Manufacturing Engineer - Blue Ring Propulsion

Blue Origin LLC; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Stock options

401(k)

Paid time off

Education support

Parental leave

Job summary

Blue Origin in Huntsville, AL seeks a Propulsion Manufacturing Engineer to translate engineering intent into scalable production for propulsion hardware, including manifolds and modules, on the Blue Ring program. You will develop manufacturing work instructions, support subassembly and final assembly, and drive DFMA and quality processes to improve producibility while aligning with AS9100 and ISO 9001.

BS in Mechanical/Manufacturing/Aerospace Engineering; 0–3 years for Level 1, up to 8+ years

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Electrical, or Aerospace Engineering from an accredited university.
• Experience in a manufacturing, industrial, or process engineering role: 0–3 years → Level 1 Manufacturing Engineer.
• 3+ years → Level 2 Manufacturing Engineer.
• 5+ years → Level 3 Manufacturing Engineer.
• 8+ years → Senior Manufacturing Engineer.
• 1+ years of experience creating English-language work instructions.
• Must be available to work A-Shift (M–TH, 5:00AM–3:30PM) with flexibility to adjust shift as needed and willingness to work extended hours if required.

Responsibilities

• Translate engineering intent, drawings, and configurations into fully functional propulsion hardware, including manifolds, pressure panels, propulsion modules, and integrated spacecraft propulsion systems.
• Support manufacturing floor activities for propulsion subassembly and final assembly/integration, ensuring compliance with engineering requirements, discrepancy resolution, and component acceptance testing.
• Execute and oversee special process work instructions for COPV tank installation, heater installation, MLI blanket installation, and harness routing.
• Heater installation — bonding, routing, and verification per thermal design requirements.
• Multi-Layer Insulation (MLI) blanket installation — blanket fabrication coordination, installation, and inspection.
• Harness routing — propulsion-related wire harness routing, clamping, and protection within the propulsion module and spacecraft.
• Develop and maintain manufacturing work instructions (MWIs) to clearly define receiving inspection, fabrication, assembly, integration, test, and refurbishment processes for propulsion hardware.
• Disposition and investigate root causes of discrepancies (NCRs/DRs); implement preventative and corrective actions through MRB and CAPA processes.
• Create in-build redlines and recommend engineering changes to improve design intent and producibility.
• Perform engineering drawing review and provide final approval for manufacturing documentation.
• Conduct Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) studies to strengthen the feedback loop between design, build, and test for propulsion systems.
• Drive Design for Manufacturability and Assembly (DFMA) across the propulsion product life cycle and lead continuous process improvements.

Skills

DFMA

JIRA

MS Project

Confluence

Bill of Materials

GD&T

Education

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical/Manufacturing/Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Jules

Windchill

Job description

Role Overview

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 part of the Operations business unit supporting Blue National Security, you will focus on the development of satellite systems aimed at solving two of the most compelling challenges in spaceflight today: space infrastructure and increasing mobility on-orbit. You will be responsible for the design, manufacturing, and testing of Blue Ring — a spacecraft capable of supporting a variety of missions from medium Earth orbit to the cislunar region. The Blue Ring spacecraft provides unprecedented delta‑V capabilities, enabling customers to maneuver payloads of more than 3,000 kg to a variety of Earth orbits. Additionally, Blue Ring offers end‑to‑end services, including hosting, transportation, refueling, data relay, logistics, and in‑space edge computing capabilities.

As a Propulsion Manufacturing Engineer, you will translate engineering intent, drawings, and configurations into operational steps and processes to produce fully functional propulsion hardware at scale. You will support propulsion subassembly (manifolds, pressure panels, and modules) as well as final assembly and integration, including special processes such as COPV tank installation, heater installation, Multi‑Layer Insulation (MLI) blanket installation, and harness routing. Successful candidates will lead DFMA studies to strengthen the feedback loop between design, build, and test, accelerating product development.

