Launch Engineer III - Propulsion

Blue Origin • Space Coast, FL

5h

About The Position

As a member of Blue Origin’s Launch Operations team, the Launch Engineer III supports the development and operations of the New Glenn orbital launch vehicle. The role contributes to testing and operating the vehicle, processing assigned systems from receipt of the stages at the launch site through launch and landing, and coordinating with other element teams to develop operational requirements and advocate for design-for-operations.

The engineer serves as a test conductor by authoring detailed procedures and helping develop test equipment for integrated flight systems testing. As a task leader, the engineer manages technicians and engineers while ensuring team and vehicle safety, and helps develop and maintain production schedules, quality documents, and engineering documentation. The role also helps ensure that the launch vehicle and associated ground systems are ready for flight.

Launch preparation work includes developing ground software requirements, writing sequencer code, and helping create controller panels. The successful candidate may earn launch-controller certification and operate assigned systems on launch day. The role involves determining and correcting anomaly causes, sometimes during time-critical operations, and conducting post-flight data reviews and process improvements. Blue Origin seeks someone with technical expertise, leadership skills, a commitment to quality, and passion for safe human spaceflight.

Requirements

• Minimum of a B.S. degree in Engineering, Science, or Math.
• At least 5 years of demonstrated technical expertise in cryogenic, propellant handling, or engine systems.
• Strong operations planning and organizational skills.
• Effective technical communication capabilities.
• Ability to support occasional off-shift work schedules.
• Applicants must be U.S. citizens or nationals, U.S. permanent residents, or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as refugees or granted asylum.
• Ability to pass the required standard background check.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of propellant loading and transfer processes.
• Recent experience with launch vehicle integration and launch operations.
• Ability to perform fluid-flow estimate calculations.
• Control-room or operations experience in a real-time, intense, high-consequence environment.
• Experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), software-in-the-loop (SIL), or simulation testing.
• Successful experience writing technical procedures, non-conformance documentation, and specifications.
• Experience leading and managing teams integrating multiple subsystems to meet a top-level system requirement.
• Strong safety record and mindset, including hands-on experience planning and conducting hazardous or critical tests and operations.
• Experience leading test teams as a Test Conductor, Test Engineer, or engineering lead.
• Strong personnel management and mentoring skills.
• Effective project management, budget management, and team leadership skills.
• Knowledge of Qt/QML, Simulink, MATLAB, Python, or Git.

Responsibilities

• Process assigned systems from receipt of New Glenn stages at the launch site through launch and landing.
• Work with other element teams to develop operational requirements and advocate for design-for-operations.
• Author detailed procedures and help develop test equipment for integrated flight systems testing.
• Lead assignments by managing a team of technicians and engineers while ensuring team and vehicle safety.
• Help develop and maintain production schedules, quality documents, and engineering documentation.
• Ensure the launch vehicle and associated ground systems are prepared for flight.
• Develop ground software requirements, write sequencer code, and help create controller panels.
• Pursue launch-controller certification and operate assigned systems on launch day once certified.
• Determine and correct anomaly causes, including during time-critical operations.
• Perform post-flight data reviews and incorporate process improvements.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Basic and supplemental life insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Short- and long-term disability
• 401(k) with company match of up to 5%
• Education Support Program
• Stock options for regular employees working at least 20 hours per week
• Up to four weeks of paid time off per year based on weekly scheduled hours
• Up to 14 company-paid holidays
• Certain roles or job levels may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on company discretion; amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed.

What This Job Offers

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