Materials & Process Engineer II - Composite

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 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 hardworking team of specialists, technicians, and engineers, you will share in the team's impact on all aspects of the development and production of composite parts for our New Glenn launch vehicle.

You will directly support New Glenn’s as well as Blue Origin’s success through owning the qualification and build of large-scale composite parts and materials at internal and external vendors. You will drive the development and optimization of composite production processes internally and externally, develop and improve process and material specifications, and drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product quality and reduce cycle time.

You will work with the broader team to address non-conformances, develop repairs, and ensure design for producibility.

You will be critical in troubleshooting complex technical challenges, implementing innovative solutions, and transitioning composite materials from development to production. We are looking for someone to apply their technical expertise, leadership skills, and commitment to quality to positively impact safe human spaceflight. Passion for our mission and vision is required!

Special Mentions:

Relocation provided

Travel expected up to 25% of the time

Responsibilities:

• Drive qualifications to implement new materials, processes, and hardware, including tooling and equipment reviews
• Develop test plans and reports for material characterization for design allowables, including mechanical testing, thermal analysis, and chemical analysis
• Coordinate test panel build and testing within schedule and budget constraints
• Author and update specifications for composite applications
• Review documentation to ensure compliance to hardware requirements internally and at external suppliers
• Work with multi-functional teams that are responsible for selecting materials, manufacturing processes, and suppliers to produce world-class aerospace hardware
• Disposition nonconformances, develop repair solutions, and find opportunities for improvements to quality, cost, and schedule
• Review and approve engineering drawings for adherence to M&P requirements and best practices and provide technical guidance to ensure producibility of new hardware
• Travel to support internal and external suppliers up to 25% of the time

Minimum Qualifications:

• B.S. degree or higher in Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or relevant field from ABET-accredited school
• 4+ years of proven experience with polymer-based composites
• Experience with process development and qualification of composite materials, especially laminate / core sandwich structures, for use in aerospace
• Experience evaluating and troubleshooting processes and equipment
• Experience with design for producibility and engineering drawing review
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills to balance small and large projects with a variety of customers across large geographic distances

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with external vendors and managing supplier relationships, especially vendor qualification and procedure reviews
• Experience with authoring process and material specifications and test reports
• Experience in both development and production environments
• Experience with defining, implementing, or testing composite repairs
• Familiarity with aerospace standards and specifications relevant to composites and knowledge of characterization techniques
• Proficiency in navigating models in 3D CAD programs (Creo Pro/E & Catia preferred)
• Base Pay Range for: WA applicants is $99,201.00 - $138,880.35
• 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.
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• 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
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• 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