Sr. Manufacturing & Tooling Development Engineer

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 passionate and growing team of experts, you will use your expertise in aerospace systems and Manufacturing best practices to plan and develop launch vehicle processes and supporting ground infrastructure. You will be responsible for analyzing, developing, and optimizing production, test, and operational processes to enable efficient, safe, and cost-effective launch operations. This role requires close collaboration with design engineering, manufacturing, test operations, supply chain, and facilities teams.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of novel manufacturing processes and tooling concepts for launch vehicle structures, propulsion, and integration systems.
• Drive vertical integration initiatives by identifying opportunities to bring critical processes and tooling in-house, improving cost efficiency, schedule control, and design agility.
• Collaborate with design engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and operations teams to ensure manufacturability, scalability, and reliability of vehicle components.
• Participate in Design Gated Reviews, ensuring that Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Testability (DFT) principles are incorporated early
• Develop tooling concepts and design requirements for large-scale aerospace hardware, considering ergonomics, safety, repeatability, and maintainability.
• Introduce advanced manufacturing techniques (automation, additive manufacturing, advanced composites, precision machining, digital manufacturing, etc.) into tooling and production workflows.
•  Conduct root cause analysis and continuous improvement on manufacturing processes and tooling systems to enhance throughput, quality, and cost efficiency.
• Author and maintain documentation: tooling requirements, process specifications, work instructions, and training guides.
• Support tooling and fixture development to improve manufacturability and assembly efficiency.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to reduce cost, schedule risk, and non-conformances in both hardware and operations.
• Support infrastructure planning for launch pads, integration facilities, and ground support equipment.
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• 6+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, tooling design, or process development within aerospace, automotive, or heavy industry.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., CATIA, NX, SolidWorks, or equivalent).
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes: machining, welding, composites, assembly, and additive manufacturing.
• Hands-on experience with tooling development, fixture design, or automated assembly solutions.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and industry standards.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with ability to work in a fast-paced and evolving production environment.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Manufacturing Engineering.
• 6+ years of experience developing manufacturing processes or tooling for launch vehicles, spacecraft, or large aerospace systems.
• Demonstrated success implementing vertical integration strategies in manufacturing.
• Familiarity with large-scale composite structures, cryogenic tank manufacturing, and propulsion system assembly.
• Experience developing novel tooling concepts involving automation, robotics, modular tooling, or reconfigurable fixtures.
• Knowledge of digital manufacturing tools, PLM/MRP systems, and model-based definition workflows.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage supplier/tooling partners.
• Hands-on shop floor experience with hardware build and process validation. Experience leading cross-functional teams and managing process improvement initiatives.

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 (CDL drivers only), 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 Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us at EEOCompliance@blueorigin.com. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.