Test Engineer (Hypergolic) | Mid to Senior Level | Engines

Employer description

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.

Blue Origin is hiring Test Engineers at the Level 2 and Level 3 levels to support and lead the development, execution, and continuous improvement of test operations for hypergolic rocket engines and components at our West Texas Site in Van Horn, TX. Depending on your experience, you will contribute to or lead test campaigns across the full test design and execution cycle — from initial planning and hardware integration through execution, data analysis, and post-test review. 

Level 2 engineers will apply their developing professional expertise to support safe and repeatable test operations with minimal oversight, while building technical leadership capabilities within a collaborative team environment. 

Level 3 engineers will serve as technical leaders, owning critical test campaigns, mentoring junior engineers and technicians, and driving cross-functional safety, reliability, and process improvement efforts for human spaceflight systems. 

Across both levels, you will thrive in a fast-paced test environment, applying your expertise in hypergolic fluid systems to solve challenging problems with precision and rigor. 

We are a diverse team of collaborators, doers, and problem-solvers who are relentlessly committed to a culture of safety. 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. 

 

Responsibilities 

Level 2 and Level 3 (All Engineers) 

Support or lead daily test operations, operate test consoles, and execute test procedures 

Contribute to or lead test planning and implementation for hypergolic rocket engine and component test campaigns 

Participate in or lead test readiness reviews, activation reviews, pre- and post-test briefings, and test data reviews 

Develop, refine, and update test procedures and work instructions 

Assist with or oversee hardware integration, including pre- and post-test inspections 

Troubleshoot fluid systems, instrumentation, and test support equipment 

Perform data review, reduction, and performance analysis to support post-test assessments 

Read and interpret engineering standards, technical requirements, P&IDs, and engineering drawings 

Participate in or lead root cause analyses and development of corrective actions 

Identify and support implementation of safety improvements and cost-reduction opportunities 

Contribute to continuous advancement of test stand processes and automation systems 

Serve as member of or technical leader during HAZMAT emergency response situations 

Perform work while wearing SCBA and other required PPE 

Successfully complete annual medical physical and physical ability/fitness assessment 

Perform physically demanding emergency response tasks 

Subject to random drug testing 

Level 3 (Additional Responsibilities) 

Provide technical leadership and direction for test campaigns from initial planning through final execution 

Mentor junior test engineers and technicians, fostering professional development and technical growth 

Build, procure, and install test support equipment; manage vendors and subcontractors 

Lead cross-functional Root Cause and Corrective Action Boards 

Lead technical coordination with internal and external customers 

Serve as technical leader during HAZMAT emergency response situations 

 

Qualifications 

Level 2 

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical, Aerospace, Chemical Engineering, or related technical field 

2+ years of experience in a testing environment or related hands-on engineering role 

Working knowledge of engineering and testing fundamentals, including fluids and thermodynamics 

Experience executing test procedures 

Demonstrated familiarity with data analysis 

Ability to read and interpret engineering standards, technical requirements, and engineering drawings 

Strong written and verbal communication skills 

Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team 

Ability to make quick, sound decisions in emergency situations while maintaining composure under stress 

Ability to pass pre-employment medical physical and physical ability/fitness assessment 

Ability to obtain Hazardous Materials Technician certification within 3 months of hire 

Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident, or lawfully admitted refugee/asylee 

Level 3 

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical, Aerospace, Chemical Engineering, or related technical field 

At least 5 years of experience assisting test teams in the role of test engineer or console operator 

Established professional expertise and comprehensive understanding of engineering fundamentals across test cycles 

Experience troubleshooting hardware and instrumentation related to fluid systems, with ability to read schematics and P&IDs 

Experience developing, writing, and updating test procedures 

Demonstrated track record of safe operations during nominal testing and in response to stand anomalies 

Strong technical writing and interpersonal skills 

Experience directing Root Cause and Corrective Action Boards 

Demonstrated leadership in project management or directing test activities 

Ability to make quick, sound decisions in emergency situations while maintaining composure under stress 

Ability to successfully complete pre-employment medical examination and physical ability/fitness test 

Ability to acquire Hazardous Materials Technician certification within 3 months of hire 

Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident, or lawfully admitted refugee/asylee 

 

Desired Qualifications 

Level 2 

M.S. in engineering with experimental lab experience 

Rocketry experience through internships or club activities 

Experience with hypergolic propellants or other toxic/reactive propulsion fluids 

Experience designing, fabricating, or operating fluid systems 

Knowledge of instrumentation including pressure transducers, thermocouples, and flow meters 

Hands-on experience integrating test articles and sub-assemblies 

Familiarity with LabVIEW, MATLAB, or other control/data acquisition software 

Familiarity with CAD applications (Creo preferred) 

3+ years of emergency response experience (fire, HAZMAT, or industrial) 

Demonstrated proficiency with SCBA and supplied-air respirator (SAR) systems 

Completion of 40-hour HAZWOPER training 

Current Hazardous Materials Technician certification 

Completion of FEMA/NIMS courses: IS-700, IS-800, ICS-100, ICS-200 

Level 3 

M.S. in engineering with experimental lab experience 

Over 8 years of experience in rocket propulsion test operations 

Experience designing and operating hypergolic propellant systems (NTO, MMH, hydrazine) 

Experience designing ground systems to meet ASME B31.3 

Extensive experience with Process Safety Management (PSM) covered commodities 

Proficiency in LabVIEW, Python, MATLAB, or related control and data acquisition software 

5+ years of emergency response experience (fire, HAZMAT, or industrial) 

Demonstrated proficiency with SCBA and supplied-air respirator (SAR) systems 

Completion of 40-hour HAZWOPER training 

Valid Hazardous Materials Technician certification 

Completion of FEMA/NIMS courses: IS-700, IS-800, ICS-100, ICS-200 

Familiarity with CAD applications (Creo preferred) 

 

Van Horn Site Information 

The West Texas Site in Van Horn, TX is central to Blue Origin’s operations and offers eligible employees additional attractive financial incentives to supplement competitive base earnings, including a living allowance and relocation assistance. Eligibility for these benefits is based on the employee’s ability to permanently relocate to Van Horn, TX. 

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 CheckRequired for Certain Job Profiles:  Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installationRequired 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.