Manufacturing & Tooling Development Engineer III - Tooling

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 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 View email address on click.appcast.io. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.