Solar Technician III

Blue Origin; Washington; On-site; USD 76,000 - 107,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation provided

Travel up to 25%

Job summary

Blue Origin is hiring for a hands-on assembler/test technician in the Solar Center of Excellence in Washington. You will work on solar cell strings, lamination, and test setup as part of a cross-disciplinary R&D team advancing space power systems.

Expect working with precision tools, data logging, and strict traceability. The role emphasizes practical problem solving, quality control, and collaboration with engineers to improve assembly methods and ensure test readiness.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; 5+ years aerospace hardware assembly/test (or AS degree with 2+ years).
• Experience operating test equipment and recording data with traceability.
• NC documentation and basic metrology experience.
• Capable of using precision tools to measure tight tolerances.
• Strong work ethic and detail orientation in a fast-paced team.

Responsibilities

• Assemble solar cell strings and perform resistance welding, tabbing, lamination per instructions.
• Operate solar simulators, IV tests, EL imaging and log data with traceability.
• Support TVAC, thermal cycling and environmental test setups; prep and inspect test articles.
• Assist with deployment test rigs, sensor installation and instrumented tests.
• Maintain lab organization, 5S, inventory and preventive maintenance.
• Identify build issues, document non-conformances and support process improvements.
• Collaborate with engineers to review designs for ease of assembly and testing.

Skills

Aerospace hardware assembly

Test equipment operation

Metrology basics

Documentation and NC handling

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma/equivalent

AS degree (optional)

Tools

Calipers

Micrometers

Precision measurement tools

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 Advanced Concepts and Enterprise Engineering (ACE), supporting Blue Origin’s mission of millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. The team fosters innovation and drives engineering workflows of the future, shared solutions and standards, simplicity and lower costs, and manufacturable design.

As part of a hardworking team of specialists, technicians, and engineers you will help pioneer the space power systems that will energize TeraWave and future Blue Origin missions. The Solar Center of Excellence is building world-class capabilities in solar array development—from materials and processes to test and qualification—and you’ll grow your skills at the forefront of that effort. If you thrive on hands‑on problem solving, take pride in craftsmanship, and want your work to directly enable humanity's future in space, this is the team for you.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Assemble solar cell strings under direction; performresistancewelding/tabbing, adhesive dispense, lamination/encapsulation, and rework per work instructions
• Operate solar simulators, IV flash, EL imaging under guidance; log data accurately and maintain traceability
• Support TVAC, thermal cycling, AO/UV exposure setups; assist with test article prep and post-test inspections
• Assist with deployment test rig builds and operation, support sensor installation and instrumented tests
• Follow ESD, cleanroom, FOD controls; maintain cleanliness of work areas and support calibration of tools/metrology
• Conduct incoming inspections and basic metrology (pull/shear, thickness, flatness) under supervision
• Help stand up and organize new lab spaces, workstations, and equipment installations
• Identifyand escalation build issues; execute containment and rework under direction; document NCs accurately
• Support development and review of Work Instructions/checklists; participate in process improvement initiatives
• Assist with fixture/tooling maintenance; perform safe lifts/transfers of fragile assemblies
• Maintain lab organization (5S), consumable inventory, and support equipment preventive maintenance
• Work collaboratively in a scrappy cross-disciplinary R&D environment with a geographically distributed team

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma/equivalent; 5+ years aerospace hardware assembly/test (or AS degree with 2+ years)
• Experience operating test equipment and recording data with traceability
• Test article prep and post-test inspection experience
• ESD/cleanroom/FOD compliance; basic metrology experience; NC documentation
• Capable of using precision tools to accurately measure tight tolerances (calipers,micrometers, scales, etc.)
• Ability to work effectively with a strong work ethic and close attention to detail in a fast-paced dynamic team environment with rapidly changing roles and responsibilities.
• Basic computer skills such as Windows, Microsoft Office, etc.
• Ability to stoop and stand for extended periods of time
• Lift and carry25lbs
• Availability to work any shift with the possibility for overtime

Preferred Qualifications:

• 6–8+ years aerospace hardware experience
• IPC J-STD-001/IPC-A-610 certifications (CIS) or NASA-STD-8739 series training
• Hands‑on stringing/tabbing experience
• Hands‑on experience with resistance welding, adhesive dispense, lamination/encapsulation, or rework
• Experience with solar simulators, IV flash, or EL imaging
• Exposure to TVAC, thermal cycling, or environmental test operations
• Experience with deployment mechanisms or instrumented testing
• Forklift/Scissor Liftand precision handling certifications
• Preventive maintenance experience on lab equipment
• Working knowledge of standard mechanical tools, fabrication shop equipment (band saw, chop saw, grinders, drills, torque wrenches, etc.)
• Knowledge of drawing review, scheduling systems, work order systems, inventory, and various issue tracking systems
• Ability to work with engineers to review design concepts, provide feedback for ease of assembly, and support development tests
• Review, edit and follow work instructions for assembly tasks

Special Mentions:

• Relocation provided
• Travel expected up to 25% of the time

Base Pay Range for WA applicants is $36.60 - $51.23. Other site ranges may differ.

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 ... 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.