Senior Payload Operations Technician

Blue Origin•Space Coast, FL

About The Position

The Senior Payload Operations Technician supports the development and operations of Blue Origin’s New Glenn launch vehicle as part of the Payload Operations group. The role processes flight hardware; performs spacecraft mating and encapsulation; transports and mates payloads to the launch vehicle; participates in integrated testing; and performs closeout operations. The technician works with customer teams and experts across launch-vehicle and ground-system disciplines, following a strong focus on safety and repeatable spaceflight operations. The position reports to Mission Operations/Test & Flight Operations.

Requirements

At least 8 years of experience in payload operations, launch-vehicle operations, integration, manufacturing, or a test environment working on mechanical systems.
At least 8 years of experience executing launch-operations or payload-operations procedures.
At least 8 years of experience with payload fairings, adapters, payload separation systems, spacecraft integration, and match-mates (fit-checks).
Must be Beyond Gravity Payload Separation System Certified or previously certified.
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (current Green Card holder).
Current TS/SCI clearance or ability to successfully complete a Sensitive Compartmented Information investigation with polygraph.
Ability to travel to other Blue Origin offices, alternate launch sites, and customer facilities within and outside the United States.
Ability to lift 35 pounds and to climb, bend, grasp, sit, pull, push, stoop, stretch, carry, and stand for at least 8 hours.
Ability to become certified to operate aerial lifts, forklifts, and overhead cranes, and to perform basic rigging responsibilities.
Ability to work all shifts and overtime, including weekends when needed to support test or launch campaign timelines.
Ability to work at heights exceeding 50 feet.

Nice To Haves

Commercial Driver’s License, Class A (Florida-issued CDL or ability to obtain).
Experience handling lifting ground-support equipment (GSE) and operating environmental control systems.
Intermediate skills using Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Experience with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).
Highly detail-oriented, diligent, and hardworking, with excellent interpersonal skills.
Advanced knowledge of engineering drawings and sketches.
Demonstrated ability to work with limited supervision while developing and managing multiple tasks and schedules simultaneously.
Experience validating that clean GSE is acceptable for use around customer spaceflight hardware.

Responsibilities

Execute procedures for assembly, use, and maintenance of launch-vehicle flight hardware and ground-support equipment.
Work with technicians and New Glenn spacecraft customer teams on integrated payload-processing activities in a 100K (ISO-8) class or higher cleanroom.
Perform hands-on assembly, integration, and testing of payload-accommodation flight hardware, including mechanical, instrumentation, hydraulic, and pneumatic equipment.
Perform bridge-crane operations to process flight articles.
Maintain a wide range of support equipment and tools.
Participate in implementing mission-unique solutions to payload-processing requirements.
Collaborate daily with engineers across launch-vehicle and ground-system disciplines.
Process flight hardware; perform spacecraft mating and encapsulation; transport and mate payloads to the launch vehicle; participate in integrated testing; and perform closeout operations.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
Basic and supplemental life insurance.
Paid parental leave.
Short- and long-term disability.
401(k) with company match of up to 5%.
Education Support Program.
Stock options for regular employees working at least 20 hours per week.
Paid time off of up to four weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours.
Up to 14 company-paid holidays.
Depending on role type and job level, potential eligibility for benefits and bonuses based on company policy and other factors; amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed.