Test Engineer II - 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! 

At Blue Origin, the Motion Control Business Unit (MCBU) designs, manufactures, and tests the high-performance, reliable motion control components and integrated solutions that power the most demanding aerospace missions. Our product portfolio—including actuators, motors, Solar Array Drive Electronics (SADEs), Solar Array Drive Assemblies (SADAs), and Thrust Vector Control (TVC) systems—operates in the harshest environments, enabling critical missions from Earth orbit to the lunar surface and deep space. Our Test Department is essential in ensuring every component meets the rigorous standards required for mission success.

As part of a hardworking team of specialists, technicians, and engineers in our MCBU Test Department, you will apply engineering knowledge and methods to the design, planning, execution, and interpretation of tests for aerospace systems and components in support of Blue Origin's lunar programs. Working independently on moderately complex tasks, you will develop and execute test campaigns across the product lifecycle—from Engineering Development Units (EDUs) to Qualification, Flight acceptance, and recurring production—and may provide technical direction to technicians and junior engineers. Your work will directly impact the reliability and performance of the motion control hardware that enables lunar landers and next-generation space vehicles.

• First Shift
• Relocation provided
• Travel expected up to 10% of the time

• Develop, write, and execute test plans and procedures for Engineering Development, Qualification, Flight acceptance (ATP), and recurring-production testing of MCBU components—such as motors, actuators, gimbals, SADE, and SADA hardware—supporting lunar program milestones.
• Independently execute acceptance, functional, and performance test campaigns to validate product performance against customer requirements and industry standards.
• Set up, configure, and troubleshoot test stands and articles under test to resolve technical issues that arise during test campaigns.
• Support the setup and execution of environmental tests, including vibration, shock, bench performance, thermal, and thermal vacuum (TVAC) testing.
• Present test campaign plans, schedules, and results to project stakeholders and customers.

• Design, build, and modify mechanical test fixtures and ground support equipment using 3D CAD software; adapt fixtures for vibration, shock, thermal, and TVAC testing as program needs dictate. 
• Design, integrate, and troubleshoot electrical ground support equipment (EGSE); interpret electrical diagrams and PCBA schematics to stand up test stands and diagnose faults. 
• Develop, configure, and maintain test automation, control/sequencing, and data-acquisition software (e.g., Python, LabVIEW); support software integration, verification, and version control. 
• Configure and operate instrumentation and digital data acquisition (DAQ) systems; install and use sensors such as load cells and thermocouples to measure force, torque, and temperature.
• Apply fundamental knowledge of motor and actuator behavior—including detent torque, accuracy, and stiffness—to set up and interpret testing.

• Analyze and interpret test data to verify performance, identify trends, and support root cause investigations.
• Document test setups and results, prepare detailed technical reports, and present findings to internal teams.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams, including technicians, design engineers, and quality, to ensure successful test execution.
• Maintain test equipment readiness and support calibration activities to ensure accuracy and repeatability.
• Perform other duties and assume additional responsibilities as needed to meet evolving business and program needs.

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 2–5 years of relevant experience in a test, mechanical, electromechanical, or test-software engineering role (an advanced degree may offset experience).
• Demonstrated depth in at least one of the following:
  • Mechanical design — designing/modifying test fixtures and GSE using 3D CAD (e.g., Creo, SolidWorks, NX), with a solid grasp of GD&T and mechanical structures;
  • EGSE design — designing/integrating electrical ground support equipment and reading electrical diagrams/PCBA schematics;
  • Software — developing test automation, control, or data-acquisition software (e.g., Python, LabVIEW).
• Intermediate understanding of instrumentation and measurement systems, including the fundamentals of digital data acquisition.
• Working knowledge of the fundamental properties of motors (electric/electromechanical preferred), such as detent torque, accuracy, and stiffness.
• Strong debugging and troubleshooting skills across mechanical and/or electrical test systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a high degree of attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• 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.

• Experience testing mechanisms and components.
• Controls experience (e.g., closed-loop motion control, servo tuning, control-systems fundamentals).
• Direct experience with environmental testing (vibration, shock, thermal, vacuum).
• Hands-on experience building, setting up, and troubleshooting mechanical or electromechanical test equipment.
• Familiarity with motion control systems such as motors, actuators, or robotic mechanisms.
• Experience performing structural and/or stiffness testing.
• Experience supporting lunar, planetary, or spaceflight hardware programs.
• Experience with test data post-processing and analysis using tools such as MATLAB or Python.
• Knowledge of space qualification standards (e.g., NASA-STD, MIL-STD-810, GEVS/GSFC-STD-7000) and cleanroom protocols.

On the Motion Control team, you will have the unique opportunity to put your engineering skills to the test on the foundational hardware that enables missions across the solar system—including the lunar landers that will return humans to the Moon. You will learn from industry experts while making a direct impact on the quality and reliability of lunar landers, satellite systems, and next-generation space vehicles. If you are passionate about mechanical and electromechanical systems and want to help build the road to space, join us.

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.