Manufacturing & Tooling Development Engineer

BLUE ORIGIN • West Melbourne, FL

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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 passionate and growing team, you will use your expertise to plan and develop launch vehicle manufacturing, assembly, and ground support equipment. You will be responsible for analyzing, developing, and optimizing production and test operations for existing and emerging Blue Origin programs. Our goal is efficient, safe, and cost-effective launch operations with world-class technical performance. This role requires close collaboration with design engineering, manufacturing, test operations, supply chain, and facilities teams. We are seeking a candidate with strong communication skills (both written and verbal), problem-solving and analytical skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced and evolving environment. Blue Origin is looking for someone to apply their expertise, leadership skills, and commitment to quality to positively impact safe human spaceflight. Passion for our mission and vision is required!

Requirements

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, tooling design, or process development within aerospace, automotive, or heavy industry.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., CATIA, NX, SolidWorks, or equivalent).
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes: machining, welding, composites, assembly, and additive manufacturing.
• Hands-on experience with tooling development, fixture design, or automated assembly solutions.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and industry standards.
• Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
• 7+ years of experience developing manufacturing processes for large systems.
• Demonstrated success implementing vertical integration strategies in manufacturing, especially industrial robotics.
• Familiarity with large-scale composite structures, cryogenic tank manufacturing, and propulsion system assembly.
• Experience developing novel tooling concepts involving automation, robotics, modular tooling, or reconfigurable fixtures.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage supplier/tooling partners.
• Hands-on shop floor experience with hardware build and process validation.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and managing process improvement initiatives.
• Experience with TIG/MIG/Laser welding, brazing, soldering for prototype fabrication.
• Proficiency programming and operating 3-axis+ CNC mills and lathes; experience with tool selection, fixturing, and process optimization.
• Experience designing mechanisms, fixtures, jigs, and test stands for concept development.
• Familiarity with integration of mechanical systems with electrical components, sensors, actuators, controls, and robotics.
• Experience creating build documentation, assembly procedures, and design iteration records.
• Working knowledge of metals, polymers, composites, and their machinability/printability characteristics.
• Personal history of hands-on building including hobby projects, competitions, restoration work, or similar "maker" pursuits.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of novel manufacturing processes and tooling concepts for launch vehicle structures, propulsion, and integration systems.
• Introduce advanced manufacturing techniques (automation, additive manufacturing, advanced composites, precision machining, digital manufacturing, etc.) into tooling and production workflows.
• Drive vertical integration initiatives by identifying opportunities to bring critical processes and tooling in-house, improving cost efficiency, schedule control, and design agility.
• Collaborate with design engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and operations teams to ensure manufacturability, scalability, and reliability of vehicle components.
• Participate in Design Gated Reviews, ensuring that Design for Manufacturability, Testability, and Inspection (DFX) principles are incorporated early
• Develop and demonstrate manufacturing concepts and large-scale aerospace hardware
• Conduct root cause analysis and continuous improvement on manufacturing processes and tooling systems to enhance throughput, quality, and cost efficiency.
• Author and maintain documentation: tooling requirements, process specifications, work instructions, and training guides.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to reduce cost, schedule risk, and non-conformances in both hardware and operations.
• Support infrastructure planning for launch pads, integration facilities, and ground support equipment.
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards.

Benefits

• Benefits include: 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.
• Dependent on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on the company's intent to reward individual contributions and enable them to share in the company's results, or other factors at the company's sole discretion.
• Bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and subject to change and cancellation. Please check with your recruiter for more details.

What This Job Offers

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