Application Engineer III - Data Systems & Controls Engineering

Blue Origin

Full-time - Mid Level

Transportation Equipment Manufacturing

About the position

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! This role is a part of the Test & Flight Operations team, providing centralized support to business units with a focus on the design, build, and maintenance of the ground systems, test, and launch facilities across multiple locations. 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. Responsible for the design, development, and verification of data collection and control systems used in either flight component testing or ground launch support facilities. Applies standard engineering techniques to design, develop, and maintain instrumentation or controls systems. Automates manufacturing or similar processes using instrumentation or controls systems. Develops new and modifies existing PLC or HMI applications, interfaces, or embedded controls. Ownership in set-up and commissioning of new facilities or upgrading of existing facilities. Troubleshoots and resolves malfunctions and makes recommendations that will improve efficiency or quality of operations. Documents specifications and operating procedures. As part of a team of engineers, you will lead and support the creation, development, operation, and maintenance of space vehicle and rocket engine component test facilities, with a focus on data acquisition and control systems. You will contribute to the team's progress by collaborating with customers, test operations, and the design team to maintain software and hardware configuration as well as facility test cadence.

Responsibilities

• Own, 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.
• Improve, maintain, and upgrade test stand data acquisition systems: assemble, setup, and validate DAQ hardware configurations and solve DAQ hardware related problems.
• Seek out automation opportunities to improve efficiency.
• Provide technical support for instrumentation on test stands; provide and update drawings of harnesses/interfaces, electrical power, and data/control systems; provide mentorship/training and troubleshooting support for technicians and engineers.
• Create and maintain software configuration files, test scripts, procedures LabVIEW console GUIs, and test.
• Review and verify health and performance of instrumentation on the test stand and test articles by reviewing test data.

Requirements

• 5+ years end-to-end experience with industrial or aerospace control system design and operation
• Strong experience in at least one programming language: LabVIEW, Python, or PLC Ladder Logic
• Full system level integration experience of software, hardware, and electrical
• BS/MS in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, or related field with a combination of software/hardware development experience
• Start to finish system design experience.
• Ability to design electrical circuits using CAD based schematic and panel layout tools (preferably AutoCAD Electrical)
• Proficiency with electrical diagnostic equipment (multimeters, oscilloscopes, etc.) to trouble shoot instrumentation and control circuits.
• Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to a culture of inclusion.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience leading teams from concept to product delivered.
• Experience with designing box level automation
• Experience working with instrumentation: static and dynamic pressure, cryogenic temperature sensors (silicon diodes or RTDs), LVDTs, and accelerometers.
• Software development or troubleshooting of NI LabVIEW systems or PLC controllers coupled with OPC communications (preferably Allen-Bradley).
• Tuning closed loop control systems.

Benefits

• 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%
• 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.