Castings Technician (early Career)

Rocket Engine Technician

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.

Join a small, passionate, and accomplished team building and refining rocket engine components within our Casting operation. You will apply technical expertise, leadership, and a commitment to quality to enable safe, repeatable human spaceflight. You will help improve component design, maintenance, and refurbishment, while identifying, developing, and deploying methods that improve quality, reduce cost, and optimize build sequences and schedules. You will also support DFMA/PFMEA studies to strengthen the feedback loop between design, build, and test—accelerating rocket engine development. This work directly impacts the history of space exploration.

Responsibilities:

• Identify, develop, and deploy new or refined manufacturing methods to improve quality, reduce cost, and optimize the build schedule.
• Support DFMA/PFMEA studies to tighten the design–build–test feedback loop.
• Support creation and improvement of manufacturing work instructions across receiving inspection, fabrication, assembly, test, integration, and refurbishment.
• Maintain a strong safety culture; use appropriate PPE and follow hazardous materials/systems procedures.
• Contribute to continuous improvement (Lean) efforts that reduce waste, improve safety, and enhance quality.
• Communicate clearly, work effectively across teams, and uphold a culture of inclusion.
• Complete required documentation accurately and on time; ensure configuration control and traceability of work performed.

Pre-Finish Technician:

• Post-cast cleaning, knockout, waterblast.
• Plasma and/or abrasive cutting; grinding.
• Walk-in sandblasting; Chem Etch.
• Viropeen/part marking, lot traceability, and software transactions.
• Identify non-conformances/escapes and support corrective actions.
• Manage hardware configuration and maintain pedigree throughout build and test.
• Help maintain inventory of tooling and equipment.
• Occasional company truck trips to local vendors (no CDL required).
• Perform daily/regular cleaning and light maintenance on machinery and equipment.

Finishing Technician:

• Review planning/engineering, work instructions, and tooling to verify process steps and quality requirements prior to start.
• Complete all job order documentation, part counts, and tie-in information accurately and promptly.
• Use hand tools and small power tools to safely remove burrs, blend features, and create edge breaks.
• Lap/polish surfaces to meet blueprint requirements.
• Execute precision hand finishing of final product.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Direct manufacturing experience (aerospace preferred).
• Ability to read and interpret work orders, drawings/blueprints, specifications, manuals, and safety procedures.
• Basic computer skills for lot-traceable transactions and electronic work instructions.
• Knowledge and competent use of precision hand tools; strong hand–eye coordination.
• Ability to perform mid-level math (whole numbers, fractions, decimals).

Physical Requirements:

• Pre-Finish Technician:
  • Climb ladders and stairs; work in small/restricted areas.
  • Lift and carry up to 50 lbs for limited durations.
  • Full respirator fit-testing may be required.
  • Full blast suit (including helmet) may be required for sandblasting.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Hard metal experience.
• Blueprint reading including GD&T per ASME Y14.5M-1994.
• Deburr experience on nickel-based stainless-steel alloys, copper, titanium.
• Experience operating cranes and forklifts around flight-critical hardware.
• Deburring and finishing of tight-tolerance, high-value components.
• Comfortable working with hazardous systems/chemicals and in blast environments using proper PPE.
• Experience with grinding, plasma/abrasive cutting, sandblasting, and chemical etch processes.
• Familiarity with lot traceability and configuration/pedigree practices.
• Experience with pencil, orbital, and angle grinders; proper abrasives and tool selection by material.
• Ability to provide Design for Manufacturing feedback related to finishing and deburr.
• Demonstrated proficiency in deburring, blending, lapping, and polishing to blueprint/finish requirements.

Compensation Range for WA applicants is $22.02-$30.82. 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 (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 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. 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