Mechanical Technician III - Test Ops Maintenance

BLUE ORIGIN • Van Horn, TX

20h • 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. We are seeking a skilled Test & Launch Ops Technician who will leverage technical expertise and operational excellence to ensure the readiness and integration of ground systems, vehicles, and engines for test and launch operations. This role involves the verification and validation of component and system integration, preparation of test and launch environments, and hands-on troubleshooting pre and post-mission. The Test & Launch Technician will collaborate across disciplines to uphold the highest standards of safety, reliability, and mission success for Blue Origin’s spaceflight operations. Position Specific Details Shifts: A | Mon-Fri (6am-2:30pm) Location: Van Horn, TX Relocation: Available Van Horn Specific information: Being at the heart of Blue Origin operations, the West Texas Site in Van Horn, TX offers eligible employee’s additional attractive financial incentives to supplement their competitive base earnings, including a living allowance and relocation assistance. Eligibility for these additional benefits is based on the employee’s ability to permanently relocate to Van Horn, TX. Team Focus & Domain Expertise Test & Launch Technicians at Blue Origin are core members of the Launch Site One Maintenance Team within Test Operations, directly supporting New Shepard human and payload spaceflight missions. In this role, you will help prepare, operate, and maintain launch facilities, ground systems, and flight vehicles across all phases of the mission—vehicle processing, launch operations, and recovery. You will fabricate and route pressurization and propellant tubing and lines, maintain and troubleshoot fluid and mechanical systems, and operate test facilities including propellant offload and leak/fault response. You will integrate and check out test articles and instrumentation (including wire harnesses), review and execute detailed procedures, and support complex mechanical and ground support equipment assemblies. Working closely with engineers and other technicians, you will contribute to both day-of-operations execution and continuous improvement—providing feedback on mechanical designs, test procedures, and facility/process upgrades. The team emphasizes strict adherence to safety, especially around hazardous chemicals, high-pressure systems, and flight- and safety-critical hardware, ensuring reliable, repeatable launch and recovery operations for the New Shepard program.

Requirements

• Experience in aerospace manufacturing, integration, testing, or related technical field: (0-3 years Level I Technician, 3+ years Level II Technician, 5+ years Level III Technician, 8+ years Sr Level Technician)
• Documented experience using standard mechanical tools (including, but not limited to wrenches, torque tools, drills, saws, calipers) and fabrication shop equipment (including, but not limited to mills, lathes, presses).
• Ability to lift up to 50lbs unassisted, work at heights (up to 20 feet), and operate in confined spaces as required for operational needs
• Proficiency with Windows operating systems and Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint), demonstrated by at least 1 year of routine use in a professional or academic setting
• 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 interpreting a variety of technical documentation, including drawings, schematics, diagrams, and P&IDs (Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams)
• Hands-on assembly, integration, test, troubleshooting, or validation experience across mechanical, electrical, and fluid systems—such as propellants, hydraulics, pneumatics, and cryogenics—in production, test, or operational environments
• Familiarity with ground support and environmental control equipment, launch/test environments, and range safety protocols in aerospace, defense, or space operations
• Demonstrated effectiveness executing complex operational protocols and multi-step checklists in safety- and quality-critical settings
• Technical certification, trade school, or relevant degree (e.g., aerospace, mechanical, electrical, or industrial engineering/technology)
• Participation in continuous improvement initiatives (Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen) in team environments
• Experience supporting new product introduction or transition from development to production
• Proficiency with instrumentation and data acquisition systems, including configuration, calibration, and monitoring (such as pressure, temperature, strain, and environmental sensors)
• Skilled in assembly, inspection, mate/demate, and fabrication of wiring harnesses and electromechanical hardware—including use of crimping tools and related techniques
• Proven ability to deliver accurate, high-quality work and communicate effectively while collaborating with teams and stakeholders

Responsibilities

• Prepare ground systems, vehicles, and engines for launch and test activities through setup, configuration, verification, and readiness tasks
• Verify correct integration and functionality of all components and systems prior to launch or test, following rigorous checklists and protocols
• Conduct pre-launch/test inspections, identifying and troubleshooting integration or system readiness issues, escalating as needed
• Support vehicle/engine integration tasks, including alignment, connections, instrumentation setup, and data acquisition for launch/test events
• Assist in post-launch/test operations by performing disassembly, inspection, and verification of system status and integrity
• Operate material handling equipment (forklifts, lifts, cranes, etc.) and a variety of hand and power tools to facilitate launch/test operations
• Maintain clear documentation of readiness, integration, testing, and anomaly resolution activities in compliance with technical and operational standards
• Uphold high safety standards, reporting hazards and ensuring launch/test operations are conducted in safe and secure environments
• Participate in emergency response and critical operation procedures during test and launch activities
• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, operations, and mission control teams to ensure seamless handoffs and technical support
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives for system integration, test protocols, and launch operations processes

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
• Education Level: No Education Listed