Materials & Process Engineer III, Polymers and Nonmetallics

Blue Origin; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 121,000 - 169,000; Full time

Job summary

Blue Origin is seeking a materials specialist to lead selection, characterization, and qualification of nonmetallic materials for the New Glenn program. You will review drawings, develop material allowables, and support process qualification in a cross-functional lab environment.

You will apply polymer knowledge to prevent wear, cold flow, and FOD, while collaborating with teams to ensure safe, reliable aerospace hardware. Strong communication is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemical, Mechanical, or Aerospace Engineering from an ABET-accredited school.
• 5+ years of experience with materials and processes used in aerospace or related industry.
• Experience with nonmetallic materials used for sealing and bushings (e.g., PTFE, PCTFE, FEP, PEEK, Vespel).
• Knowledge of materials data analysis databases and industry standards.

Responsibilities

• Work with cross-functional team on material selections, processes, and suppliers for aerospace hardware.
• Review drawings for conformance to plans and proper material definitions.
• Own material characterization and develop/expand nonmetallic allowables database.
• Support development and qualification of material-related processes.
• Disposit nonconformances arising from material/process control requirements.
• Experience with characterization methods for nonmetallic materials (e.g., FTIR).

Skills

Nonmetallic materials knowledge

MAPTIS & CMH-17 knowledge

DoE experimentation

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

ABET-accredited program

Tools

FTIR

Job description

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 supports the development and operations of New Glenn, a single-configuration, heavy-lift orbital launch vehicle capable of routinely carrying people and payloads to low-Earth orbit, geostationary transfer orbit, cislunar, and beyond. Its first stage is fully reusable, and the vehicle was designed from the beginning to be human-capable.
As part of a high-functioning, cross-functional team, you will be responsible for the selection, characterization and qualification of materials and processes (M&P) across all types of components (valves, regulators, actuators, EMAs, quick disconnects, umbilical panels, COPVs, etc.) on the New Glenn rocket. In this role you will support the VAST (Valves, Actuators, Component Standards, and Technology) team, with an emphasis on the nonmetallic materials. This includes the review and approval of material selections for both in-house and off-the-shelf components, as well as project work such as developing processes and characterizing material properties and allowables. You will apply your experience with polymers and nonmetallic materials addressing phenomena such as compatibility, wear, cold flow, friction, and foreign object debris (FOD) generation. This is a hands‑on role requiring a practical approach. You will be spending time in test labs disassembling and diagnosing failed components. If the problems turn out to be with the metallic components, you will get pulled into that as well, so general materials knowledge and curiosity is required.
Our best team members are flexible in constantly evolving environments, collaborative, detail-oriented, and hardworking. We are looking for someone to apply their technical expertise and dedication to quality to positively impact safe human spaceflight! Passion for our mission and vision is required.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Work with a cross-functional team on material selections, manufacturing processes, and suppliers to produce aerospace hardware.
• Review and approve drawings for conformance to the New Glenn Parts, Materials and Process Plan, ensuring proper selection and definition of materials and processes.
• Own material characterization and allowables development, and help expand the current database of nonmetallic and polymer material properties.
• Support the development and qualification of material related processes.
• Provide technical support and disposition of nonconformances arising from the application and implementation of material and/or process control requirements.
• Experience with characterization and inspection methods relevant to nonmetallic materials (e.g., FTIR).

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemical, Mechanical, or Aerospace Engineering, or a relevant field from an ABET-accredited school.
• 5+ years of experience with materials and processes used in aerospace or other relevant industry.
• Experience in materials and manufacturing process review and selection, development, and qualification
• Experience with various nonmetallic materials used for sealing and bushings (e.g., PTFE, PCTFE, FEP, PEEK, Vespel, and elastomers)
• Demonstrated experience developing and executing test plans for materials and processes.
• Knowledge of industry standards and databases for material data analysis (e.g., MAPTIS, CMH-17).
• Solid interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to learn, grow, and tackle new challenges in a fast‑paced environment.
• Excellent attention to detail and task ownership; someone who demonstrates pride in all work and willingness to perform low-level tasks when needed.
• Ability to work harmoniously with cross-functional teams.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with aircraft, launch vehicle, spacecraft, or satellite development.
• Experience with materials in extreme environments (e.g., cryogenic temperatures, pure oxygen).
• Experience with a variety of nonmetallic and polymer material manufacturing technologies (e.g., injection and compression molding, extrusion, and machining).
• Experience evaluating wear, creep/cold flow, and cyclic durability of sealing materials.
• Experience running ambient, elevated temperature, and cryogenic material testing
• Experience with statistical analysis for the preparation of design allowables.
• Experience working with product lifecycle management (PLM) software, including release and approval processes.
• Experience with tribological testing of polymers (e.g., coefficient of friction, and FOD generation characterization).
• Experience with wear-resistant coatings and dry‑film lubricants for sealing interfaces.
• Experience in Design of Experiment (DoE) setup, executing, and data analysis

Base Pay Range For

WA applicants is $121,023.00 - $169,432.20

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 Aff. 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.