Electric Propulsion Test Engineer III - Propellant Feed System Test Stations

BLUE ORIGIN; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 121,023 - 169,432; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid parental leave

401(k) with company match

Job summary

BLUE ORIGIN is seeking a Test Engineer III in Seattle, WA, to support the propulsion team by designing and operating test facilities for propulsion systems. The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor's in a relevant engineering field and have over 5 years of experience in system development and production testing.

Responsibilities include the design and operation of test facilities, documentation of test results, and collaboration with cross-functional teams. A strong focus on safety and communication is essential, as relocation and travel are expected.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in propulsion system development and testing.
• Experience working with flight hardware in production facilities.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Design and operate propulsion development test facilities.
• Document test results and provide recommendations.
• Coordinate with equipment suppliers.

Skills

Electric propulsion principles

Collaboration

Communication skills

Safety practices

Education

Bachelor’s of Science in Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical, Physics, Systems Engineering

Tools

Python

LabVIEW

Grafana

Job description

Overview

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. The role is part of the In-Space Systems business unit, which focuses on space infrastructure and increasing mobility on-orbit. The TeraWave propulsion team develops Hall thruster-based propulsion systems to maneuver the TeraWave constellation satellites. TeraWave is a satellite communications network designed to deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps anywhere on Earth, serving enterprise, data center, and government users who require reliable connectivity for critical operations.

As a Test Engineer III, you will support the development of the propulsion team’s facilities for development and production acceptance testing. You will own the design and construction of the team’s development test stations and work with propulsion team members to execute testing that informs the propulsion systems development. Candidates will use aerospace testing experience to design, assemble, and validate test stations and test plans for product development and high-rate production. A preferred candidate will have experience in electric propulsion system and subsystem testing at production rates, including experience in safely executing high-pressure testing and low-pressure flow system testing for propulsion systems.

If you share our passion for propulsion system development and testing, thrive in a dynamic startup environment, excel on integrated cross-functional teams, are experienced and skilled in several relevant technologies listed below, continuously seek to learn and improve, and do not allow titles or job descriptions to limit your contributions, we would love to hear from you.

Special Considerations

• Relocation provided
• Travel expected up to 25% of the time

Responsibilities include but are not limited to

• Design, procure, assemble, and operate propulsion development test facilities for system and subsystem-level tests.
• Document and lead discussions of test results, conclusions, and recommended path forward for test and test article development.
• Coordinate with equipment suppliers and Blue Origin facilities on delivery of large and long lead test equipment requiring detailed facility layouts and specialized facility infrastructure.
• Work closely with mechanical design and manufacturing team members to provide Design for Test insight in test article design reviews.
• Author test plans, test procedures, and test software for high quality and, where appropriate, automated testing.
• Develop practices for test data aggregation, statistical process control, and data visualization with scalability to high-rate production.
• Conduct test station design reviews and test readiness reviews for your tests.
• Define test requirements and objectives, ensuring effective characterization of system development and coverage of product requirements.
• Identify, communicate, and mitigate cost, schedule, and technical risks.
• Plan scaling activities for development and production test capacity to support concurrent high-rate production and sustained, continuous product improvement.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s of Science in Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical, Physics, Systems Engineering, or related technical subject area.
• 5+ years of career experience in propulsion system development, production, and test.
• Experience working with flight hardware in a production facility, or laboratory.
• Working knowledge of electric propulsion (e.g., ion, Hall-effect) principles and test practices.
• Demonstrated experience in the creation and commissioning of development or production test stations for high pressure assemblies and low pressure flow systems for propulsion systems.
• Experience working safely with compressed gasses, high pressure test systems, vacuum chambers, and high voltage assemblies.
• Ability to communicate clearly and appropriately at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to a culture of inclusion.
• Strong safety demeanor and experience, including hands-on experience planning and conducting hazardous or critical operations.
• Excellent verbal, written, and graphical communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment.
• Enthusiasm for mentoring, training, knowledge sharing, and supporting the technical development of team members.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s of Science in Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical, Physics, Systems Engineering, or related technical subject area.
• Experience developing test infrastructure drawings/documentation, configuring test articles, and conducting testing of propulsion systems or subsystems.
• Functional knowledge of common electric propulsion test equipment and test software used to control, automate, and monitor their use (Python, LabVIEW, Grafana, TestStand, etc.).
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, industry standards, and technical requirements.
• Experience conducting thermal, vibration, shock, and/or vacuum testing on flight hardware.
• Ability to perform data analysis and reduction and present technical information clearly.
• Proven experience in developing/starting new test processes.
• Electric propulsion production system and/or subsystem testing experience.
• Experience developing a propulsion system from concept to production.
• Experience scaling and optimizing tests and test practices for higher production rates.
• Conducting tests and resolving non-conformances in a high-rate production environment.
• Experience performing limited design (CAD) work to draft test fixturing/tool needs.
• Excellent computer skills with the ability to quickly learn and use various software tools.
• Experience with AS9100 Quality Management System.
• Experience with analytical and scripting tools: MATLAB, LabVIEW, Python, or C++.
• Experience developing, deploying, maintaining, and version-controlling test scripts/software.
• Experience with requirements development/management tools and lifecycle management (PLM) tools.

Must be physically able to

• Support production floor activities.
• Climb stairs and work in small areas.
• Lift and carry 40 lbs.

Compensation

Compensation Range for WA applicants is $121,023.00 - $169,432.20

Other site ranges may differ

Culture and Compliance

Culture Statement: Don’t meet all desired requirements? We encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Export Control Regulations

Applicants for employment must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident, or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Background Check

• Blue’s Standard Background Check required for all positions.
• Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check may be required for roles on military installations.
• Driver-related checks may be required for certain profiles involving Commercial Motor Vehicles and hazardous materials.

Benefits

• Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, paid parental leave, disability coverage, 401(k) with company match up to 5%, and an Education Support Program.
• Paid Time Off: Up to four weeks per year plus holidays.
• Benefits and bonuses may vary by role and level; details provided by recruiter.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Blue Origin is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We hire based on qualifications, performance, and abilities, and foster a workplace that supports trust, equality, and teamwork. We provide equal opportunity for hire and advancement regardless of race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or other protected status. We comply with applicable laws and provide information on rights and accommodations as needed.

Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation

Applicants seeking information on Affirmative Action Plans or accommodations should contact [e-mail]. Do not include personal medical information in requests.