Manufacturing & Tooling Development Engineer

Blue Origin LLC; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Life Insurance (basic)

Parental leave

Disability insurance

401(k) with company match

Education Support Program

Stock Options

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Blue Origin seeks a manufacturing/industrial engineer to independently plan and develop launch vehicle processes, tooling, and supporting ground infrastructure across facilities. You will own tooling and process development end-to-end, from concept through validation, and provide technical guidance to junior engineers.

Collaboration with design, manufacturing, test operations, supply chain, and facilities teams is essential.

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 leading tooling or process development from concept to production validation.

Responsibilities

• Independently develop, optimize, and validate production processes and tooling for launch vehicle structures, propulsion, and integration systems.
• Own tooling and fixture development for moderate complexity, including requirements, design, and validation.
• Lead workflow modeling, facility layout, capacity analysis, and resource planning for scalable launch operations.
• Identify and implement automation and new-process introduction to improve cost, schedule, and quality.
• Develop cost estimates and CapEx justifications, track budgets and report performance.
• Provide mentorship and design reviews for junior engineers and coordinate with suppliers.

Skills

Problem-solving

Analytical thinking

Communication

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field

Master’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

NX

CATIA

SolidWorks

Job description

Application Close Date

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

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. 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

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 Qualifications

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 & Background Checking

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

• Medical
• dental
• vision
• basic life insurance
• supplemental life insurance
• paid parental leave
• short‑term disability
• long‑term disability
• 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%
• Education Support Program

Stock Options

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.

Bonus

Bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and subject to change and cancellation.

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.

Company Mission

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. Thank you for your interest in working at BlueOrigin! 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.

Applicant Privacy Notices

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