software)

Blue Origin • Space Coast, FL

18h • Onsite

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 team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight! This role is part of Blue Origin Operations, which is comprised of Integrated Supply Chain, Test Operations, Safety, Quality, and Mission Assurance. This includes Manufacturing and Supply Chain support across all Blue Origin facilities. As part of a hardworking team of diverse specialists, technicians, and test operations engineers, you will work on the design, development, construction, operation, and maintenance of test facilities for various launch vehicle and space systems. This position is based at our Orbital Launch Site (OLS) in Cape Canaveral – home of our orbital-class, reusable New Glenn rocket. We are seeking a hands-on, detail-oriented Launch & Test Engineer to join our OLS Test Operations team within the Launch Site Execution (LSE) branch of the Launch Operations Division at Blue Origin. You will be working directly to test, maintain, inspect, and troubleshoot ground support equipment (GSE) and test-enabling hardware, including, but not limited to, hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical, cryogenic, and electrical equipment. You will also sit on the front-room console for New Glenn’s second stage (GS2) static hotfires, which includes additional disciplines such as Avionics and Ground Software. Ground Software Specifics: Experienced Ground Software / Controls test engineer with proven depth on the Ground Software console (IGS, PLC, Comms, DAQ, HIL). Owns integrated ground systems, PLC automation, comms, DAQ, and HIL supporting fluid/propellant test operations. Hybrid-skill role: strong controls/automation foundation plus direct fluid-system domain experience.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical, Aerospace, Chemical, Electrical, or Computer Engineering, or related technical field from an accredited university.
• Built or operated automated test sequences where the controlled process was cryogenic, propellant, or pneumatic – not generic industrial/automotive automation.
• Experience authoring/executing automated console procedures for live test operations.
• Real-time console operations experience, including off-nominal / anomaly response.
• Demonstrated PLC, DAQ, HIL, integrated ground systems (IGS), and comms/networking for test.
• Working knowledge of various systems, ranging from pressurized gas systems, cryogenics, fluid systems, hydraulics, instrumentation and controls, or structural components, depending on discipline.
• 1+ years of experience developing work instructions or test procedures to implement upgrades, perform maintenance, and verify system performance.
• Strong commitment to safety and proven ability to execute or oversee multiple projects in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to support off-shift, extended hours, and weekends as required for mission milestones.
• 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

• Experience troubleshooting hardware and instrumentation related to fluid, mechanical, and electrical systems (hydraulics, pneumatics, cryogenics, or similar), with the ability to read schematics and P&IDs.
• Launch-campaign console time; LabVIEW / Test Stand / Python; New Glenn or comparable launch vehicle experience.
• Experience working with and an excitement to learn a broad spectrum of fluids, including experience with cryogenics, monopropellants, hydraulics, or high-pressure systems.
• Experience in testing and integrating fluid systems, including ground support systems, cryogenics, and propulsion hardware.
• Experience in developing and verifying installation and operation procedures for mechanical, fluid, or electrical systems.
• Experience with automated test equipment, calibration, and configuration management.
• Knowledge of engineering fundamentals for electrical, mechanical, and fluid design and verification, including test readiness and operational excellence.
• Proficiency in LabVIEW, Python, MATLAB, AutoCAD P&ID, Winplot, Windchill, CREO, or related control and data acquisition systems & software.
• Experience with electrical equipment such as electronics, transducers, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and software systems.
• Experience with leveraging AI to streamline workflow, such as data review and test automation.
• Background in hazardous operations, design for safety, and application of standards such as MIL-STD-810 and AS9100.
• Hands-on experience with 3D CAD tools, fabrication, and integration processes.

Responsibilities

• Participate in the Design, construct, operate, and maintain test facilities to support the development, qualification, and production of orbital rockets, lunar spacecrafts, and launch vehicle systems at Launch Complex 36 and its adjacent locations, such as Launch Complexes 11 and 12, and at our Merritt Island Launch Annex (MILA) and Module Test Area (MTA – for New Glenn’s first stage aft and forward modules) locations.
• Generate and execute test procedures involving high-pressure inert and non-inert gas systems, cryogenic & hypergolic fluid systems.
• Work with technicians to perform work on test facilities, handle test articles, and lead test operations.
• Review and interpret test data to assess facility health and performance, both at the system and component level.
• Size, select, troubleshoot, and properly maintain test, launch, and fluid system components and instrumentation to ensure readiness for test and launch activities.
• Perform Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs) and Hazard & Operability Studies (HAZOPs) to identify potential process safety incidents, deviations, and operational issues.
• Translate engineering requirements into robust, repeatable test and maintenance processes that support Blue Origin’s mission.
• Collaborate closely with design engineering, quality assurance, supply chain, and production teams to accelerate building a road to space.
• Develop and maintain test documentation, work instructions, and inspection plans for routine and corrective maintenance for ground and test systems.
• Support root cause analysis of process or product non-conformances; develop and implement corrective actions that enhance reliability and performance.
• Ensure all work aligns with applicable quality and safety standards (AS9100, ISO 9001), supporting a safe and sustainable future in space.
• Identify and complete opportunities for efficiency gains, cadence improvement, and cost reduction, optimizing our ability to achieve our mission at scale.
• Drive rate and reliability for New Glenn's critical launch infrastructure – including our massive Transporter/Erector, LC-36 Launch Pad, Mobile Test Stand, and specialized test facilities.
• Maintain these systems but continuously reinvent them to achieve unprecedented launch cadence and reliability.
• Ensure the launch facility is ready for flight or ground test operations by performing pre-flight verification testing, post-launch inspections, post-flight ground system data review, and rapidly returning the facility to a launch-ready state.
• Draft and review work orders for routine and corrective maintenance procedures, maintain the configuration of the facility and equipment, and be well-versed in the contents of system safety products involving our systems.
• Implement and commission engineering design changes that improve safety or reliability.
• Develop sophisticated engineering approaches to manage complex systems with uncompromising standards.
• Improve reliability and accelerate operations through commitment to safety-by-design.
• Transform launch infrastructure to support dozens of New Glenn launches annually.
• Solve problems that matter with intensity and purpose.

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.
• Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week)
• Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level