Test Engineer III | Launch and Test Operations (Ground Software)

BLUE ORIGIN • West Melbourne, FL

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Blue Origin is hiring a hands-on, detail-oriented Test Engineer III for its Launch and Test Operations team at the Orbital Launch Site in Cape Canaveral, Florida. The role supports the design, development, construction, operation, and maintenance of test facilities and launch infrastructure for New Glenn and other launch-vehicle and spaceflight systems. The Ground Software focus involves integrated ground systems, PLC automation, communications, data acquisition (DAQ), and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) systems supporting fluid and propellant test operations. The role combines controls and automation expertise with direct fluid-system experience.

The engineer will test, maintain, inspect, and troubleshoot ground support equipment and test-enabling hardware, including hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical, cryogenic, and electrical equipment. The role includes front-room console work during New Glenn second-stage static hotfires, executing live test operations and responding to off-nominal conditions. Work supports test and launch facilities at Launch Complex 36 and nearby locations, as well as Merritt Island Launch Annex and Module Test Area facilities.

The position is based in Florida’s Space Coast, with relocation available and potential travel of up to 25% for offsite test campaigns. Available schedules include Monday–Friday day or evening shifts and Friday–Sunday day or evening shifts; shift times may change with launch and test cadence. The role may require off-shift work, extended hours, and weekends for mission milestones. It is physically active and involves indoor and outdoor work throughout all seasons and weather conditions.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical, Aerospace, Chemical, Electrical, or Computer Engineering, or a related technical field, from an accredited university.
• At least 5 years of experience for the Level III Engineer designation, in the stated experience-level framework.
• Experience building or operating automated test sequences controlling cryogenic, propellant, or pneumatic processes; generic industrial or automotive automation does not meet this requirement.
• Experience authoring and executing automated console procedures for live test operations.
• Real-time console operations experience, including off-nominal or anomaly response.
• Demonstrated experience with PLC, DAQ, HIL, integrated ground systems (IGS), and communications/networking for test.
• Working knowledge of systems such as pressurized gas systems, cryogenics, fluid systems, hydraulics, instrumentation and controls, or structural components, depending on discipline.
• At least 1 year of experience developing work instructions or test procedures for upgrades, maintenance, and system-performance verification.
• Strong commitment to safety and ability to execute or oversee multiple projects in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to support off-shift work, extended hours, and weekends as required for mission milestones.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted to the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds, climb multiple flights of stairs, and work at heights.

Nice To Haves

• Experience troubleshooting fluid, mechanical, and electrical hardware and instrumentation, including hydraulics, pneumatics, or cryogenics, and ability to read schematics and P&IDs.
• Launch-campaign console experience; experience with LabVIEW, TestStand, or Python; or New Glenn or comparable launch-vehicle experience.
• Experience with a broad range of fluids, such as cryogenics, monopropellants, hydraulics, or high-pressure systems.
• Experience testing and integrating fluid systems, ground support systems, cryogenics, and propulsion hardware.
• Experience developing and verifying installation and operating procedures for mechanical, fluid, or electrical systems.
• Experience with automated test equipment, calibration, and configuration management.
• Knowledge of electrical, mechanical, and fluid engineering fundamentals for design and verification, including test readiness and operational excellence.
• Proficiency in LabVIEW, Python, MATLAB, AutoCAD P&ID, Winplot, Windchill, CREO, or related control and data-acquisition systems and software.
• Experience with electronics, transducers, PLCs, and software systems.
• Experience using AI to streamline workflows such as data review and test automation.
• Background in hazardous operations, design for safety, and standards such as MIL-STD-810 and AS9100.
• Hands-on experience with 3D CAD tools, fabrication, and integration processes.

Responsibilities

• Design, construct, operate, and maintain test facilities supporting development, qualification, and production of rockets, spacecraft, and launch-vehicle systems.
• Generate and execute test procedures for high-pressure inert and non-inert gas systems, cryogenic systems, and hypergolic fluid systems.
• Work with technicians to perform facility work, handle test articles, and lead test operations.
• Review and interpret test data to assess facility health and performance at system and component levels.
• Size, select, troubleshoot, and maintain test, launch, and fluid-system components and instrumentation to ensure readiness for test and launch activities.
• Perform Process Hazard Analyses and Hazard and Operability Studies to identify process safety incidents, deviations, and operational issues.
• Translate engineering requirements into robust, repeatable test and maintenance processes.
• Collaborate with design engineering, quality assurance, supply chain, and production teams.
• Develop and maintain test documentation, work instructions, and inspection plans for routine and corrective maintenance of ground and test systems.
• Support root-cause analysis of process or product non-conformances and develop and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure work aligns with applicable quality and safety standards, including AS9100 and ISO 9001.
• Identify and complete opportunities to improve efficiency, cadence, and cost.
• Perform pre-flight verification testing, post-launch inspections, and post-flight ground-system data review, and return facilities to a launch-ready state.
• Draft and review work orders for routine and corrective maintenance, maintain facility and equipment configuration, and understand system safety documentation.
• Implement and commission engineering design changes that improve safety or reliability.
• Support integrated ground systems, PLC automation, communications, DAQ, and HIL for fluid and propellant test operations.
• Operate on the front-room console for New Glenn second-stage static hotfires and support live test operations, including anomaly response.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• 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
• Up to four weeks of paid time off per year, based on weekly scheduled hours
• Up to 14 company-paid holidays
• Stock options for regular employees working at least 20 hours per week
• Potential eligibility for bonuses, depending on role type and job level; amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level