Instrumentation & Controls Engineer II

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.

We are a small, passionate, and accomplished team, that supports the development, construction, operation, and maintenance of liquid rocket engine test facilities for various liquid rocket engine propulsion systems, focusing on instrumentation, data acquisition, and control hardware. You will contribute to the team’s progress by participating in all aspects of hands-on engineering and project management. This position will directly impact the history of space exploration and will require your dedication and detailed attention toward safe and repeatable test operations and spaceflight! This position is based in Huntsville, AL.

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

Responsibilities:

• Maintain and upgrade test stand data acquisition systems: assemble, set up, and validate DAQ hardware configurations and troubleshoot DAQ hardware-related problems.
• Maintain and upgrade test stand PLC systems
• Provide technical support for instrumentation on test stands; provide an updated drawing of harnesses/interfaces, electrical power, and data/control systems; provide mentorship/training and troubleshooting support for technicians and engineers
• Define, coordinate, and execute instrumentation, data, and controls system integration activities at the test stands, including identifying, designing, reviewing, building, installing, and functional checking wire harnesses, components, and instrumentation
• Create and maintain software configuration files, test scripts, test procedures, and relevant rocket engine test procedure sections
• Review and verify the health and performance of instrumentation on the test stand and test articles by reviewing test data, crafting and maintaining data reduction code, and compiling reports
• Perform other tasks, as assigned, to ensure an efficient and effective work environment, including the operation of the test article and test stand to collect fire test data.
• Identify and execute opportunities for continuous improvements to promote workplace safety, meet fast-paced schedules, and secure cost savings.

Minimum Qualifications:

• B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• 2-5 years of experience in electrical schematic and panel layout design using CAD (preferably AutoCAD Electrical)
• PLC Programming experience (Allen Bradley)
• Proven understanding of integrating instrumentation with data acquisition hardware
• Proficiency with electrical diagnostic equipment
• Familiar with industrial sensors and actuators: pressure, temperature, LVDT, accelerometers, motor controllers, flow meters, relays, strain gauges, valves, and pumps
• Strong technical and non-technical writing and verbal skills
• Desire to take ownership of projects
• Ability to travel up to 25% of the time if needed to support other Blue Origin Locations

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience within the aerospace industry working at test facilities, with cryogenic fluid systems, specifically LH2, LOx, LNG, and LN2
• Practice with video monitoring systems (webcam, 3G-SDI, high speed, infrared, etc.)
• Understanding of network configuration and other IT fundamentals
• Software development, fixing PLC, Arduino, Raspberry Pi, or Opto22 controllers
• Familiarity with NI and Bustec hardware
• Familiarity with calibration principles (uncertainty calculation, total error ratios, etc.) and industry calibration standards (ISO/IEC 17025, ANSI NCSL Z540.3).
• Proficient in noise reduction, shielding, grounding techniques, termination, and analog and digital filtering to provide high-fidelity measurements
• Ability to specify instrumentation wiring needed for various interfacing of data systems and sensors
• Experience crafting and installing instrumentation and control systems in hazardous areas (NFPA 70 Section 500 installations); Class 1, Division 1, and Division 2 environments
• Understanding of computers and programming languages (LabVIEW, Java, HTML, and/or C++, Python)

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.

• 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 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 [email protected] . Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.

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