Manufacturing & Tooling Development Engineer III - Tooling

About this role

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.

As a Tooling Concept Development Engineer, you will be at the forefront of creating the tools and ground support systems that build and process our launch vehicles. You will be responsible for the entire conceptual phase of tooling, from initial ideation and requirements gathering to developing detailed operational concepts (ConOps) in close collaboration with flight design and manufacturing teams. This role is pivotal in ensuring that our production systems are innovative, efficient, and seamlessly integrated with vehicle hardware from the very beginning. This role requires close collaboration with design engineering, manufacturing, test operations, supply chain, and facilities teams. Blue Origin is looking for someone to apply their expertise, leadership skills, and commitment to quality to positively impact safe human spaceflight. Passion for our mission and vision is required!

Responsibilities: • Lead the conceptual development of novel tooling, fixtures, and ground support equipment for launch vehicle structures, propulsion, and integration systems. • Work directly with flight and manufacturing engineering teams to translate vehicle design and production needs into clear, actionable tooling requirements and specifications. • Develop and refine Concepts of Operations (ConOps) for new tooling, outlining how tooling will be used on the factory floor to ensure safety, ergonomics, and process repeatability. • Generate and evaluate multiple individual tool concepts to solve complex manufacturing and assembly challenges, performing trade studies to select the optimal solution. • Author and own Tooling Requirements Documents (TRDs) that capture design criteria, operational parameters, safety interlocks, and interface definitions. • Participate in early-stage design reviews (e.g., SDR, PDR) to champion Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and ensure tooling considerations are integrated into the vehicle design. • Introduce innovative manufacturing techniques—such as automation, modular tooling, and advanced material handling—into new tooling concepts to drive efficiency and quality. • Create and present concept models, sketches, and presentations to cross-functional teams to build consensus and guide the detailed design phase. • Support the transition of tooling concepts to the detailed design and fabrication teams, serving as a subject matter expert on the original design intent and operational requirements.

Qualifications : • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field. • 3+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, tooling design, or process development, with a strong focus on conceptual design. • Proven ability to develop tooling concepts and design requirements for large-scale aerospace, automotive, or heavy industrial hardware. • Proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., Creo/CATIA, NX, SolidWorks) for conceptual modeling and layout. • Experience collaborating with cross-functional engineering teams to define system requirements. • Ability to interpret complex engineering drawings, GD&T, and system-level requirements. • Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical ideas.

Desired: • Master’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Manufacturing Engineering. • 5+ years of experience developing tooling concepts for launch vehicles, spacecraft, or large aerospace systems. • Hands-on experience developing novel tooling concepts involving automation, robotics, modular tooling, or reconfigurable fixtures. • Demonstrated experience authoring requirements documents and developing detailed Concepts of Operations (ConOps). • Familiarity with large-scale composite structures, cryogenic tank manufacturing, and propulsion system assembly. • Hands-on shop floor experience with hardware build and process validation, providing context for realistic concept development. • Knowledge of digital manufacturing tools, PLM/MRP systems, and model-based definition workflows.

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

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