Instrumentation & Controls Technician

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 Advanced Concepts and Enterprise Engineering (ACE), supporting Blue Origin’s mission of millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. The team fosters innovation and drives engineering workflows of the future, shared solutions and standards, simplicity and lower costs, and manufacturable design.

As part of a hardworking team of instrumentation and controls technicians, you will be responsible for the fabrication of instrumentation and control systems used in rocket engine testing. You will perform fabrication, installation, and checkout of wire harnesses, control panels, flight hardware, video hardware, and instrumentation systems. You will also need to have a good understanding of safety procedures associated with working with hazardous chemicals and high-pressure systems. Your responsibility may also include managing contractors as they perform instrumentation and controls installations.

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

• Base Schedule:  8 days on / 6 days off (8/6 rotation), Monday through Monday, A or B rotation

• Standard Hours: 6:00 AM to 4:30 PM (subject to change based on operational needs)

• Travel expected up to 25% of the time

• Multiple positions available

Van Horn Specific information

Being at the heart of Blue Origin operations, the West Texas Site in Van Horn, TX offers eligible employee’s additional attractive financial incentives to supplement their competitive base earnings, including a living allowance and relocation assistance.  Eligibility for these additional benefits is based on the employee’s ability to permanently relocate to Van Horn, TX, or travel to Van Horn from another Blue location a minimum of 50% of the time.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Fabrication, installation, and checkout of wire harnesses, control panels, flight hardware, video hardware, and instrumentation systems

Minimum Qualifications:

• 2+ years of experience in Instrumentation & Controls, Avionics, rocket/jet engine testing or similar field

• Ability to closely follow electrical schematics, diagrams, and P&ID

• Perform mate/de-mate, cleaning, inspection, assembly, and testing of harnesses and electronic components

• Has fabricated cable harness assemblies including power, signal, and data cables

• Has fabricated control panels

• Familiar with test, flight, safety, and proper handling of critical hardware

• Demonstrated ability to work with Data Acquisition Systems and sensors, having a good understanding of instrumentation calibration

• Mechanical aptitude, use of hand tools, and safe working practices

• Familiar with PLC’s, installing and troubleshooting instrumentation to include valve positioners, thermocouples, pressure transducers, and other general electronics

• Proficiency in troubleshooting low voltage systems, 4-20mA signals, and thermocouples

• Working knowledge of hazardous areas and NEC Article 500 installations

• Ability to work effectively with a strong work ethic and close attention to detail in a fast-paced dynamic team environment with constantly evolving roles and responsibilities

• Ability to lift 50lbs, work at medium heights, climb ladders, stairs, etc.

• Basic computer skills such as Windows, Microsoft Office, etc.

• Extremely customer focused with strong verbal and written communication skills in English

• Must be willing and able to work off shifts and overtime as needed.

• Ability to travel up to 25% of the time if needed to support other Blue Origin locations

Preferred Qualifications:

• 5+ years of experience in propulsion facility/system or launch vehicle operation, integration, or maintenance

• Certifications: IPC/WHMA-A-620, MIL-DTL-22520, NASA-STD-8739, J-STD-001, and/or ANSI/ESD S20.20

• Working knowledge of rocket propellants, including Liquid Oxygen, and cryogenic fuels

• Working knowledge of camera and video system technologies and how to troubleshoot IP and SDI video signals

• Experience setting up, and pulling large amounts of low voltage wiring

• Experience with WAGO push-in termination blocks, or similar

• Experienced in handling aerospace components

• Experienced in handling ESD sensitive components

• Experience operating forklifts, scissor lifts, telescopic boom lifts

• Understanding of 5s principles and tool control measures

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, 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 [email protected]. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.