Space Resources Sr. Lab Technician

Application close date:

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.

This position is part of the Advanced Concepts and Enterprise Engineering business unit. ACE develops next-generation concepts and systems to advance our future of living and working in space sustainably.

Blue Origin's vision is to shape a future where millions of people live and work in space for the benefit of Earth. We believe that to preserve our planet, humanity must expand beyond our limits, venturing into space to explore and discover new energy and material resources.

To achieve this, we invite you to be a part of our Space Resources Program. This initiative is at the forefront of developing In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) technologies, destined for the Moon and beyond. If you're passionate about our mission and are looking to make a meaningful contribution, you might just be the ideal candidate to join our inclusive, innovative, and forward-thinking team.

In this hands-on role, you will be based entirely on-site at our Los Angeles Facility, collaborating closely with the Space Resources Program team. We are on the lookout for a qualified Lab Technician III. As such, you will play a pivotal role in operating and maintaining environmental test systems, including vacuum chambers crucial for conducting high-power and high-temperature space exploration technology experiments.

Your responsibilities include ensuring operational excellence and maintaining the highest standards of Environmental Health and Safety during laboratory experiments. You will be in charge of the setup, calibration, and maintenance of laboratory instruments and equipment, guaranteeing they fulfill our stringent spaceflight qualification standards.

We seek a candidate who brings technical know-how, leadership capabilities, and a dedication to quality, all of which are vital in making a positive impact on our mission. The pace at Blue Origin is brisk, with rapid cycles of design, analysis, and integration, aimed at delivering scalable solutions. Therefore, we need someone who is adaptable, proactive, eager to learn, and uncompromising on safety and quality. Creativity, a spirit of innovation, and the ability to manage changing requirements are key to thriving in this role.

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:

• Demonstrate ability in diagnosing and resolving issues within Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) systems to ensure optimal operation.
• Apply knowledge of electrical systems to support the installation, maintenance, and repair of laboratory instrumentation and equipment.
• Design, build, and commission test beds, particularly in cleanroom environments, to support rigorous testing protocols.
• Oversee the installation, maintenance, and repair of laboratory instruments and equipment, ensuring they meet performance standards and operational requirements.
• Ensure all testing including vacuum chamber experiments comply with Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) standards, implementing necessary safeguards and protocols.
• Liaise with contractors for facility modifications and with vendors for the timely delivery and servicing of equipment, ensuring smooth project execution.
• Manage the inventory of laboratory consumables and chemical waste. Ensure proper disposal protocols are followed in coordination with EHS departments.
• Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs) to promote safe and efficient laboratory practices.
• Set up and operate a variety of CNC and manual machining tools to fabricate components and supports as needed for laboratory activities.
• Contribute to fostering a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion within the Agile Hardware Development team, promoting continuous improvement and team cohesion.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A minimum of8 yearsof relevant laboratory experience.
• High school diploma or equivalent; advanced degrees are a plus.
• Proficient in diagnosing and resolving issues within Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) systems.
• Skilled in basic electrical wiring, including thermocouple, pressure transducer, and pump installation.
• Hands-on experience with a variety of laboratory instruments and equipment.
• Capable of designing, building, and commissioning test beds, especially in cleanroom environments.
• Adept at developing and updating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs).
• Proven ability to manage laboratory chemical waste and ensure compliance with Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) standards.
• Effective in managing contractor and vendor relations for facility and equipment servicing.
• Physical capability to move heavy equipment up to 40 lbs as necessary.
• Excellent communication skills with a strong emphasis on team collaboration.
• 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:

• B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
• Experience with CAD design and fabrication for custom test support fixtures.
• Demonstrated experience with large vacuum chambers for integrated testing.
• Relevant certifications in safety, hazardous material handling, or vacuum chamber operations.
• Forklift operation experience or certification.
• Ability to operate and troubleshoot vacuum chambers.
• Experience in setting up and operating CNC and manual machining tools.
• Previous leadership roles or mentorship experience within a technical team.

Compensation Range for:

Other site ranges may differ

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.

Background Check

• Required for all positions: Blue's Standard Background Check

• Required for Certain Job Profiles: Defense Biometric Identification System (DIBDS) 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, 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.

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 atEEOCompliance@blueorigin.com.

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