Mechanical Test Engineer III

Blue Origin • Los Angeles, CA

4d

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 Advanced Concepts and Enterprise Engineering (ACE), supporting Blue Origin’s mission of millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. The team fosters innovation and drives engineering workflows of the future, shared solutions and standards, simplicity and lower costs, and manufacturable design. We are seeking a highly skilled Test Engineer III to join our Space Resources Program team at our Los Angeles facility. This role is crucial for supporting, navigating, and advancing our rapid product development cycle, encompassing conceptualization, formal design, environmental testing, and final integration. We are looking for someone to apply their technical expertise, leadership skills, and commitment to quality to positively impact safe human spaceflight. Passion for our mission and vision is required!

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Physics, or related field.
• 3+ years of hands-on laboratory experience with an emphasis on vacuum chamber operations, flight hardware, and fast-paced test operation.
• Demonstrated experience in developing, operating, and maintaining large vacuum chambers for integrated testing.
• Ability to plan and execute assembly and disassembly sequences and commissioning.
• Advanced proficiency in drafting and updating SOPs, JHAs, and detailed documentation for test procedures.
• Significant experience in conducting Test Readiness Reviews and managing data acquisition devices.
• CAD Design and fabrication experience for custom test support fixtures.
• Proficiency in troubleshooting, calibration, maintenance of a variety of laboratory instruments and equipment.
• Familiarity with safety standards applicable to laboratory vacuum chamber experiments and a proven record of ensuring compliance.
• Excellent communication skills, attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and team-oriented.
• Experience with post-flight and post-test analysis and illustrate results to wider engineering teams.
• Demonstrate proficiency in using DAQ software and modify the code as needed.
• Ability to lift or move heavy equipment up to 40 lbs as needed.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, related engineering fields, or Physics.
• Experience with designing mechanical systems and mechanisms.
• Experience with High temperature material and thermal analysis.
• Ability to modify code in python and C as needed.
• Experience with In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) systems and typical aerospace systems.
• Demonstrate experience with environmental testing regulations for space missions.
• Relevant certifications in safety, hazardous materials handling, or vacuum chamber operations.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects and work successfully across multiple disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, documentation, and updating of test procedures, including Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs), and detailed test plans to ensure knowledge transfer, operational excellence and compliance with safety standards (Safety of personnel, equipment, and data)
• Own the test setup, operation, and maintenance of environmental test systems, primarily vacuum chambers, for integrated testing of high-power and high-temperature systems under vacuum conditions.
• Design and assemble hardware fixtures to support a variety of unique tests and take initiative in operating data acquisition devices and selecting appropriate fittings.
• Troubleshoot custom and commercial control systems, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of test operations.
• Conduct and lead Test Readiness Reviews, ensuring all systems and subsystems meet the necessary testing requirements and documenting the process meticulously.
• Oversee the installation, operation, and maintenance of instruments and equipment, ensuring they meet project requirements and safety standards.
• Play a pivotal role in ensuring laboratory vacuum chamber experiments adhere to the highest Environmental Health and Safety standards.
• Collaborate closely with the team to deliver scalable solutions in fast-paced design, analysis, and construction cycles, with a keen focus on safety, quality, and innovation.
• Manage laboratory chemical waste, coordinating proper disposal procedures with Environmental Health and Safety departments.
• Provide comprehensive documentation and reports on test results, methodologies, and any issues encountered during testing phases.
• Mentor and guide team members in test operation operations and safety procedures

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.
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees