Principal Engineer - Manufacturing Castings

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.

We are a multidisciplinary team of collaborators, doers, and problem- solvers who are relentlessly committed to a culture of safety. This position will directly impact the history of space exploration and will require your commitment and detailed attention towards safe and repeatable space flight. 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.

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!

As part of a hardworking team of varied specialists, technicians, and engineers, your responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Responsible for all process-related aspects of quality of Investment Castings (IC)

Disposition of non-conformances (NC’s) for rework/repair/scrap

Continuous improvement and clarification of written instructions for processing of investment castings

Must understand basic super-alloy heat treatments, chemical processing, and their effect on micro/macrostructures and surface inspection for indications

Statistically analyze and understand casting-related process data (metallurgical and non-destructive testing) into useful summary reports using Excel®/Minitab®/JMP type applications. Interpret data for continuous process improvements to maximize Quality and reduce cost

• Demonstrate dimensional improvements to reduce NC's
• Collaborate with internal and external customers on quality related concerns; develop and present training materials to build quality awareness
• Demonstrate self-motivation and initiative, as well as ability to work in team environments
• Responsible for implementing timely, cost-effective solutions to resolve manufacturing roadblocks
• Execute aggressive timeline schedules for project execution

For New Product Introduction/Process Changes

Work with modelling engineer to develop mold and gating designs for IC parts

Coordinate with Shell Process Engineer to determine shelling sequence and material choices of slurry and stucco layers appropriate for part alloy and geometry

Design insulating wrap and pre-cast mold preparation techniques to ensure appropriate solidification and grain structure in resultant cast components

Determine appropriate mold preheat and metal pouring temperatures to achieve specification compliant castings with regards to porosity, grain structure, and surface integrity

Minimum Qualifications

• Direct experience with manufacturing investment castings (10+ years).
• B.S. or higher in engineering discipline
• Strong verbal and technical writing skills are a must. Written communication skills required for writing CAPEX justifications and vendor communications
• Experience in production environment. Aerospace, space launch, or military or commercial aviation preferred
• Familiarity with AS9100 or ISO9000 Quality Management System and/or related quality systems and programs
• Strong capability and understanding with proven success of RCCA tools
• Safely work with hazardous systems, chemicals, and materials using the proper PPE

Physical Requirements

• Climb ladders and stairs
• Lift and carry 50 lbs to waist level for limited durations

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience with manufacturing investment castings
• Six Sigma Green/Black Belt Certificate or deep understanding of lean methodologies
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes such as Machining, Welding, NDT, Sub-assembly and Final assembly and Test
• Experience mining data SQL, Redshift, Redash, Databricks
• Quality assurance experience in rocket engine production environment
• Relevant experience in transitioning a product from development, through production to operations
• Shown experience in transitioning a product from development, through production to operations

QMS audit experience and quality performance measurement analysis capabilities:

• Base Pay Range for: WA applicants is $169,624.00 - $237,473.25
• Other site ranges may differ
• Culture Statement

Additional information

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.

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 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.