CNC Machining Manufacturing Engineer

CNC Process Engineer

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 supports the development and qualification of CNC machining processes for a new advanced hardware program at Blue Origin. The successful candidate will own machining process engineering across the full range of program hardware — from precision multi-axis milling and turning of nickel superalloy turbo machinery components to finish machining of additively manufactured parts. This role requires deep CNC process engineering expertise: developing machining strategies and CAM programming approaches, optimizing toolpaths and cutting parameters for difficult-to-machine aerospace alloys, qualifying machining processes, and providing real-time engineering support during first-article and production runs.

The ideal candidate combines strong manufacturing engineering fundamentals with hands-on machining knowledge — someone who can define the process from CAM strategy through first-part-off and drive it to capable, repeatable production. This is an environment where the CNC process engineer will help select production equipment, stand up machining work cells, and build the machining operation from the ground up.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Developing CNC machining process plans for complex aerospace components — defining operation sequences, machine assignments, fixturing concepts, tooling selections, and cutting parameters for multi-axis milling, turning, and grinding operations
• Defining CAM programming strategies and standards — selecting toolpath approaches, establishing programming templates, and working with CAM programmers to optimize cycle time, surface finish, and tool life on nickel superalloys, stainless steels, titanium, and other difficult-to-machine materials
• Qualifying machining processes through first-article builds, process capability studies (Cp/Cpk), and statistical process control (SPC) implementation for critical dimensions and surface integrity requirements
• Developing machining processes for finish machining of additively manufactured (AM) components — including datum strategy, stock-on-condition assessment, fixturing of near-net shapes, and post-processing to final drawing dimensions on DMLS/SLM-printed parts
• Providing Design for Machinability (DFM) feedback to design engineering — influencing tolerances, feature geometry, surface finish callouts, material selection, and datum schemes to optimize producibility before designs freeze
• Evaluating, selecting, and specifying CNC machine tools — multi-axis mills, turning centers, mill-turns, grinders, and EDM equipment — including vendor assessment, capability studies, and factory acceptance testing (FAT) to build the long-term production equipment plan
• Developing and maintaining machining work instructions, setup sheets, and tool lists that enable repeatable execution by CNC machinists across all shifts
• Providing shipside/lineside machining engineering support during first-article and production runs — monitoring process performance, troubleshooting tool wear and chatter issues, adjusting parameters in real time, and making offset decisions
• Leading machining-related nonconformance investigations — performing root cause analysis on dimensional exceedances, surface finish failures, tool breakage incidents, and metallurgical damage (e.g., grinding burn, white layer), developing corrective actions and process improvements
• Defining tooling strategies — selecting cutting tools, defining tool life management programs, evaluating coatings and insert geometries for superalloy machining, and managing relationships with cutting tool vendors
• Specifying and developing fixturing and work holding solutions for complex part geometries — including hydraulic, vacuum, and custom fixture design concepts for thin-wall and distortion-sensitive components
• Supporting automation initiatives —…