CNC Programmer - A shift

Blue Origin LLC; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401(k) matching

Stock options

Paid time off

Job summary

Blue Origin in Huntsville, AL, is seeking an experienced Level III CNC Programmer to translate designs into efficient machining strategies for flight-critical space components. You will develop, edit, and optimize CNC programs for complex aerospace parts and lead tooling/fixture design and setup documentation.

You bring 15+ years in manufacturing, 10+ years CNC programming with NX/UG or MasterCam, and strong GD&T skills.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of hands-on manufacturing experience.
• 10+ years in CNC programming with NX/UG or MasterCam.
• 5+ years experience machining hardened metals and working with nickel-based alloys and aluminum.
• Expert-level blueprint reading skills including GD&T per ASME Y14.5M-1994 standard.
• Proven experience with tooling/fixture design and optimization.

Responsibilities

• Manufacturing Strategy Development: Transform engineering designs into comprehensive machining strategies
• Optimize production processes for Mills, Lathes, Multi-Axis Mills/Lathes, and VTLs
• Provide critical design-for-manufacturing feedback to engineering teams
• Programming & Technical Leadership: Develop, edit, and optimize CNC programs for complex aerospace components
• Design custom tooling and fixtures for specialized applications
• Create detailed set-up documentation and technical instructions
• Implement process improvements for both machining operations and workflows
• Quality & Production Support: Maintain rigorous configuration control for all manufacturing documentation
• Troubleshoot manufacturing discrepancies and implement solutions
• Support make-buy decisions with accurate machine time estimates
• Ensure compliance with aerospace quality standards and specifications

Skills

CNC programming

Blueprint reading GD&T

Tooling/fixture design

Machining parameter optimization

Communication and documentation

Lead/Technical leadership

NX/UG or MasterCam

Exotic materials experience

Tools

NX CAM

Vericut

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. As a Level III CNC Programmer, you will apply your advanced technical expertise in manufacturing to produce flight‑critical machined components for space systems. You’ll leverage your extensive experience in CNC programming and operation to develop optimal machining strategies, create efficient programs, and solve complex manufacturing challenges for aerospace hardware.

Key Responsibilities

• Manufacturing Strategy Development: Transform engineering designs into comprehensive machining strategies
• Optimize production processes for Mills, Lathes, Multi‑Axis Mills/Lathes, and VTLs
• Provide critical design‑for‑manufacturing feedback to engineering teams
• Programming & Technical Leadership: Develop, edit, and optimize CNC programs for complex aerospace components
• Design custom tooling and fixtures for specialized applications
• Create detailed set‑up documentation and technical instructions
• Implement process improvements for both machining operations and workflows
• Quality & Production Support: Maintain rigorous configuration control for all manufacturing documentation
• Troubleshoot manufacturing discrepancies and implement solutions
• Support make‑buy decisions with accurate machine time estimates
• Ensure compliance with aerospace quality standards and specifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Passion for Blue Origin's mission of enabling millions of people living and working in space
• 15+ years of hands‑on manufacturing experience
• 10+ years in CNC programming with NX/UG or MasterCam
• 5+ years experience machining hardened metals and working with nickel‑based alloys and aluminum
• Expert‑level blueprint reading skills including GD&T per ASME Y14.5M-1994 standard
• Proven experience with tooling/fixture design and optimization
• Strong skills in determining optimal cutting parameters and cutter selection
• Excellent communication and documentation abilities
• Self‑motivated with strong prioritization skills to meet project deadlines

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with NX CAM software
• Experience with Vericut or similar simulation/verification software
• Expertise with exotic materials including nickel‑based alloys, copper, and titanium
• CMM programming and operation experience
• CNC machine setup and operation capabilities
• Ability to support off‑shift operations when required
• Experience operating heavy lifting equipment around flight‑critical hardware

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, 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

• 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 workforce. 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 Aff…

We’re committed to building the road to space so our children can build the future. We are a mission‑driven company focused on ideas and innovation, and encourage fresh perspectives from bold voices. At Blue, our team is building the future as their unique selves. Thank you for your interest in working at Blue Origin! Blue Origin was founded with a vision to enable a future where millions of people are living and working in space to benefit Earth. In order to preserve Earth, Blue Origin believes in the need to enable humanity to expand, explore, find new energy and material resources, and move industries that stress Earth into space. Blue Origin believes it has an important role in building a road to space and lowering the cost of getting there. At Blue Origin, we’re working on this today by developing fully reusable launch vehicles and systems that are safe, reliable and affordable. Every launch vehicle is designed for human spaceflight from the beginning and able to ferry payloads to space.

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