Process Development Engineer II

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.

About the role

Join Blue Origin's mission to lower the cost of access to space and enable millions of people living and working in space to benefit Earth. In this entry-level role, you will help design, develop, prototype, and qualify automated manufacturing processes that produce launch vehicle hardware.

You will build industrial robot-based process-qualification cells, run Design of Experiments on production alloys, drive first-article proofs, and transition qualified processes to production. You will work alongside senior process development engineers and collaborate daily with design, controls / software, manufacturing, quality, and operations.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, prototype, and qualify automated manufacturing processes (welding, inspection, machining, additive) for launch vehicle structures, propulsion, and integration systems.
• Design and execute Design of Experiments on production alloys to characterize capability, define operating windows, and lock in production parameters.
• Drive first-article proofs and low-rate initial production runs. Author qualification packages per applicable industry standards (AWS / ASME for welding, ASTM / AMS for NDT).
• Build and commission automated cells: weld robots, inspection robots, and robot-tended CNC and laser cells. Design or specify end-effectors, fixturing, and workholding. Program robots and CNC motion. Integrate machine vision and force sensing.
• Author requirements documents, process specs, DoE reports, qualification packages, and work instructions.
• Collaborate across design, controls / software, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and operations. Represent the automation and process perspective at Design Gated Reviews.
• Investigate root causes when a weld fails acceptance, a scan misses a defect, or a part flunks inspection. Drive corrective action back into the process window, fixture, or acceptance criterion.
• Follow and enforce safety, quality, and regulatory standards.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Welding Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• B.S. plus 0 to 2 years of experience (internships, co-ops, and relevant academic / project work count) in process development, process qualification, manufacturing engineering, CNC machining, or automation / robotics. Any manufacturing industry applies.
• Hands-on build experience from a lab, shop, maker space, competition team, research project, or internship.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD (CATIA, NX, SolidWorks, or equivalent).
• Foundational knowledge of manufacturing processes: welding, non-destructive inspection, CNC machining, additive manufacturing, assembly.
• Foundational knowledge of at least one alloy family (aluminum, titanium, nickel, stainless) and how its properties drive process selection.
• Foundational understanding of Design of Experiments, statistical analysis, and process capability (Cp / Cpk).
• Exposure to industrial automation, robotics, or CNC machining through coursework, projects, or internships.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and industry standards.
• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Must meet U.S. export control eligibility (citizen, national, permanent resident, refugee, or asylee).

Desired Experience

Process development

• Internship or co-op in process development, process qualification, or manufacturing.
• Hands-on shop or lab experience with welding (TIG / MIG / laser), CNC machining, brazing, soldering, non-destructive inspection, coatings, or heat treat.
• Coursework or project experience in welding metallurgy, metals (aluminum, titanium, steel, nickel), composites, or materials characterization.
• Exposure to non-destructive inspection methods (eddy current, ultrasonic, PAUT, radiography).
• DoE and statistics tools (Minitab, JMP, Python / R).

Automation, CNC, and controls

• CNC machining (3-axis+ mills or lathes): operating, setup, or programming. G-code. CAM (Mastercam, Fusion 360 CAM, NX CAM, HSMWorks). Fixturing and workholding design.
• Robotics coursework or project experience (autonomous vehicles, capstone team, research lab).
• Robot programming exposure (FANUC, KUKA, Universal Robots, ABB, ROS).
• Machine vision (Cognex, Keyence, OpenCV) or sensor integration.
• Industrial controls: PLCs (Allen-Bradley, Siemens), HMIs, communication protocols (EtherCAT, Profinet, EtherNet/IP).
• Programming in Python, C++, MATLAB, G-code, or PLC ladder logic.

Build signal

• Maker history: hobby robotics, FSAE / Formula Hybrid, autonomous vehicle competitions, drone builds, rocketry clubs, restoration work, home shop.
• Published or presented work: undergraduate research, capstone, conference poster, open-source contribution.
• Base Pay Range for: WA applicants is $91,852.00 - $128,592.45
• 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.

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.