Ground System Development Build Engineer – Level II

Application close date:

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! 

We are a team of collaborators, doers, and problem-solvers who are relentlessly committed to a culture of safety. This position will directly impact the history of space exploration and will require your commitment and detailed attention towards safe and repeatable space flight. Join us in lowering the cost of access to space and enabling Blue Origin’s vision of millions of people living and working in space to benefit Earth.

As part of a small, passionate and accomplished team of Ground System Development engineers and Test Stand Build/Integration Technicians, you will support the build, fabrication, assembly, and integration of new test stands and upgrades to existing test stands for both engine and component test facilities. You will demonstrate operational excellence in the development of work orders, managing the daily work schedule for technicians, the point of contact from engineering to field technicians, and enabling readiness for daily work on-site. Working with Shift Lead, Ground System Development Engineers, and Technical Project Managers, this is a hands-on position focused on executing manufacturing, fabrication, and integration work to new or existing engine/component test facilities. Finally, you will identify opportunities for continuous improvements to promote workplace safety, achieve cost-savings, and make test stand builds more streamlined. 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!

Van Horn Specific information:

Being at the heart of Blue Origin operations, the West Texas Site in Van Horn, TX offers eligible employee’s additional attractive financial incentives to supplement their competitive base earnings, including a living allowance and relocation assistance. Eligibility for these additional benefits is based on the employee’s ability to relocate to Van Horn, TX.

• Relocation provided

• Interviews will include a technical assessment

• Travel expected up to 30% of the time if not a Van Horn, TX employee.

• Author detailed and competent work instructions for fabrication, assembly, and integration of small structures, pressurized gas systems, cryogenic systems, instrumentation, and field installations.

• Maintain configuration control by validating as-built documentation and ensuring accurate Bill of Materials (BOM) integration into enterprise configuration management systems.

• Manage a daily schedule for technician scope with a detailed 2-week look ahead plan for internal technician work.

• Facilitate daily stand-up meetings to review completed work, establish next-day priorities, and ensure alignment across technical teams.

• Design end-to-end execution strategies that outline fabrication methodology and integration sequence for test infrastructure projects.

• Develop and implement process improvements to increase efficiency, quality, and safety in test stand construction.

• Provide technical oversight for installation of pressurized gas systems, cryogenic fluid systems, and associated instrumentation.

• Work with procurement and supply chain to ensure readiness of materials and components for work orders.

• Participate in technical reviews for new designs and installation procedures.

• Work with engineering to resolve technical impediments through systematic diagnosis of fabrication and assembly anomalies, implementing engineered solutions that maintain product integrity and program timeline

• Ensure compliance with safety standards and regulatory requirements for pressure systems, cryogenic handling, crane lifts, hot work, and other related requirements.

• B.S. degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Industrial Engineering or related technical field

• 3+ years of direct, hands-on experience in manufacturing, assembly, or field integration role.  

• Demonstrated experience developing right-sized work instructions and technical documentation

• Knowledge of pressure systems, fluid systems, or aerospace ground support equipment.

• Basic understanding of instrumentation and control systems – integration of sensors and cabling.

• Strong communication skills and ability to coordinate across multiple teams.

• Familiarity with safety protocols for high-pressure gaseous systems, cryogenic systems, general manufacturing, and field integration.

• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Ability to interpret P&ID schematics, engineering models, drawings, specifications, written work instructions, and test procedures.

• Proficient computer skills and MS Office.

• 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.

• 5+ years of direct, hands-on experience in manufacturing, assembly, or field integration role.

• Proficiency with calibrated equipment, GSE/fittings, and various test instrumentation and control components.

• Strong technical and leadership skills with attention to detail, especially when leading teams on complex integration tasks. 

• Experience with cryogenic systems (LN2, LOX, LH2, LNG) design or installation

• Knowledge of ASME B31.3 Process Piping Code and other relevant standards

• Experience managing technical teams or coordinating technician workflows

• Hands-on field experience with test stand construction or modification

• Familiarity with project scheduling tools and resource allocation techniques

• Experience implementing Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement methodologies

• Proficiency with CAD systems and 3D modeling software

Compensation Range for:

Don’t meet all desired requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At Blue Origin, we are dedicated to building an authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every desired qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.