Tooling Engineer III

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.

About the role

As a Tooling Engineer at Blue Origin, you will be a critical link between our innovative designs and their successful production. You will be responsible for designing, building, and implementing the full spectrum of tooling required to assemble, integrate, test, and transport our flight hardware with the utmost precision and safety. Your designs will be the physical foundation upon which our flight hardware is built. We are looking for a creative and hands-on problem solver with a deep understanding of mechanical design and manufacturing processes. You will conceptualize and create everything from large-scale assembly jigs and ergonomic lift fixtures to bespoke hand tools and environmental test adapters. This role requires a blend of mechanical design creativity and manufacturing pragmatism to enable a safe, high-quality, and efficient production system. This is an unparalleled opportunity to shape the physical environment of a factory building the future of space exploration.

Position Details

• Shifts: Multiple shifts available
• Location: Onsite in TX (approved for a temporary remote work exception)
• Relocation: Available
• Travel: Up to 50% travel required to Seattle for approximately the first 12 months

Responsibilities

• Tooling Design & Analysis: Design and model tooling concepts in 3D CAD (e.g., Creo/Pro-E), performing structural analysis (FEA) to ensure robustness and safety. Create detailed 2D drawings with appropriate GD&T for fabrication.
• Requirements Definition: Partner closely with manufacturing, industrial, and design engineers to capture tooling requirements, ensuring designs are optimized for operator safety, ergonomics, part quality, and manufacturing cycle time.
• Fabrication Management: Manage the procurement and fabrication of tooling by working with both internal machine shops and external vendors. Create statements of work, track progress, and perform inspections to ensure tools are built to spec.
• Implementation & Validation: Oversee the commissioning of tooling on the factory floor, which includes proof-loading of lift fixtures, validating tool functionality, and developing work instructions for proper use.
• Design for Manufacturing (DFM): Serve as a key tooling and DFM resource during New Product Introduction (NPI), providing critical feedback to the design team to improve the manufacturability of our flight hardware product line.
• Continuous Improvement: Provide ongoing support to the production floor, troubleshooting tooling issues and continuously improving existing tool designs to enhance performance, safety, and durability.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in a tool design or mechanical design role for a manufacturing environment.
• Strong proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., Creo/Pro-E, CATIA, SolidWorks) and the creation of detailed 2D drawings with GD&T.
• Hands-on experience with the complete tool lifecycle: requirements gathering, design, fabrication, and implementation.
• Fundamental knowledge of structural analysis (FEA) and common fabrication methods (machining, welding, etc.).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing tooling for aerospace, composites, or large-scale assembly.
• Experience designing, analyzing, and certifying load-rated lift equipment.
• Proficiency with a specific PLM system (e.g., Windchill).
• Hands-on fabrication experience (machining, welding) is a strong plus.

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 bonuses based on individual contributions and company results (not guaranteed)

Blue Origin is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We hire and promote based on qualifications, performance, and abilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or other protected characteristics.

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.