R&D Fabrication & Test Stand Maintenance Technician II

Blue Origin•Seattle, WA

11d•$29 - $41•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. As part of a small, high-impact team supporting Blue Origin’s test operations, you will be responsible for hands-on fabrication and machining of custom hardware, tooling, and ground support equipment. This role is approximately 70% shop-based work—requiring knowledge in machining, welding, cutting, and custom fabrication - and 30% facility and test stand maintenance support. You will contribute directly to the readiness of an array of test stands, cryogenic/pneumatic fluid systems, environmental test equipment (vibration tables, thermal chambers), and other test infrastructure supporting various spaceflight programs including New Glenn, BE-4, and advanced development projects. We’re looking for a versatile and driven technician who can move between manual machining, CNC programming, welding and fabrication - and then jump in to assist with stand hardware swaps, system troubleshooting, inventory or test maintenance support when needed.

Requirements

2+ years of experience in machining and/or fabrication roles.
(Tooling and fixture design) Closely manage quality, build sequence, and schedule of hardware throughout the entire R&D manufacturing process.
Experience using cutting torches, grinders, plasma tables, and general fab tools.
Capable of reading and interpreting GD&T-based blueprints.
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and work in both indoor and outdoor shop environments.
Proficiency in using standard mechanical tools and fabrication shop equipment.
Extreme customer focus combined with strong verbal and written communication.
Strong safety mindset and mechanical intuition.

Nice To Haves

5+ years total experience with increasing responsibility in a fabrication/machine shop.
5+ years of experience involving fluid component testing, processing, and facility support, specifically in testing rocket or jet engines or similar applications.
Conversational CNC programming (Haas or Mazak).
Familiarity with environmental testing equipment such as thermal vacuum chambers, vibration tables (e.g., Unholtz-Dickie), and cryogenic systems.
Experience assisting with high-pressure fluid systems or test article plumbing.
Ability to weld aluminum and stainless using MIG/TIG methods.
Knowledge of sensors, application, and operating theory behind them including strain gauges, temperature sensing devices and pressure sensors.
Forklift, crane, or manlift experience.
Experience working in aerospace, automotive R&D, or industrial testing environments.

Responsibilities

Operate and maintain manual or CNC mills/lathes (e.g., Haas, DMG, etc.).
Program, set up, and machine custom components using 3-axis CNC machines.
Cut and prep metal stock using bandsaws, plasma tables, oxy-acetylene torches, and angle grinders.
Machine product from cradle to grave: evaluate, select work-holding & tooling, program, setup, machine and inspect, while communicating with design teams throughout the entire life cycle.
MIG and TIG weld aluminum and stainless-steel hardware for test support (basic fixtures, adapters, etc.).
Interpret engineering drawings and 3D CAD models (CREO, Fusion360, etc.).
Perform root cause analyses when non-conformances and escapes are identified and deploy corrective actions.
Build, modify, and repair custom R&D ground support equipment (GSE), test panels, vibration/shock fixtures and test enclosures.
Perform in-house prototyping for urgent hardware requests or test rig modifications.
Maintain fabrication shop tools and ensure compliance with 5S/FOD practices.
Support maintenance and basic troubleshooting of hydraulic carts, data acquisition boxes, shaker tables, thermal chambers, and LN2/GN2 environmental test systems.
Assist with facility rig-ups and hardware installations, including torquing, aligning, and assembling test hardware.
Work collaboratively with engineers, technicians, and test operators to support test readiness.
Operate forklifts, overhead cranes, and manlifts in accordance with site safety protocols.
Support general facility upkeep and hardware inventory organization.

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.

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