Castings Technician (All levels)

Blue Origin; Arlington (WA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation provided

Collaborative and inclusive work culture

Job summary

A leading aerospace company in Arlington is seeking technicians for their casting operation, focusing on manufacturing rocket engine components. The role involves improving processes, maintaining quality standards, and supporting a culture of safety and collaboration. Candidates should have over 5 years of hands-on manufacturing experience and the ability to work well with teams. The company offers relocation assistance, competitive pay, and a commitment to enhancing the future of space exploration.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on manufacturing experience, preferably in aerospace.
• Able to read work orders and drawings/blueprints.
• Comfortable with chemicals and blast environments with proper PPE.

Responsibilities

• Find better ways to make and finish parts.
• Support design and process reviews.
• Contribute to continuous improvement (Lean).

Skills

Hands-on manufacturing experience

Ability to read work orders and blueprints

Basic computer skills

Good hand-eye coordination

Education

5+ years in manufacturing, aerospace preferred

Tools

Hand tools

Cranes and forklifts

Job description

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 Blue Origin Operations, which is comprised of Integrated Supply Chain, Test Operations, Safety, Quality, and Mission Assurance. This includes Manufacturing and Supply Chain support across all Blue Origin facilities.

Join a small, passionate, and accomplished team building and refining rocket engine components within our Casting operation. You will apply technical expertise, leadership, and a commitment to quality to enable safe, repeatable human spaceflight. You will help improve component design, maintenance, and refurbishment, while identifying, developing, and deploying methods that improve quality, reduce cost, and optimize build sequences and schedules. You will also support DFMA/PFMEA studies to strengthen the feedback loop between design, build, and test—accelerating rocket engine development. This work directly impacts the history of space exploration.

Special Mentions:

• Relocation provided

Responsibilities:

• Find better ways to make and finish parts that improve quality, reduce cost, and speed up the build.
• Support design and process reviews to tighten the design–build–test feedback loop.
• Help create and improve clear work instructions for each step of the build.
• Keep safety first: use the right PPE and follow safe handling procedures.
• Contribute to continuous improvement (Lean): reduce waste, improve safety, and enhance quality.
• Communicate clearly, collaborate across teams, and support an inclusive culture.
• Complete all required documentation on time; maintain traceability of the work you perform.
• Depending on assignment, perform pre-cast foundry work (mold prep and melting/pouring) and/or post-cast finishing (cleaning, cutting, deburr, blend, blasting, etch).

Foundry Technician (pre-cast work):

• Prepare 3D-printed patterns and assemble them to mold plates.
• Mix and check mold materials; keep simple records.
• Operate equipment to build mold shells; inspect and weigh finished molds.
• Clean parts after casting: knockout, waterblast, sandblast.
• Cut and grind as needed (plasma or abrasive).
• Perform chemical etch when required.
• Mark parts for traceability and enter simple software transactions.
• Spot issues early and help with corrective actions.
• Keep hardware labeled and organized; maintain basic tooling inventory.
• Occasionally drive company truck to local vendors (no CDL required).
• Do daily cleaning and light maintenance on equipment.

Finishing Technician (precision hand finishing):

• Review the plan and tools before starting; confirm quality steps.
• Complete job paperwork and part counts accurately.
• Use hand tools to remove burrs, blend features, and break edges safely.
• Lap/polish surfaces to meet drawing requirements.
• Perform precise hand finishing to deliver the final product.
• 5+ years hands-on manufacturing experience (aerospace preferred).
• Able to read work orders, drawings/blueprints, and safety instructions.
• Basic computer skills for electronic work instructions and part tracking.
• Comfortable with common hand tools; good hand–eye coordination.

Physical requirements:

• Climb ladders and stairs; work in tight spaces.
• Lift and carry up to 50 lbs for short periods.
• May need respirator fit testing.
• May wear a full blast suit (helmet included) for sandblasting.
• Foundry Technician:
• Work around heat, furnaces, and heavy equipment with proper PPE.
• Stand for extended periods and move molds/rigging safely.

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience with hard metals and tight-tolerance parts.
• Blueprint reading with GD&T basics (ASME Y14.5).
• Deburr experience on nickel-based stainless steels, copper, or titanium.
• Safe operation of cranes and forklifts around flight hardware.
• Comfortable with chemicals and blast environments using proper PPE.
• Experience with grinding, cutting (plasma/abrasive), sandblasting, and chemical etch.
• Familiarity with part traceability and configuration/pedigree.
• Experience with pencil, orbital, and angle grinders; choosing the right abrasives for the material.
• Able to give practical feedback to improve finishing and deburr steps.
• Foundry experience (mold building, oven work, melting/pouring) is a plus.
• Get molds ready for casting; run burnout and preheat ovens.
• Receive and prep metal for melting.
• Operate the melting furnace and safely pour metal per instructions.