Mechanisms Test Engineer III - Motion Control, Honeybee Robotics

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! 

This role is part of the Motion Control Business Unit, Honeybee Robotics which designs, manufactures, and tests high-performance, reliable motion control components and integrated solutions that power the most demanding aerospace and space exploration missions.  From actuators and gearboxes to motors and precision motion control systems, our products operate in the harshest environments, enabling critical missions from Earth to deep space. Our Test Department plays a critical role in ensuring every component and system meets the rigorous standards required for mission success.

As part of a hardworking team of technicians and engineers in our Test Department, you will apply standard engineering knowledge and methods to design, plan, model, execute, and interpret tests for aerospace systems and components. With a focus on electromechanical mechanisms and multi-axis gimbals, you will develop and implement comprehensive test campaigns and associated ground support equipment (GSE).  This role is a combination of test and operations development, planning and documentation, hands-on running tests and troubleshooting/data analysis.

• Relocation provided
• Travel expected up to 10% of the time
• Interviews will include a technical assessment

• Plan, develop, and execute comprehensive test programs for space mechanisms, including multi-axis gimbals, Solar Array Drive Assemblies (SADAs), actuators, and dampers
• Author, review, and maintain test plans, test procedures, and test reports in compliance with applicable standards and program requirements
• Design, set up, and operate test fixtures, ground support equipment (GSE), and data acquisition systems to support electromechanical system testing
• Conduct functional, performance, life, and environmental testing (vibration, thermal vacuum, shock, EMI/EMC) on flight and qualification hardware
• Collect, reduce, and analyze test data; identify anomalies, root causes, and corrective actions; and communicate findings clearly to engineering and project teams
• Collaborate closely with design, systems, and quality engineers to ensure test requirements are properly derived, allocated, and verified
• Support test readiness reviews (TRRs), test anomaly investigations, and failure review boards (FRBs)
• Maintain accurate test logs, configuration records, and traceability documentation in accordance with quality management system requirements
• Operate and maintain test laboratory equipment, including motor controllers, torque sensors, encoders, load cells, and multi-channel data acquisition systems
• Identify opportunities to improve test efficiency, repeatability, and automation; contribute to continuous improvement of test infrastructure and processes
• Interface with customers, suppliers, and external test facilities as required to support program milestones

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics or a closely related technical discipline
• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in hardware testing, with demonstrated expertise in testing mechanisms, electromechanical assemblies, or multi-axis gimbal systems
• Demonstrated proficiency is developing test stands and fixtures
• Experience with one programming language (e.g., python, labview, C#)
• Proficiency in developing and executing test plans and procedures for complex mechanical or electromechanical systems
• Familiarity with motion control architectures, including brushless DC motors, slip rings, flex harnesses, and motor drive electronics
• Experience with data acquisition systems and instrumentation (e.g., load cells, torque sensors, encoders, thermocouples, accelerometers)
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and interpret test data, identify anomalies, and drive resolution through structured problem-solving methods
• Familiarity with environmental test standards such as MIL-STD-810, GEVS (GSFC-STD-7000), or equivalent aerospace qualification standards
• Experience working in a cleanroom or controlled laboratory environment with flight or flight-like hardware
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly document and present technical findings
• Ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional team environment
• 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.

• Master's degree in Controls Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field
• Experience developing tests and GSE for space-grade mechanisms such as biaxial/multi-axis gimbals, Solar Array Drive Assemblies (SADAs), deployment mechanisms, or precision pointing systems
• Familiarity with Radio Frequency testing fundamentals (e.g., Vector Network Analysis (VNA))
• Experience with thermal vacuum (TVAC) testing and/or vibration/shock testing of flight hardware
• Proficiency with data analysis tools such as MATLAB, Python, or equivalent scripting environments
• Experience with test automation and scripting for automated test execution and data collection
• Knowledge of AS9100 or ISO 9001 quality management systems and associated documentation practices
• Familiarity with model-based systems engineering (MBSE) tools or requirements management platforms (e.g., DOORS, Jama)
• Experience supporting test campaigns at external test facilities or customer sites
• Prior experience in a space hardware development environment with exposure to full product lifecycle testing (development, qualification, and acceptance)

Blue Origin fosters a culture of inclusion, curiosity, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Here, your contributions are meaningful — every mechanism you test, every anomaly you resolve, and every milestone you help achieve brings humanity one step closer to a future in space. We offer:

• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Generous 401(k) match and financial wellness programs
• Paid parental leave and flexible time off
• Professional development opportunities and tuition assistance
• A collaborative, mission-driven culture where safety is our highest value and innovation is our daily pursuit
• The opportunity to work alongside some of the brightest minds in aerospace on hardware that will operate in the most extreme environments in the solar system

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.