Instrumentation and Controls Engineer II

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. This role is part of the Blue Origin Engines business unit, where our focus is the design, development, manufacturing, and testing of engines and propulsion systems. Built for multiple uses, our family of engines powers the next generation of rockets for commercial, civil, national security, and human spaceflight.

We are a small, passionate, and accomplished team that supports the development, construction, operation, and maintenance of ground test facilities for various test articles. You will contribute by participating in all aspects of hands-on engineering and project management. This position is based in Van Horn, TX, and relocation is provided. Regular 5/2 or rotation schedules are available, and interviews will include a technical assessment.

The West Texas Site in Van Horn, TX offers eligible employees additional financial incentives, including a living allowance and relocation assistance. Eligibility is based on the ability to permanently relocate to Van Horn, TX, or travel there from another Blue Origin location at least 50% of the time.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support for instrumentation on test stands; create and update drawings of harnesses, interfaces, electrical power, and data/control systems; support troubleshooting for technicians and engineers
• Develop and modify PLC programs for test stands under the guidance of senior engineers
• Design electrical panels to accommodate new instrumentation and controls infrastructure at test facilities
• Maintain and upgrade test stand data acquisition systems: assemble, configure, and validate DAQ hardware and troubleshoot hardware-related problems
• Execute instrumentation, data, and controls system integration activities at the test stands, including identifying, designing, reviewing, building, installing, and functionally checking wire harnesses, components, and instrumentation
• Perform other tasks as assigned to support an efficient and effective work environment, including operating test articles and test stands to collect hot fire test data
• Identify and act on opportunities for continuous improvement to promote workplace safety, meet schedule, and reduce cost

Requirements

• B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field
• 3-5 years of experience in electrical schematic and panel layout design using CAD (AutoCAD Electrical preferred)
• 3-5 years of PLC programming experience (Allen Bradley or Siemens preferred)
• Working understanding of integrating instrumentation with data acquisition hardware
• Proficiency with electrical diagnostic equipment
• Familiarity with industrial sensors and actuators: pressure transducers, temperature sensors, LVDTs, accelerometers, motor controllers, flow meters, relays, strain gauges, valves, and pumps
• Strong written and verbal communication with proven ability to collaborate across cross-functional teams
• Willingness to take ownership of assigned projects
• 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

• Experience with video monitoring systems (webcam, 3G-SDI, high speed, infrared, etc.)
• Understanding of network configuration and IT fundamentals
• Familiarity with NI hardware or Bustec hardware
• Familiarity with calibration principles (uncertainty calculation, total error ratios, etc.) and industry calibration standards (ISO/IEC 17025, ANSI NCSL Z540.3)
• Proficiency in noise reduction, shielding, grounding, termination, and analog and digital filtering techniques for high-fidelity measurements
• Ability to specify instrumentation wiring for various data system and sensor interfaces
• Experience installing instrumentation and control systems in hazardous areas (NFPA 70 Section 500); Class 1, Division 1 and Division 2 environments

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Basic and supplemental life insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Short and long-term disability
• 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%
• 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 additional benefits and bonuses