Manufacturing & Tooling Development Engineer

Blue Origin; Merritt Island (FL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

401(k)

Stock options

Paid time off

Education support

Job summary

Blue Origin is seeking an experienced Manufacturing/Industrial Engineer to independently plan and optimize launch vehicle production processes and tooling. You will own moderately complex tooling development from concept through validation and provide guidance to junior engineers across multiple facilities.

The role emphasizes safety, cost efficiency, and collaboration with design, manufacturing, test operations, and supply chain teams to enable scalable, repeatable spaceflight operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, Aerospace Engineering or related field.
• 5+ years in manufacturing engineering, tooling design, or process development in aerospace/heavy industry.
• Experience with cost estimates, CapEx justifications, and budgeting.
• Proven ability to lead tooling or process development from concept to production.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD and GD&T.
• Knowledge of machining, welding, composites, assembly and additive manufacturing.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and apply standards.
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills.
• U.S. citizen or eligible for work in the U.S.

Responsibilities

• Independently develop, optimize, and validate production processes and tooling for launch vehicle structures, propulsion, and integration systems.
• Own tooling and fixture development efforts of moderate complexity, including defining requirements and validating manufacturing systems.
• Lead workflow modeling, facility layout, capacity analysis, and resource planning for scalable launch operations.
• Identify and implement automation and new-process introduction opportunities to improve cost, schedule, and quality.
• Develop cost estimates and CapEx justifications; track budgets and schedule performance.
• Participate in Design Gated Reviews ensuring DFM/DFT principles are incorporated early.
• Conduct root cause analysis and lead continuous improvement initiatives for throughput and quality.
• Provide mentorship and review for junior engineers; coordinate with suppliers and tooling partners.

Skills

Mechanical engineering

Manufacturing engineering

Industrial engineering

Aerospace engineering

3D CAD (NX/CATIA/SolidWorks)

Digital manufacturing tools

GD&T interpretation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering

Tools

3D CAD software

Digital manufacturing tools

Job description

Application Close Date

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.

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.

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.

This role is part of Blue Origin Operations (Integrated Supply Chain, Test Operations, Safety, Quality, Mission Assurance) and supports Manufacturing and Supply Chain across all Blue Origin facilities.

You will use expertise in aerospace systems, manufacturing, and industrial engineering best practices to independently plan and develop launch vehicle processes, tooling, and supporting ground infrastructure. You will own moderately complex tooling and process development efforts end to end — from concept through validation — and provide technical guidance to junior engineers. Responsible for analyzing, developing, and optimizing production, test, and operational processes to enable efficient, safe, and cost-effective launch operations, working closely with design engineering, manufacturing, test operations, supply chain, and facilities teams.

Special Mentions

• Relocation provided
• Multiple positions available

Responsibilities Include But Are Not Limited To

• Independently develop, optimize, and validate production processes and tooling for launch vehicle structures, propulsion, and integration systems.
• Own tooling and fixture development efforts of moderate complexity including defining requirements, driving design, and managing validation of complete manufacturing systems.
• Lead workflow modeling, facility layout, capacity analysis, and resource planning to support scalable launch operations.
• Identify and implement vertical integration, automation, and new-process-introduction opportunities to improve cost, schedule, and quality.
• Develop cost estimates and capital expenditure (CapEx) justifications for tooling and equipment; track project budgets and report on cost and schedule performance against plan.
• Participate in and prepare content for Design Gated Reviews, ensuring DFM and DFT principles are incorporated early.
• Conduct root cause analysis and lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance throughput, quality, and cost efficiency.
• Provide technical mentorship and review for junior team members.
• Coordinate with suppliers and external tooling partners on design studies, fabrication, and acceptance.
• Provide data-driven recommendations to leadership regarding investment in automation, workforce allocation, and infrastructure upgrades.
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, tooling design, or process development within aerospace, automotive, or heavy industry.
• Exposure to financial management — developing cost estimates, supporting capital expenditure (CapEx) justifications, and tracking project budgets.
• Demonstrated ability to independently lead tooling or process development efforts from concept through production validation.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., NX, CATIA, SolidWorks, or equivalent) and digital manufacturing tools.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes: machining, welding, composites, assembly, and additive manufacturing.
• Experience interpreting engineering drawings, GD&T, and applying industry standards.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills in a fast-paced, evolving production environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• 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.

Desired

• Master’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Manufacturing Engineering.
• 7+ years of experience, including developing manufacturing processes or tooling for launch vehicles, spacecraft, or large aerospace systems.
• Familiarity with large-scale composite structures, cryogenic tank manufacturing, and propulsion system assembly.
• Experience developing novel tooling involving automation, robotics, modular tooling, or reconfigurable fixtures.
• Knowledge of digital manufacturing tools, PLM/MRP systems, and model-based definition workflows.
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• Experience mentoring junior engineers and leading small cross-functional efforts.

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

• 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.