Manufacturing & Tooling Development Engineer

Blue Origin Operations Job

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.

You will use expertise in aerospace systems, manufacturing, and industrial engineering best practices to independently plan and develop launch vehicle processes, tooling, and supporting ground infrastructure. You will own moderately complex tooling and process development efforts end to end — from concept through validation — and provide technical guidance to junior engineers. Responsible for analyzing, developing, and optimizing production, test, and operational processes to enable efficient, safe, and cost-effective launch operations, working closely with design engineering, manufacturing, test operations, supply chain, and facilities teams.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Independently develop, optimize, and validate production processes and tooling for launch vehicle structures, propulsion, and integration systems.
• Own tooling and fixture development efforts of moderate complexity including defining requirements, driving design, and managing validation of complete manufacturing systems.
• Lead workflow modeling, facility layout, capacity analysis, and resource planning to support scalable launch operations.
• Identify and implement vertical integration, automation, and new-process-introduction opportunities to improve cost, schedule, and quality.
• Develop cost estimates and capital expenditure (Cap Ex) justifications for tooling and equipment; track project budgets and report on cost and schedule performance against plan.
• Participate in and prepare content for Design Gated Reviews, ensuring DFM and DFT principles are incorporated early.
• Conduct root cause analysis and lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance throughput, quality, and cost efficiency.
• Provide technical mentorship and review for junior team members.
• Coordinate with suppliers and external tooling partners on design studies, fabrication, and acceptance.
• Provide data-driven recommendations to leadership regarding investment in automation, workforce allocation, and infrastructure upgrades.
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, tooling design, or process development within aerospace, automotive, or heavy industry.
• Exposure to financial management — developing cost estimates, supporting capital expenditure (Cap Ex) justifications, and tracking project budgets.
• Demonstrated ability to independently lead tooling or process development efforts from concept through production validation.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., NX, CATIA, Solid Works, or equivalent) and digital manufacturing tools.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes: machining, welding, composites, assembly, and additive manufacturing.
• Experience interpreting engineering drawings, GD&T, and applying industry standards.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills in a fast-paced, evolving production environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Desired:

• Master's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Manufacturing Engineering.
• 7+ years of experience, including developing manufacturing processes or tooling for launch vehicles, spacecraft, or large aerospace systems.
• Familiarity with large-scale composite structures, cryogenic tank manufacturing, and propulsion system assembly.
• Experie…