Propulsion Test Engineer III, Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)

Application close date:

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.

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 Blue Origin Engines business unit, where our focus is the design, development, manufacturing, and testing of engines and propulsion systems. Built for multiple uses, our family of engines is powering the next generation of rockets for commercial, civil, national security, and human spaceflight.

As part of a small, passionate, and accomplished team of propulsion test engineers, you will help drive rocket engines test operations to meet Blue Origin’s launch vehicle program requirements for various spaceflight systems. You will directly contribute to engine test operations by assisting

with test planning and execution, risk identification and mitigation, hardware integration for test campaigns, post-test inspections, data review, and engine performance analysis. This position will directly

impact

the history of space exploration and will require your dedicated commitment and detailed attention towards safe and repeatable spaceflight.

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

!

Special Mentions:

• This role is located at Edwards Air Force Base in California. Blue Origin offers eligible employee’s additional attractive financial incentives to supplement their competitive base earnings while assigned to this location.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 5

  + years

  relevant experience in an engineering field

• B.S. degree in engineering discipline (aerospace, mechanical, or

  systems

  desired)

• Establish

  ed professional expertise

  in a

  n aer

  ospace propulsion/flight

  testing environment

• Demonstrated experience

  in

  conducting

  propulsion tests

  with

  track record of safe operations during nominal testing

  and

  in response to

  test

  anomalies

• Demonstrated familiarity with

  reviewing

  test data

  and able to clearly identify

  engine performance characteristics and off-nominal trends 

• Experienced with

  providing input to schedule, budget, milestones and/or

  occasional

  program technical approval authority

• Demonstrated

  expertise in applying

  technical fundamentals in fluids and thermodynamics towards data analysis and test stand systems design

  ,

  modifications

  ,

  and upgrades

• Ability to read and interpret engineering standards, technical requirements, and engineering drawings including such as P&ID’s

• Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to a culture of inclusion

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

  with proven ability to

  respec

  tfully

  challenge decision

  s

  where

  necessary to the benefit of the project

  .

Preferred Qualifications:

• M.S. degree or higher in mechanical or aerospace engineering 

• 5

  + years of direct experience

  conducting testing

  at an aerospace

  test facility

• Significant r

  ocket propulsion system or

  propulsion sub-

  component test experience

• Experience designing, fabricating, or operating fluid systems

  with little supervision or guidance

• Direct hands-on experience with cryogenic fluids such as liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen as well as associated

  piping

  systems

  and components

• Advanced understanding

  of

  how to select, implement, and troubleshoot

  instrumentation including pressure transducers, thermocouples

  /RTDs

  , silicon

  diodes, resistance temperature detectors, and accelerometers.

• Operational understanding of engines and engine sub-components, such as turbopumps, combustion devices, valves, and other fluid components

• Thorough understanding of rocket engine cycles

  with demonstratable

  application

  towards

  accurate engine health monitoring during test and post- test data review

  s

• Familiarity with LabVIEW, MATLAB,

  Winplot

  , PCON, Python, or other control, data acquisition, and reduction software

• Hands-on experience with fabricating and integrating test articles and sub-assemblies for test

  including

  proper use of

  all relevant hand tools. 

• Seasoned experience

  with CAD application

  software such as

  ProE or Creo

  (

  preferred)

Base Pay Range for:

CA applicants is $121,023.00 - $169,432.20

Other site ranges may differ

Culture Statement

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.

Export Control Regulations

Applicants for employment at Blue Origin must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Background Check

• Required for all positions: Blue’s Standard Background Check

• Required for Certain Job Profiles:  Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installation

• Required for Certain Job Profiles: Drivers who operate Commercial Motor Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or combination of power unit and trailer that meets or exceeds 10,001 lbs. and/or transports placardable amounts of hazardous materials by ground in any vehicle on a public road while in commerce, may be subject to additional Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations including: Driver Qualification Files, Medical Certification (obtained before onboarding), Road Test, Hours of Service, Drug and Alcohol Testing (CDL drivers only), vehicle inspection requirements, CDL requirements (if applicable) and hazardous materials transportation/shipping training.

• Required for certain Job Profiles: Ability to obtain and maintain Merchant Mariner Credential, which includes pre-employment and random drug testing as well as DOT physical

Benefits

• Benefits include:  Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability, 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%, and an Education Support Program.

• Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week)

• Paid Time Off:  Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.

• Dependent on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on the company's intent to reward individual contributions and enable them to share in the company's results, or other factors at the company's sole discretion. Bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and subject to change and cancellation. Please check with your recruiter for more details.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Blue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified and dedicated work force. Blue Origin hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Blue Origin will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Washington Fair Chance Act, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws. For more information on “Know Your Rights,” please see here.

Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation

Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin’s Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us at EEOCompliance@blueorigin.com. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.