Manufacturing Engineer - Blue Ring Propulsion

BLUE ORIGIN; Huntsville (TN); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Parental leave

401(k) matching

Education support

Job summary

Blue Origin in Huntsville, AL is seeking a Propulsion Manufacturing Engineer to translate engineering intent into scalable production steps for propulsion hardware, including manifolds and modules. You will support fabrication, assembly, and integration, ensuring quality and safety standards are met.

You will lead DFMA improvements, develop manufacturing work instructions, and collaborate with design, test, and operations to strengthen manufacturability across the propulsion life cycle.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Electrical, or Aerospace Engineering from an accredited university.
• 0–3 years → Level 1 Manufacturing Engineer; 3+ → Level 2; 5+ → Level 3; 8+ → Senior Manufacturing Engineer.
• 1+ years creating English-language work instructions.
• Willingness to work A-Shift (Mon–Thu, 5:00AM–3:30PM) with potential extended hours.

Responsibilities

• Translate engineering intent into functional propulsion hardware production steps.
• Support propulsion subassembly and final assembly/integration on the manufacturing floor.
• Execute special processes: COPV tank installation, heater installation, MLI blanket installation, harness routing.
• Develop and maintain MWIs for propulsion hardware processes.
• Disclose and investigate NCRs/DRs; apply CAPA and MRB actions.
• Lead DFMA across propulsion product lifecycle and drive process improvements.
• Ensure compliance with AS9100/ISO 9001 quality and safety standards.

Skills

DFMA

FMEA

GD&T

Cross-functional

Education

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical/Manufacturing/Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Jules

Windchill

MS Project

Confluence

Job description

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. 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.

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. As a member of a hardworking team of engineers and specialists, 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.

Special Mentions:

• A-Shift | Monday–Thursday | 5:00AM–3:30PM

• Location: Huntsville, AL

• Relocation: Available

• Travel: Expected up to 20% of the time

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• 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

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

• Benefits include: 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 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. For more information on “Know Your Rights,” please see here.

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.