Application close date:
Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.
The role is part of the In-Space Systems business unit, which is focused on addressing two of the most compelling challenges in spaceflight today: space infrastructure and increasing mobility on-orbit.
Materials & Processes Engineer II -Generalist and Contamination ControlRole Overview:Are you ready to play a critical role in protecting America's strategic advantage in space? Blue Origin National Security is seeking a
Materials & Processes Engineer II with a focus on
contamination control to join our growing team in
Huntsville, Alabama. In this vital role, you will support materials selection and qualification while ensuring the cleanliness, material integrity, and mission readiness of flight hardware, propulsion systems, and spacecraft components supporting the nation's most critical national security space programs. Working alongside world-class engineers and key government partners - including NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, Redstone Arsenal, and the Missile Defense Agency - you will develop and enforce contamination control requirements, perform cleanliness verification, and drive continuous improvement across the full lifecycle of national security space systems. Bring your expertise to Blue Origin National Security - and help safeguard America's presence in space.
Special Mentions:- Relocation provided
- Travel expected up to 10% of the time
Responsibilities:- Support materials selection and qualification with attention to particle generation, outgassing, and chemical compatibility for space and propulsion environments
- Maintain and continuously improve cleanroom, controlled work environment, and precision cleaning protocols for manufacturing, assembly, and integration operations
- Develop, implement, and maintain Contamination Control Plans (CCPs) for national security space systems, propulsion hardware, fluid systems, and precision mechanisms in accordance with applicable government and industry standards
- Establish cleanliness level requirements and verification approaches for fluid systems, optical payloads, mechanical assemblies, and sensitive flight hardware
- Plan and execute cleanliness verification testing including:
- Particle count analysis (liquid and airborne)
- Non-Volatile Residue (NVR) gravimetric and chemical analysis
- Witness coupon and fluid sample processing
- Optical and visual contamination inspections
- Review and approve engineering drawings, assembly procedures, and work instructions for contamination control complianceLead and participate in anomaly investigations and formal failure analyses involving contamination events; generate, track, and close corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs)
- Author and maintain engineering specifications, standards, and process documents governing contamination control across BONS programs
- Provide M&P and contamination control inputs at formal program design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, FRR) and Technical Interchange Meetings (TIMs)
- Interface with government customers, program offices, and prime contractors on contamination control requirements, compliance status, and data deliverables
- Support supplier audits and surveys to ensure vendor compliance with contamination control requirements
- Assess material and fluid compatibility for propulsion systems utilizing liquid oxygen (LOX), liquid hydrogen (LH2), RP-1, hydrazine, and high-pressure pressurants
- Mentor and provide technical guidance to production technicians and manufacturing engineers
Basic Qualifications:- Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or closely related technical discipline
- 3-6 years of experience in Materials & Processes engineering with demonstrated focus on contamination control in aerospace, defense, or precision spaceflight hardware environments
- Active U.S. Secret Security Clearance, or ability to obtain and maintain one
- U.S. Citizenship required (position subject to ITAR and U.S. Government contract requirements)
- Working knowledge of contamination control standards and specifications, including:
- IEST-STD-CC1246 - Product Cleanliness Levels and Contamination Control Program
- MIL-STD-1246 - Product Cleanliness Levels and Contamination Control
- ASTM E595 - Total Mass Loss and Collected Volatile Condensable Materials (outgassing)
- ISO 14644 - Cleanroom classifications and controlled environments
- NASA-STD-5300 series or equivalent DoD/government cleanliness standards
- Hands-on experience with cleanliness verification techniques: particle counting, NVR analysis, gravimetric testing, witness coupons, and optical inspection
- Demonstrated experience writing technical specifications, engineering instructions, and compliance documentation to government program standards
- Familiarity with precision cleaning methods for metallic and non-metallic aerospace hardware
- Strong root cause analysis and structured problem-solving skills
- Ability to work effectively in a multi-program, fast-paced national security environment with strict schedule and compliance requirements
Preferred Qualifications:- Active Top Secret or TS/SCI clearance
- Master's degree in a relevant engineering discipline
- Prior experience on DoD space programs, classified space systems, or national security launch vehicles
- Experience with liquid propellant rocket engine cleanliness and propulsion fluid system contamination control (LOX, LH2, RP-1, hydrazine, pressurants)
- Familiarity with optical system cleanliness requirements for space-based sensors or payloads
- Familiarity with M&P as a generalist in one of the following areas: EEE, cable and harness, metallics and coatings
- Background in spacecraft integration and test (I&T) contamination control environments
- Experience interfacing directly with government program offices (USSF, NRO, MDA, NASA MSFC) on M&P and contamination compliance
- Knowledge of AS9100D quality management systems and quality data packages (QDPs)
- Experience with Windchill, SAP, or equivalent PLM/ERP configuration management systems
- Familiarity with DFARS, FAR, and government contracting requirements as they relate to materials and processes
- Working knowledge of NDE/NDT methods relevant to surface cleanliness verification
- Six Sigma experience or similar continuous improvement certification
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.
- 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 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.
