NDT Engineer Level III – Composites & Advanced Inspection

Blue Origin LLC; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) with match

Education support program

Job summary

Blue Origin is seeking an NDT Engineer to perform ultrasonic inspection of composite flight hardware (payload adapters and fairings). You will design and own inspection cycles, validate techniques, and provide IR thermography and digital radiography support to ensure part integrity for spaceflight hardware.

The role requires a technical engineering degree, 6+ years of NDT experience, and ASNT Level II in UT, with blueprints literacy and NAS 410 knowledge.

Qualifications

• Technical Bachelor's or Master’s degree (engineering, physics, or related discipline).
• Typically 6+ years of relevant NDT engineering experience (or equivalent).
• ASNT Level II (Level III preferred) in Ultrasonic Testing (UT).
• Hands-on experience inspecting composite structures (pulse-echo and through-transmission).
• Ability to read blueprints and schematics; NAS 410 knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Perform UT inspection of composite flight hardware using PAUT techniques.
• Author, validate, and maintain UT inspection techniques and reference standards.
• Provide IR thermography and DR inspection support to complement UT.
• Interpret inspection data and disposition defects; support corrective actions.
• Develop inspection plans, procedures, and documentation for test campaigns.

Skills

UT inspection

NDT principles

ASNT Level II UT

Composite inspection experience

Reading blueprints

Education

Technical Bachelor's or Master's in engineering/physics

Tools

PAUT

Infrared Thermography

Digital Radiography

SQL

Python

C++

C#

Intel Intrinsics

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.

As part of a diverse and hardworking team of Nondestructive Testing (NDT) specialists, technicians, and engineers, you will perform development and production NDT activities for spaceflight systems supporting both New Glenn (launch vehicle) and Lunar (space systems) programs.

This role is primarily focused on the ultrasonic inspection of composite payload adapter (PA) and payload fairing flight hardware, complemented by infrared thermography and digital radiography. You will own the design, development, and tactical planning of your inspections with minimal oversight, directly assuring part integrity, quality, and life for hardware that flies.

We are looking for a skilled NDT engineer ready to work the full inspection cycle at technical depth and grow into broader areas of expertise. Passion for our mission and vision is required!

Location: This role is based at Rocket Park.

Travel: Up to 25% to support test campaigns (e.g., static/pressure testing) and NDT supplier sites. Supports both launch vehicle / New Glenn and space systems / Lunar programs.

Key Responsibilities

Perform ultrasonic (UT) inspection of composite flight hardware—payload adapters and fairings—using pulse-echo, through-transmission, and phased array (PAUT) techniques, working the entire inspection design and execution cycle with minimal oversight. Author, validate, and maintain UT inspection techniques, scan programs, and reference standards for new components. Provide infrared thermography (IRT) and digital radiography (DR) inspection support to complement composite UT inspections. Interpret inspection data and disposition defects on flight hardware; participate in root cause analyses and support corrective actions for moderate-to-major-scope non-conformances. Own product inspection design, development strategy, and tactical planning with general guidance on new assignments. Participate in significant tool development, process improvements, and release/support of engineering products; help capture best practices. Support upstream design reviews to maximize hardware inspectability; create, review, and maintain engineering documentation (inspection plans, procedures, specifications). Support test campaigns with real-time NDE for validation activities (e.g., bondline, static/pressure testing) and identify/communicate technical, cost, and schedule risks. Support supplier technique review/approval and build positive relationships with external composite vendors. Provide training and mentoring on inspection techniques, procedures, and criteria to Level I/II inspectors per Blue Origin's written practice (NAS 410 or equivalent).

Minimum Qualifications

Technical Bachelor's or Master’s degree (engineering, physics, or related discipline). Typically 6+ years of relevant NDT engineering experience (or equivalent). ASNT Level II (Level III preferred, or substantive equivalent) in Ultrasonic Testing (UT), with hands- on experience inspecting composite structures (pulse-echo and through-transmission). Developing-to-established professional expertise across the inspection cycle—technique application, verification, and test—with a demonstrated track record of safe operations. Experience determining parameters, techniques, and calibrations for composite inspection and interpreting/dispositioning inspection data on critical structures. Ability to read and understand blueprints and schematic diagrams. Knowledge of NDT personnel certification practices (NAS 410 or equivalent) and AS9100. Ability to earn trust, solicit/accept feedback, and contribute to a culture of inclusion. 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.

Preferred Qualifications

ASNT Level II (or substantive experience) in Infrared/Thermography (IR) and/or Digital Radiography (RT). Certification or exposure to modalities supporting TPS and composite inspection: Shearography, Terahertz (THz), and/or Eddy Current (ET). Knowledge of Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) and through-transmission (AirScan) systems. Knowledge of Probability of Detection (POD) studies. Experience with automated/robotic data acquisition and 3D scan-path programming. Software/automation coding experience: SQL, Python, C++, C#, Intel Intrinsics. Knowledge of industry NDT standards (NAS 410, ASTM E2580, E2533, E1495, E317, AMS-STD-2154). ABET-accredited mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or materials science & engineering degree. Ionizing radiation safety credential / third-party IRRSP certification (for RT support). Aerospace production or R&D experience; knowledge of composites fabrication processes.

Why Blue Origin

As an NDT Engineer, you'll own composite inspections that safeguard flight hardware bound for orbit and the Moon. You'll work the full inspection cycle, sharpen your expertise across multiple modalities, pursue advanced certifications, and grow alongside a passionate, expert team—seeing your impact on every flight.

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

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.

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 Affi…

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. U.S. Applicant Privacy Notice EU Applicant Privacy Notice