Ground System Development Build Engineer – Level II

Blue Origin; Van Horn (TX); On-site; USD 91,852 - 128,592; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Living allowance

Medical and dental insurance

Job summary

Blue Origin is seeking a Ground System Development Engineer in Van Horn, TX. The successful candidate will support the fabrication and integration of test stands for engine component tests. Responsibilities include managing technician workflows, authoring technical documentation, and ensuring safety compliance. A B.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering and at least 3 years of relevant experience are required. The role includes relocation benefits, and the company fosters a culture of safety and collaboration.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of hands-on experience in manufacturing, assembly, or field integration role.
• Demonstrated experience developing work instructions and technical documentation.
• Knowledge of pressure systems, fluid systems, or aerospace ground support equipment.

Responsibilities

• Author work instructions for fabrication and assembly of various systems.
• Manage daily technician schedules and maintain configuration control.
• Facilitate daily stand-up meetings for project alignment.
• Design execution strategies for test infrastructure projects.

Skills

Technical documentation

Communication skills

Self-starter

Project management

Education

B.S. degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Industrial Engineering or related field

Tools

MS Office

Job description

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.

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.

We are a team of collaborators, doers, and problem-solvers who are relentlessly committed to a culture of safety. This position will directly impact the history of space exploration and will require your commitment and detailed attention towards safe and repeatable space flight. Join us in lowering the cost of access to space and enabling Blue Origin's vision of millions of people living and working in space to benefit Earth.

As part of a small, passionate and accomplished team of Ground System Development engineers and Test Stand Build/Integration Technicians, you will support the build, fabrication, assembly, and integration of new test stands and upgrades to existing test stands for both engine and component test facilities. You will demonstrate operational excellence in the development of work orders, managing the daily work schedule for technicians, the point of contact from engineering to field technicians, and enabling readiness for daily work on‑site. Working with Shift Lead, Ground System Development Engineers, and Technical Project Managers, this is a hands‑on position focused on executing manufacturing, fabrication, and integration work to new or existing engine/component test facilities. Finally, you will identify opportunities for continuous improvements to promote workplace safety, achieve cost‑savings, and make test stand builds more streamlined. 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!

Van Horn Specific information

Being at the heart of Blue Origin operations, the West Texas Site in Van Horn, TX offers eligible employees additional attractive financial incentives to supplement their competitive base earnings, including a living allowance and relocation assistance. Eligibility for these additional benefits is based on the employee's ability to relocate to Van Horn, TX.

Special Mentions

• Relocation provided
• Interviews will include a technical assessment
• Travel expected up to 30% of the time if not a Van Horn, TX employee.

Responsibilities

• Author detailed and competent work instructions for fabrication, assembly, and integration of small structures, pressurized gas systems, cryogenic systems, instrumentation, and field installations.
• Maintain configuration control by validating as-built documentation and ensuring accurate Bill of Materials (BOM) integration into enterprise configuration management systems.
• Manage a daily schedule for technician scope with a detailed 2‑week look‑ahead plan for internal technician work.
• Facilitate daily stand‑up meetings to review completed work, establish next-day priorities, and ensure alignment across technical teams.
• Design end-to-end execution strategies that outline fabrication methodology and integration sequence for test infrastructure projects.
• Develop and implement process improvements to increase efficiency, quality, and safety in test stand construction.
• Provide technical oversight for installation of pressurized gas systems, cryogenic fluid systems, and associated instrumentation.
• Work with procurement and supply chain to ensure readiness of materials and components for work orders.
• Participate in technical reviews for new designs and installation procedures.
• Work with engineering to resolve technical impediments through systematic diagnosis of fabrication and assembly anomalies, implementing engineered solutions that maintain product integrity and program timeline.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and regulatory requirements for pressure systems, cryogenic handling, crane lifts, hot work, and other related requirements.

Minimum Qualifications

• B.S. degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Industrial Engineering or related technical field
• 3+ years of direct, hands‑on experience in manufacturing, assembly, or field integration role.
• Demonstrated experience developing right-sized work instructions and technical documentation.
• Knowledge of pressure systems, fluid systems, or aerospace ground support equipment.
• Basic understanding of instrumentation and control systems – integration of sensors and cabling.
• Strong communication skills and ability to coordinate across multiple teams.
• Familiarity with safety protocols for high-pressure gaseous systems, cryogenic systems, general manufacturing, and field integration.
• Motivated self‑starter with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to interpret P&A schematics, engineering models, drawings, specifications, written work instructions, and test procedures.
• Proficient computer skills and MS Office.
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years of direct, hands‑on experience in manufacturing, assembly, or field integration role.
• Proficiency with calibrated equipment, GSE/fittings, and various test instrumentation and control components.
• Strong technical and leadership skills with attention to detail, especially when leading teams on complex integration tasks.
• Experience with cryogenic systems (LN2, LOX, LH2, LNG) design or installation.
• Knowledge of ASME B31.3 Process Piping Code and other relevant standards.
• Experience managing technical teams or coordinating technician workflows.
• Hands‑on field experience with test stand construction or modification.
• Familiarity with project scheduling tools and resource allocation techniques.
• Experience implementing Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement methodologies.
• Proficiency with CAD systems and 3D modeling software.

Compensation Range for WA applicants

WA applicants is $91,852.00 – $128,592.45

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

• 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.
• 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.

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 [e-mail]. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.