Manufacturing Engineer III (Design & Integration) – Space Resources

BLUE ORIGIN • Los Angeles, CA

5d • $112,059 - $156,883

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! - As a Manufacturing Engineer III focused on Integration & Assembly, you will lead how we design and build complex mechanical assemblies, from early prototyping and build strategy through technology demonstration, mission deployment, and full‑rate production. You will define assembly plans, tooling, and inspection strategies that make builds simple, reliable, and cost‑effective. You will work hands‑on with machining, waterjet, laser, and EDM processes to bridge design intent and production reality, ensuring our hardware is built safely, correctly, and efficiently the first time and every time.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering supporting integration and/or assembly of complex mechanical or electromechanical hardware.
• Demonstrated experience planning and executing assembly processes, including defining build sequences, fixtures/tooling, and detailed work instructions.
• Strong DFM/DFA skills and proficiency with GD&T (ASME Y14.5) and tolerance analysis for multi‑component assemblies.
• Hands‑on experience with machining, waterjet, laser, and EDM processes, including how process capabilities influence tolerances, fixturing, and inspection.
• Proficiency with a 3D CAD system (e.g., NX, Creo, SolidWorks) for designing tooling, fixtures, and simple components.
• Familiarity with CAM and ERP/MRP systems to support routing, BOM structure, work order creation, and build planning.
• Proven track record of driving manufacturing improvements (yield, cycle time, cost, or quality) using data and structured problem solving.
• Ability to work effectively on the shop floor, collaborating with technicians and production teams, and to communicate clearly with cross‑functional stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in aerospace, spaceflight, or other high‑reliability, highly regulated industries (e.g., medical devices, defense, nuclear).
• Experience taking hardware from development/prototype builds through rate production, including process characterization and production readiness.
• Background with high‑temperature and non-traditional materials such as ceramics; refractory metals (tungsten, molybdenum, tantalum, niobium); and high-purity metals.
• Knowledge of joining and processing methods for these materials (e.g., brazing, diffusion bonding, laser welding, vacuum or inert‑atmosphere processes, contamination/cleanliness control).
• Experience with PLM, MES, and digital manufacturing tools (e.g., PTC Windchill, digital work instructions, electronic sign‑off).
• Familiarity with PFMEA, control plans, SPC, GR&R, and other advanced manufacturing quality tools.
• Demonstrated ability to simplify and communicate complex build concepts and data to a wide range of audiences, including technicians and leadership.
• Experience leading cross‑functional projects and mentoring early‑career engineers.

Responsibilities

• Own end‑to‑end assembly planning for complex mechanical and electromechanical hardware including maintaining the environment, including build sequence, station layout, takt/cycle time targets, and integration workflows.
• Design and improve assembly steps, fixtures, tools, and line layouts to optimize ergonomics, safety, throughput, and right‑first‑time quality.
• Develop clear, unambiguous work instructions, visual aids, and standard work packages for technicians and assemblers.
• Define tolerances, datum schemes, and inspection plans; perform tolerance stack‑ups and validate that parts, assemblies, and processes meet requirements.
• Collaborate with design engineering to select appropriate manufacturing processes (machining, waterjet, laser, EDM, etc.) and drive Design for Manufacturability and Assembly (DFM/DFA) into new and existing designs.
• Partner with internal and external suppliers to develop, qualify, and document manufacturing processes, including process capability, control plans, and acceptance criteria.
• Lead structured root‑cause analysis and corrective action (e.g., 8D, Fishbone, 5‑Why) to resolve production issues and nonconformances; drive systemic fixes that improve yield, quality, and cycle time.
• Analyze build data and metrics to identify constraints, reduce variability, and increase throughput; implement changes using a data‑driven approach.
• Ensure configuration control of tooling, work instructions, and assembly processes in coordination with Design, Quality, and Configuration Management.
• Support build readiness and launch of new products and major design changes, including process development, first‑article builds, and manufacturing validations.
• Mentor junior engineers and collaborate across disciplines (Design, Quality, Supply Chain, Test) to ensure safe, efficient, and repeatable production.
• Work closely with Shipping/Receiving and Inventory teams to ensure parts are properly received, inspected, cleaned, kitted, and staged to support build plans and minimize line shortages or delays.
• Use MRP/ERP systems to develop and maintain routings, production schedules, and part/assembly tracking; align material availability, capacity, and work orders with integration and assembly plans.

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.

What This Job Offers

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