Senior Test Engineer - Automation & Software

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

As part of a hardworking team of specialists, technicians, and engineers in our Test Department, you will apply standard engineering knowledge and methods to design, plan, model, execute, and interpret tests for aerospace systems and components. With a focus on automation and software development, you will design and implement sophisticated automated test systems for motion control hardware validation, creating robust test frameworks that enhance production efficiency while ensuring the highest quality standards for spaceflight systems. Your work will directly impact the reliability and performance of motion control solutions used in critical space exploration and aerospace missions.

Special Mentions:

• Relocation provided
• Travel expected up to 10% of the time
• Interviews will include a technical assessment (programming/automation focus)

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Automation & Programming (Primary Focus):

• Design and develop comprehensive automated test frameworks using Python, LabVIEW, and other programming languages for motion control hardware validation including actuators, gearboxes, motors, and motion control assemblies
• Create modular, maintainable test software architecture suitable for manufacturing and production environments
• Implement data collection, analysis, and reporting systems with real-time monitoring capabilities and user-friendly dashboards
• Develop test sequences for complex motion control components including life testing, performance characterization, and environmental qualification
• Build automated control systems for test equipment integration, process orchestration, and hardware/software interfaces

Test System Development:

• Define, architect, and implement scalable test systems with comprehensive documentation and traceability for motion control products
• Integrate hardware/software test solutions including instrumentation, data acquisition systems, and control systems for mechanical and electromechanical testing
• Develop calibration and validation routines for test equipment with electrical and digital test interfaces
• Design test data management systems ensuring accurate record of measurement data for component and system-level testing
• Implement version control, CI/CD pipelines, and automated deployment for test software supporting high-volume production

Collaboration & Technical Leadership:

• Partner with electrical, mechanical, and systems engineering teams to define testability requirements and automation opportunities for motion control products
• Lead technical reviews of automated test solutions and provide programming mentorship to team members
• Present test results, metrics, and improvement recommendations to stakeholders across the Motion Control business unit
• Troubleshoot and optimize existing test systems for improved reliability, performance, and safety in support of production and R&D
• Support development and release of engineering artifacts across the development cycle

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, Software, Computer Science, or related field)
• 6+ years of experience in test engineering with a focus on automation and programming
• Advanced proficiency in Python including object-oriented programming, test frameworks, and data analysis libraries
• Expert-level LabVIEW programming with experience in state machines, queues, and hardware integration
• Experience with automated control and measurement systems (PLC, SCADA, or similar)
• Proven experience testing aerospace, spaceflight, or precision mechanical hardware in automated manufacturing environments
• Experience with environmental testing (thermal, vibration, vacuum, or similar) of aerospace or spaceflight hardware
• Experience with hardware/test equipment integration via APIs, drivers, and communication protocols (VISA, GPIB, Ethernet, RS-232)
• Proficiency with version control systems (Git) and software development best practices

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
• Experience with additional programming languages (C++, C#, MATLAB, or similar)
• National Instruments hardware ecosystem expertise (CompactRIO, PXI, DAQ systems)
• Knowledge of database integration (SQL, InfluxDB) and automated data management systems
• Experience with containerization (Docker) and cloud-based test automation platforms
• Experience with with automated image processing and computer vision for test validation
• Experience with real-time systems programming and deterministic test execution
• Experience automating complex processes: gearbox testing, motor characterization, actuator validation and life testing, PCBA programming/testing
• Knowledge of machine learning/AI for predictive test analytics and automated fault detection
• Experience with automated environmental testing (thermal, vibration, vacuum chambers)
• 3D CAD integration (SolidWorks, NX) for automated test fixture design and validation
• Industrial IoT and automated remote monitoring systems experience
• Knowledge of automated safety systems, interlocks, and fail-safe programming
• Understanding of aerospace quality standards (AS9100, NASA-STD) and automated compliance verification
• Experience with motion control systems, servo drives, or precision positioning equipment

Compensation Range for:

Other site ranges may differ

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.

• Dependent on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on the company's intent to reward individual contributions and enable them to share in the company's results, or other factors at the company's sole discretion. Bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and subject to change and cancellation. Please check with your recruiter for more details.

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

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