System Engineer; Hardware Configuration

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.

We are building the physical backbone of next-generation autonomous manufacturing at Blue Origin. We're looking for a Systems Engineer to specify, integrate, and bring up the automated stations, tooling, and robotic work cells that turn our production lines into an integrated autonomous factory.

You will work with our automation team to define automation requirements, select and integrate equipment, and lead station bring-up from concept through qualification. Your work will span robotic cells, PLC-controlled equipment, test stations, and material handling.

• Define automation requirements and concepts of operation for factory stations, translating production rate, takt time, and process needs into equipment specifications
• Design and integrate robotic work cells, automated tooling, fixtures, and end effectors across assembly and test stations
• Specify and review PLC, controls, and safety architecture for automated equipment in partnership with controls engineers
• Lead equipment selection, vendor technical evaluation, and acceptance testing for capital automation purchases
• Develop station layouts, material flow, and interfaces between robotic cells, conveyance, and operator work areas
• Lead installation, commissioning, and bring-up of automated stations on the production floor
• Partner with design engineering on DFM/DFA to ensure hardware is manufacturable and automation-ready
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and controls issues on automated equipment and drive corrective action
• Document automation requirements, interface definitions, acceptance criteria, and as-built station configurations

• Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
• 3-4 years of engineering experience with automated manufacturing equipment or systems
• Working knowledge of PLCs, industrial controls, and robotic systems
• Experience specifying, integrating, or commissioning automation hardware
• Ability to read and produce mechanical and electrical drawings, schematics, and interface documents
• Familiarity with robotics or industrial automation workflows, including sensors, controllers, HIL/SIL, or sim-to-real validation
• Programming skills in Python and C++

• Experience with robotic station design and offline programming (KUKA, FANUC, ABB, or similar)
• Familiarity with automation planning: rate studies, takt time, cycle time, and capacity analysis
• Experience with machine vision, automated test equipment, or automated inspection/NDT
• Knowledge of industrial safety standards and risk assessment for automated equipment
• Experience in high-volume or high-rate production environments
• Familiarity with MES/ERP integration and factory data systems
• Develop standardized HMI interfaces for operator interaction and production monitoring
• Architect industrial network infrastructure (e.g., Ether Net/IP, PROFINET, EtherCAT) for automated lines
• Design safety system architecture per ISO 13849 and IEC 62443 (functional safety and cybersecurity)
• Create reusable control system templates and code libraries for global deployment standardization
• Define MES integration specifications and data exchange protocols between automation…