Machine Shop Helper - Kent R&D

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 specialists, you will have the opportunity to provide support for machining and manufacturing operations in a world class R&D environment. You will work both in a team and independently to learn and perform supporting tasks in a machine shop environment. You will support Senior Machinists in the daily operations including setting up and tearing down tools, organizing and cleaning machines and shop supplies, performing simple machining operations on manual and CNC equipment, deburring and polishing hardware, and preparing material for further machining. This position offers a chance for you to learn machining and manufacturing from the ground up from some of the most skilled professionals in the world. This role offers a substantial opportunity for growth and long-term development.

The right candidate will be able to demonstrate a willingness to perform dirty and tedious work, a strong desire to learn the trade of machining, have a positive attitude, and strong attention to detail. Passion for our mission and vision is required!

• Shifts available:

  • M-F 0500-1330

• Cleaning machines inside and out along with other equipment and parts

• Sweeping and mopping floors and other work areas

• Operating lifting equipment such as cranes and forklifts

• Deburring, polishing, and cleaning machined components

• Purchasing tools and equipment as directed

• Building and tearing down machining cutting tools

• Organizing and maintaining cutting tools, tool holders, collets, and other equipment

• Supporting the shop’s 5S initiatives

• Using hand tools to assemble or disassemble furniture, tooling carts, and other pieces of equipment

• Creating digital lists of tools, materials, and other components for tracking inventory

• Developing digital Standard Operating Procedures for routine tasks

• Authoring basic work orders for machining and post-processing operations

• Delivering and retrieving parts or tools from local vendors and other workcenters

• Providing excellent customer service to all current and potential customers within Blue Origin

• Working both independently and collaboratively within a team of individual contributors to enable every member to succeed in their respective tasks

• Passion for our mission: Millions of people living and working in space!

• High School Diploma or GED

• Willingness to perform simple, menial, dirty, and sometimes repetitive tasks

• Skilled with the use of personal computers and Microsoft Windows based applications

• Desire to learn machining and fabrication from the ground up

• Ability to perform physical tasks such as sitting or standing for long periods, bending, stooping, lifting or carrying heavy materials (up to 50 lbs.) unassisted

• Strong attention to detail with a focus on quality

• A desire to be customer-centric and quickly facilitate functional solutions with minimal oversight

• Self-motivated while working independently to prioritize projects to meet completion dates

• Able to work as a part of team in a fast-paced, constantly evolving and dynamic environment

• Experience with hands-on skills such as woodworking, welding, or automotive repair

• Familiarity with the safe operation of metalworking mills, lathes, and supporting equipment

• Familiarity with precision inspection equipment such as calipers and micrometers

• Familiarity with engineering drawing interpretation and inspection using GD&T per ASME Y14.5

• Experience in an aerospace environment

• Experience in fast-paced, R&D environments

• Experience operating heavy lifting equipment such as cranes and forklifts

Base Pay 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.