Aerospace Technician I – Coatings and Thermal Protection Systems

Posted:
10/11/2024, 3:45:15 AM

Location(s):
Florida, United States ⋅ Viera, Florida, United States

Experience Level(s):
Junior ⋅ Mid Level

Field(s):
Mechanical Engineering

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 diverse team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight!  

We are a diverse team of collaborators, doers, and problem- solvers who are relentlessly committed to a culture of safety. This position will directly impact the history of space exploration and will require your commitment and detailed attention towards safe and repeatable space flight. Join us in lowering the cost of access to space and enabling Blue Origin’s vision of millions of people living and working in space to benefit Earth.  

Provides tactical and technical support to Engineering/Production/Manufacturing by performing activities such as design, test, check-out, modification, fabrication, and assembly of prototype electro/mechanical systems, experimental design circuitry, laser/light transmission devices or specialized test equipment. Applications may include electronic circuits, photonics and logic systems. Works from schematics, diagrams, written and verbal descriptions, layouts or defined plans to perform testing, checkout and trouble-shooting functions. Performs operational test and fault isolation on systems and equipment. Assists in determining methods or actions to remedy malfunctions. Assists in the design, construction, test and check-out of test equipment. Uses manufacturing, test, development or diagnostic equipment, including, but not limited to, test programs, oscilloscopes, signal generators and specialized test apparatus.

This role supports the development and operations of New Glenn, a single-configuration, heavy-lift orbital launch vehicle capable of routinely carrying people and payloads to low-Earth orbit, geostationary transfer orbit, cislunar, and beyond. Its first stage is fully reusable, and the vehicle was designed from the beginning to be human-capable.

As part of a diverse and hardworking team of technicians at the Surface Coating Facility, you will assist with the setup of the production work areas, including layouts, tooling, and equipment setup for various spaceflight systems. You will share in the team’s impact on all aspects of the transition from development to production.

In this position, you will be responsible for applying various coatings, and/or thermal protection systems (TPS) onto New Glenn flight hardware according to written procedures, engineering models, drawings, and specifications at the Surface Coating Facility. You will be responsible for operating various material handling equipment including forklifts, overhead cranes, aerial lifts, flight vehicle and subassembly transportation equipment, truck-trailer combinations, and other ground support equipment as required. You will perform second-party verifications and hardware inspections of engineering models, drawings, specifications, and written procedures.

We are looking for someone to apply their technical expertise, leadership skills, and commitment to quality to impact safe human spaceflight positively. Passion for our mission and vision is required!

Special Mentions:

  • Relocation provided
  • Shifts available:
  • A, B, C, or D shift
  • Multiple positions available

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Painting and sealing processes on the New Glenn vehicle, including surface preparation, masking, application, and chemical handling
  • Performing hand and spray-on applications of paints and foam insulation onto flight hardware
  • Application of logos, symbols, or designs on painted surfaces, based on specifications, using measuring instruments, stencils, and patterns
  • Application of thermal protection systems (TPS) onto New Glenn flight hardware
  • Performing surface preparation, fixturing, adhesive application, gap filling, and vacuum bagging of large structures
  • Adhering to equipment requirements, methods, and sequences of operation to be followed in the fabrication of parts using materials such as sealants, primers, RTV adhesives, solvents, foam insulation, and consumable materials
  • Understands, follows, and completes work instructions, and contributes to safety, quality, process, and work instruction continuous improvement
  • Check completed products for conformance to specifications and defects
  • Ability to support scheduled work shifts, overtime, and weekends if/when vital
  • Ability to be assigned to A, B, C, or D shifts as required

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Passion for our mission: Millions of people living and working in space!
  • High School diploma or GED
  • 1+ years of experience in aerospace coating and thermal protection applications
  • Expertise in one or more of the following: primer/topcoat spray-out and hand application, spray/molded foam insulation applications, conversion coating applications, sealant applications, adhesive bonding, RTV bonding of TPS, ablative TPS materials, foam insulation applications, pressure sensitive adhesive applications, vacuum bagging, thermal blankets, applying sealants, conversion coatings, primers, adhesives, and other special finishes
  • Knowledge of safety procedures for chemical handling
  • Must be able to be respirator qualified
  • Ability to work respectfully and cooperatively with diverse teams in a dynamic environment displaying a strong work ethic with close attention to detail
  • Ability to interpret engineering models, drawings, specifications, written work instructions, and test procedures
  • Basic computer skills such as Windows, Microsoft Office, etc.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to climb ladders/stairs and work in small, restricted areas
  • Perform repetitive work including lifting of heavy items, >50lbs
  • Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to a culture of inclusion 
  • 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:

  • 2+ Years of experience working with aerospace thermal protection systems or coatings
  • Industry certification, trade school training, and/or degree in a related field
  • Demonstrated success as a “hands-on” technical leader
  • Work effectively with a strong work ethic and close attention to detail in a fast-paced dynamic team environment with rapidly changing roles and responsibilities
  • Continuous improvement mindset. Our job is never complete; we are always refining and improving
  • Intense curiosity for understanding the details of our business and how to optimize it
  • Experience in handling large aerospace components
  • Experience in assembling large tight-tolerance structures
  • Experience in new product introduction
  • Experience in a team-based Lean Manufacturing environment
  • Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma certification

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.

Inclusivity 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 a diverse, inclusive, and 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.

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.

Paid Time Off:  Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.

Discretionary bonus: Bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results.

Eligibility for benefits varies by role type, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role.

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, diverse, 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, in which all employees recognize and appreciate the diversity of individual team members. 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, gender, 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 “EEO Is the Law,” 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 [email protected].

California Applicant Privacy Notice

If you are a California resident, please reference the CA Applicant Privacy Notice here.