NDT Engineer Level III – Composites & Advanced Inspection

Blue Origin • Space Coast, FL

2d • Onsite

About The Position

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 diverse and hardworking team of Nondestructive Testing (NDT) specialists, technicians, and engineers, you will perform development and production NDT activities for spaceflight systems supporting both New Glenn (launch vehicle) and Lunar (space systems) programs. This role is primarily focused on the ultrasonic inspection of composite payload adapter (PA) and payload fairing flight hardware, complemented by infrared thermography and digital radiography. You will own the design, development, and tactical planning of your inspections with minimal oversight, directly assuring part integrity, quality, and life for hardware that flies. We are looking for a skilled NDT engineer ready to work the full inspection cycle at technical depth and grow into broader areas of expertise. Passion for our mission and vision is required!

Requirements

• Technical Bachelor's or Master’s degree (engineering, physics, or related discipline).
• Typically 6+ years of relevant NDT engineering experience (or equivalent).
• ASNT Level II (Level III preferred, or substantive equivalent) in Ultrasonic Testing (UT), with hands-on experience inspecting composite structures (pulse-echo and through-transmission).
• Developing-to-established professional expertise across the inspection cycle—technique application, verification, and test—with a demonstrated track record of safe operations.
• Experience determining parameters, techniques, and calibrations for composite inspection and interpreting/dispositioning inspection data on critical structures.
• Ability to read and understand blueprints and schematic diagrams.
• Knowledge of NDT personnel certification practices (NAS 410 or equivalent) and AS9100.
• Ability to earn trust, solicit/accept feedback, and contribute to a culture of inclusion.
• 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

• ASNT Level II (or substantive experience) in Infrared/Thermography (IR) and/or Digital Radiography (RT).
• Certification or exposure to modalities supporting TPS and composite inspection: Shearography, Terahertz (THz), and/or Eddy Current (ET).
• Knowledge of Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) and through-transmission (AirScan) systems.
• Knowledge of Probability of Detection (POD) studies.
• Experience with automated/robotic data acquisition and 3D scan-path programming.
• Software/automation coding experience: SQL, Python, C++, C#, Intel Intrinsics.
• Knowledge of industry NDT standards (NAS 410, ASTM E2580, E2533, E1495, E317, AMS-STD-2154).
• ABET-accredited mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or materials science & engineering degree.
• Ionizing radiation safety credential / third-party IRRSP certification (for RT support).
• Aerospace production or R&D experience; knowledge of composites fabrication processes.

Responsibilities

• Perform ultrasonic (UT) inspection of composite flight hardware—payload adapters and fairings—using pulse-echo, through-transmission, and phased array (PAUT) techniques, working the entire inspection design and execution cycle with minimal oversight.
• Author, validate, and maintain UT inspection techniques, scan programs, and reference standards for new components.
• Provide infrared thermography (IRT) and digital radiography (DR) inspection support to complement composite UT inspections.
• Interpret inspection data and disposition defects on flight hardware; participate in root cause analyses and support corrective actions for moderate-to-major-scope non-conformances.
• Own product inspection design, development strategy, and tactical planning with general guidance on new assignments.
• Participate in significant tool development, process improvements, and release/support of engineering products; help capture best practices.
• Support upstream design reviews to maximize hardware inspectability; create, review, and maintain engineering documentation (inspection plans, procedures, specifications).
• Support test campaigns with real-time NDE for validation activities (e.g., bondline, static/pressure testing) and identify/communicate technical, cost, and schedule risks.
• Support supplier technique review/approval and build positive relationships with external composite vendors.
• Provide training and mentoring on inspection techniques, procedures, and criteria to Level I/II inspectors per Blue Origin's written practice (NAS 410 or equivalent).

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.
• Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week)
• 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: Senior