Manufacturing & Tooling Development Engineer II

Blue Origin LLC; Washington; On-site; USD 92,000 - 129,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Job summary

Blue Origin in Washington state seeks a Manufacturing Engineer to lead the design, development, and implementation of novel manufacturing processes for launch vehicle structures and integration systems. You will drive tooling concepts, automation, and advanced manufacturing techniques to improve cost efficiency and manufacturing performance.

Qualifications include a BS in Mechanical Engineering, 3+ years in aerospace manufacturing, proficiency with 3D CAD tools, and hands-on tooling development.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 3+ years in manufacturing engineering, tooling design, or process development in aerospace/heavy industry.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (CATIA/NX/SolidWorks or equivalent).
• Knowledge of machining, welding, composites, assembly, and additive manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of novel manufacturing processes and tooling concepts for launch vehicle structures, propulsion, and integration systems.
• Introduce advanced manufacturing techniques into tooling and production workflows.
• Drive vertical integration by bringing critical processes in-house to improve cost efficiency and agility.
• Collaborate with design, manufacturing, supply chain, and operations to ensure manufacturability and reliability.

Skills

3D CAD

Tooling development

Fabrication processes

GD&T interpretation

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering

Advanced degree (preferred)

Tools

CATIA/NX/SolidWorks

3-axis CNC knowledge

Job description

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 doers and problem-solvers. 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 passionate and growing team, you will use your expertise to plan and develop launch vehicle manufacturing, assembly, and ground support equipment. You will be responsible for analyzing, developing, and optimizing production and test operations for existing and emerging Blue Origin programs. Our goal is efficient, safe, and cost-effective launch operations with world-class technical performance. This role requires close collaboration with design engineering, manufacturing, test operations, supply chain, and facilities teams. We are seeking a candidate with strong communication skills (both written and verbal), problem-solving and analytical skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced and evolving environment. Blue Origin is looking for someone to apply their expertise, leadership skills, and commitment to quality to positively impact safe human spaceflight. Passion for our mission and vision is required!

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of novel manufacturing processes and tooling concepts for launch vehicle structures, propulsion, and integration systems.
• Introduce advanced manufacturing techniques (automation, additive manufacturing, advanced composites, precision machining, digital manufacturing, etc.) into tooling and production workflows.
• Drive vertical integration initiatives by identifying opportunities to bring critical processes and tooling in-house, improving cost efficiency, schedule control, and design agility.
• Collaborate with design engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and operations teams to ensure manufacturability, scalability, and reliability of vehicle components.
• Participate in Design Gated Reviews, ensuring that Design for Manufacturability, Testability, and Inspection (DFX) principles are incorporated early
• Develop and demonstrate manufacturing concepts and large-scale aerospace hardware
• Conduct root cause analysis and continuous improvement on manufacturing processes and tooling systems to enhance throughput, quality, and cost efficiency.
• Author and maintain documentation: tooling requirements, process specifications, work instructions, and training guides.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to reduce cost, schedule risk, and non-conformances in both hardware and operations.
• Support infrastructure planning for launch pads, integration facilities, and ground support equipment.
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 3+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, tooling design, or process development within aerospace, automotive, or heavy industry.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., CATIA, NX, SolidWorks, or equivalent).
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes: machining, welding, composites, assembly, and additive manufacturing.
• Hands‑on experience with tooling development, fixture design, or automated assembly solutions.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and industry standards.
• Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships.
• 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: Advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 5+ years of experience developing manufacturing processes for large systems.
• Demonstrated success implementing vertical integration strategies in manufacturing, especially industrial robotics.
• Familiarity with large‑scale composite structures, cryogenic tank manufacturing, and propulsion system assembly.
• Experience developing novel tooling concepts involving automation, robotics, modular tooling, or reconfigurable fixtures.
• Ability to lead cross‑functional teams and manage supplier/tooling partners.
• Hands‑on shop floor experience with hardware build and process validation.
• Experience leading cross‑functional teams and managing process improvement initiatives.
• Experience with TIG/MIG/Laser welding, brazing, soldering for prototype fabrication.
• Proficiency programming and operating 3‑axis+ CNC mills and lathes; experience with tool selection, fixturing, and process optimization.
• Experience designing mechanisms, fixtures, jigs, and test stands for concept development.
• Familiarity with integration of mechanical systems with electrical components, sensors, actuators, controls, and robotics.
• Experience creating build documentation, assembly procedures, and design iteration records.
• Working knowledge of metals, polymers, composites, and their machinability/printability characteristics.
• Personal history of hands‑on building including hobby projects, competitions, restoration work, or similar "maker" pursuits.

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.
• 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.

Compensation

Compensation Range for: WA applicants is $91,852.00 - $128,592.45

Export Control Regulations

Applicants for employment at Blue Origin 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.

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, teamwork, in which all employees recognize and appreciate the individual team members. 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, gender, 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.

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/or 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

Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation Applicants wishing to view a copy of Blue Origin’s Affiantive 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.

Thank You

Thank you for your interest in working at Blue Origin! 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.

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