Senior

Engineer - Test III

Los Angeles, US · On-site

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!

As a member of the Blue Origin family of companies Honeybee Robotics has been at the forefront of robotics for over 40 years, establishing ourselves as pioneers in developing novel exploration systems for the most extreme planetary environments. At our Southern California location, we look to "Touch Life" by supporting planetary science, including every NASA Mars rover since Spirit and Opportunity. We aim to "Mine the Sky" through the development of practical In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) solutions. We search for technically brilliant individuals in engineering, software, and support fields who take ownership of their work, enjoy collaborating in teams, and have a laser focus on the details that drive excellence.

Honeybee Robotics is looking for a Test Engineer III to support a vertically integrated environmental test lab. This includes support for prototype characterization and flight system qualification across TVAC, vibrations, thermal, and EMI domains. You will be a critical part of the team, responsible for negotiating requirements with internal and external stakeholders, leading test planning, and test execution. You will work alongside engineering and operations functions to deliver first of its kind hardware for applications across the solar system. Creative problem-solving and a proactive approach will be critical to your success in this role.

Special Mentions

Relocation provided
Travel expected up to 10% of the time

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Plan, develop, and execute comprehensive qualification and acceptance test programs for complex space mechanisms and electromechanical systems, including rovers, sampling systems, and optical assemblies, in accordance with GEVS, SMC-S-016, and program-specific requirements
Author, review, and maintain test plans, test procedures, and test reports in compliance with applicable standards and program requirements
Design and fabricate mechanical test fixtures and ground support equipment (GSE), including basic electrical ground support equipment (EGSE); set up and operate data acquisition systems to support hardware testing
Conduct functional, performance, life, and environmental testing (vibration, thermal vacuum, shock, EMI/EMC) on flight and qualification hardware
Collect, reduce, and analyze test data; identify anomalies, root causes, and corrective actions; and communicate findings clearly to engineering and project teams
Collaborate closely with design, systems, and quality engineers to ensure test requirements are properly derived, allocated, and verified
Direct and collaborate with technician staff during test setup, execution, and teardown activities
Support hardware integration activities and ensure hardware is properly configured prior to test execution
Support test readiness reviews (TRRs), test anomaly investigations, and failure review boards (FRBs)
Maintain accurate test logs, configuration records, and traceability documentation in accordance with quality management system requirements
Operate and maintain test laboratory equipment, including vacuum pumps, turbomolecular pumps, vacuum and thermal chambers, vibration tables, load cells, and multi-channel data acquisition systems
Identify opportunities to improve test efficiency, repeatability, and automation; contribute to continuous improvement of test infrastructure and processes
Coordinate with internal project teams, customers, suppliers, and external test facilities to support program milestones and schedules
Identify risks and drive resolution of technical issues through closure

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace Engineering or related field
5+ years experience in hardware testing of mechanical or electromechanical systems
Proficiency in developing and executing test plans and procedures for complex mechanical or electromechanical systems
Experience with data acquisition systems and instrumentation (e.g., load cells, torque sensors, encoders, thermocouples, accelerometers)
Demonstrated ability to analyze and interpret test data, identify anomalies, and drive resolution through structured problem-solving
Familiarity with environmental test standards such as GEVS (GSFC-STD-7000), SMC-S-016, or equivalent aerospace qualification standards
Experience working in a cleanroom or controlled laboratory environment with flight or flight-like hardware
Proficiency in CAD software (Autodesk Inventor or similar)
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly document and present technical findings to both technical and leadership audiences
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and test campaigns simultaneously with high attention to detail and organization
Ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional team environment
Ability to travel occasionally to support test campaigns at external test facilities or customer sites (estimated up to 10-15%)
Passion for spaceflight and space exploration
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.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience supporting qualification and acceptance test campaigns across the full product lifecycle (development, qualification, and acceptance)
Experience designing or fabricating mechanical test fixtures or GSE
Hands-on operation and/or maintenance of environmental test equipment including vacuum pumps, turbomolecular pumps, vacuum chambers, vibration tables, and thermal/thermal vacuum chambers
Experience with thermal vacuum (TVAC) testing and/or vibration and shock testing of flight hardware
Experience with fluid systems, including Swagelok tube bending and fluid fittings installation and assembly
Proficiency with data analysis tools and test automation scripting (e.g., MATLAB, Python, or equivalent) for data reduction, processing, and automated test execution
Knowledge of AS9100 or ISO 9001 quality management systems and associated documentation practices
Experience supporting test campaigns at external test facilities or customer sites
Prior experience in a space hardware development environment

Base Pay Range for:

CA applicants is $121,023.00 - $169,432.20

Other site ranges may differ

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 (CDL drivers only), 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 EEOCompliance@blueorigin.com. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.