Location: Huntsville, AL. Relocation: Available. Travel: Expected up to 20% of the time.

Responsibilities

• Translate engineering intent, drawings, and configurations into fully functional propulsion hardware, including manifolds, pressure panels, propulsion modules, and integrated spacecraft propulsion systems.
• Support manufacturing floor activities for propulsion subassembly and final assembly/integration, ensuring compliance with engineering requirements, discrepancy resolution, and component acceptance testing.
• Execute and oversee special process work instructions for the following operations: COPV (Composite Overwrapped Pressure Vessel) tank installation — handling, positioning, torque/installation per approved procedures.
• Heater installation — bonding, routing, and verification per thermal design requirements.
• Multi‑Layer Insulation (MLI) blanket installation — blanket fabrication coordination, installation, and inspection.
• Harness routing — propulsion‑related wire harness routing, clamping, and protection within the propulsion module and spacecraft.
• Perform in a hands‑on engineering role and serve as a liaison between elements of design, test, manufacturing, and operations.
• Develop and maintain manufacturing work instructions (MWIs) to clearly define receiving inspection, fabrication, assembly, integration, test, and refurbishment processes for propulsion hardware.
• Disposition and investigate root causes of discrepancies (NCRs/DRs); implement preventative and corrective actions through MRB and CAPA processes.
• Create in‑build redlines and recommend engineering changes to improve design intent and producibility.
• Perform engineering drawing review and provide final approval for manufacturing documentation.
• Conduct Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) studies to strengthen the feedback loop between design, build, and test for propulsion systems.
• Drive Design for Manufacturability and Assembly (DFMA) across the propulsion product life cycle and lead continuous process improvements.
• Ensure all work aligns with applicable quality and safety standards (AS9100, ISO 9001), supporting a safe and sustainable future in space.
• Must be available to work A‑Shift (Monday–Thursday, 5:00 AM – 3:30 PM) with flexibility to support extended hours or shift changes as mission needs require.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Electrical, or Aerospace Engineering (other relevant fields may apply) from an accredited university.
• Experience in a manufacturing, industrial, or process engineering role: 0–3 years → Level 1 Manufacturing Engineer.
• 3+ years → Level 2 Manufacturing Engineer.
• 5+ years → Level 3 Manufacturing Engineer.
• 8+ years → Senior Manufacturing Engineer.
• 1+ years of experience creating English‑language work instructions.
• Must be available to work A‑Shift (M–TH, 5:00AM–3:30PM) with flexibility to adjust shift as needed and willingness to work extended hours if required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active Top Secret/SCI clearance or demonstrated ability to obtain Prior manufacturing engineering experience in aerospace or automotive industries.
• Manufacturing experience with at least one of the following:
  • Spacecraft propulsion systems (strongly preferred)
  • Thermal protection systems or thermal management systems
  • Wire harnesses and harness routing
  • Environmental instrumentation for aerospace
  • Mechanical or structural systems
  • Experience with COPV handling and installation, MLI blanket installation, or fluid system assembly (manifolds, tubing, fittings, pressure panels)
• Experience developing spacecraft or other Aerospace, Defense, and High Performance (ADHP) hardware.
• Understanding of engineering fundamentals for mechanical design and manufacturing, including working knowledge of GD&T.
• Experience identifying tooling needs for production systems, including pressure/leak test tooling and torque/installation fixtures.
• Experience working with Bill of Materials (BOM) and BOM reconciliation.
• Strong organizational, project management, and presentation skills (Gantt charting, JIRA, MS Project, Confluence, or similar).
• Proficient in writing work instructions at a high pace in a fast‑moving production environment.
• Previous experience using Jules and Windchill software.
• Excellent computer skills with the ability to quickly learn and use various software tools as needed.
• Experience with AS9100 Quality Management System (QMS) Material Review Board (MRB) experience.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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’sAffirmative 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. We’re committed to building the road to space so our children can build the future.

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