Blue Origin

NDT Engineer Level III - Composites & Advanced Inspection

Blue Origin • $95K — $115K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Technical Bachelor's or Master's degree in engineering, physics, or related discipline.
  • 6+ years of relevant NDT engineering experience or equivalent.
  • ASNT Level II in Ultrasonic Testing (Level III preferred) with hands-on experience in composite structures.
  • Demonstrated expertise across the inspection cycle with a focus on safe operations.
  • Ability to read and interpret blueprints and schematic diagrams.

Responsibilities

  • Perform ultrasonic inspections of composite flight hardware with minimal oversight.
  • Author and maintain UT inspection techniques and standards for new components.
  • Provide infrared thermography and digital radiography support for inspections.
  • Interpret inspection data and participate in root cause analyses for defects.
  • Own inspection design and tactical planning with general guidance.
  • Support tool development and process improvements for engineering products.
  • Train and mentor Level I/II inspectors on inspection techniques and procedures.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Paid parental leave and short/long-term disability.
  • 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%.
  • Stock options for all regular employees working at least 20 hours/week.
  • Up to four weeks of paid time off and 14 company-paid holidays.
Full Job Description
Application close date:
Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.

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.

As part of a diverse and hardworking team of Nondestructive Testing (NDT) specialists, technicians, and engineers, you will perform development and production NDT activities for spaceflight systems supporting both New Glenn (launch vehicle) and Lunar (space systems) programs. This role is primarily focused on the ultrasonic inspection of composite payload adapter (PA) and payload fairing flight hardware, complemented by infrared thermography and digital radiography. You will own the design, development, and tactical planning of your inspections with minimal oversight, directly assuring part integrity, quality, and life for hardware that flies.

We are looking for a skilled NDT engineer ready to work the full inspection cycle at technical depth and grow into broader areas of expertise. Passion for our mission and vision is required!

Special Mentions
  • Location: This role is based at Rocket Park.
  • Travel: Up to 25% to support test campaigns (e.g., static/pressure testing) and NDT supplier sites.
  • Supports both launch vehicle / New Glenn and space systems / Lunar programs.


Key Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
  • Perform ultrasonic (UT) inspection of composite flight hardware-payload adapters and fairings-using pulse-echo, through-transmission, and phased array (PAUT) techniques, working the entire inspection design and execution cycle with minimal oversight.
  • Author, validate, and maintain UT inspection techniques, scan programs, and reference standards for new components.
  • Provide infrared thermography (IRT) and digital radiography (DR) inspection support to complement composite UT inspections.
  • Interpret inspection data and disposition defects on flight hardware; participate in root cause analyses and support corrective actions for moderate-to-major-scope non-conformances.
  • Own product inspection design, development strategy, and tactical planning with general guidance on new assignments.
  • Participate in significant tool development, process improvements, and release/support of engineering products; help capture best practices.
  • Support upstream design reviews to maximize hardware inspectability; create, review, and maintain engineering documentation (inspection plans, procedures, specifications).
  • Support test campaigns with real-time NDE for validation activities (e.g., bondline, static/pressure testing) and identify/communicate technical, cost, and schedule risks.
  • Support supplier technique review/approval and build positive relationships with external composite vendors.
  • Provide training and mentoring on inspection techniques, procedures, and criteria to Level I/II inspectors per Blue Origin's written practice (NAS 410 or equivalent).


Minimum Qualifications
  • Technical Bachelor's or Master's degree (engineering, physics, or related discipline).
  • Typically 6+ years of relevant NDT engineering experience (or equivalent).
  • ASNT Level II (Level III preferred, or substantive equivalent) in Ultrasonic Testing (UT), with hands-on experience inspecting composite structures (pulse-echo and through-transmission).
  • Developing-to-established professional expertise across the inspection cycle-technique application, verification, and test-with a demonstrated track record of safe operations.
  • Experience determining parameters, techniques, and calibrations for composite inspection and interpreting/dispositioning inspection data on critical structures.
  • Ability to read and understand blueprints and schematic diagrams.
  • Knowledge of NDT personnel certification practices (NAS 410 or equivalent) and AS9100.
  • Ability to earn trust, solicit/accept feedback, and contribute to a culture of inclusion.
  • 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
  • ASNT Level II (or substantive experience) in Infrared/Thermography (IR) and/or Digital Radiography (RT).
  • Certification or exposure to modalities supporting TPS and composite inspection: Shearography, Terahertz (THz), and/or Eddy Current (ET).
  • Knowledge of Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) and through-transmission (AirScan) systems.
  • Knowledge of Probability of Detection (POD) studies.
  • Experience with automated/robotic data acquisition and 3D scan-path programming.
  • Software/automation coding experience: SQL, Python, C++, C#, Intel Intrinsics.
  • Knowledge of industry NDT standards (NAS 410, ASTM E2580, E2533, E1495, E317, AMS-STD-2154).
  • ABET-accredited mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or materials science & engineering degree.
  • Ionizing radiation safety credential / third-party IRRSP certification (for RT support).
  • Aerospace production or R&D experience; knowledge of composites fabrication processes.


Why Blue Origin

As an NDT Engineer, you'll own composite inspections that safeguard flight hardware bound for orbit and the Moon. You'll work the full inspection cycle, sharpen your expertise across multiple modalities, pursue advanced certifications, and grow alongside a passionate, expert team-seeing your impact on every flight.

Ready to ensure that every composite structure we fly meets the highest standard of safety and quality? Join us, and help build a future where millions of people are living and working in space to benefit Earth. Apply today.

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.

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.

About Blue Origin

Blue Origin is an aerospace company that develops rockets and spacecraft for commercial and government customers. The company's products include the New Shepard suborbital vehicle and the New Glenn orbital rocket. Blue Origin was founded in 2000 by Jeff Bezos and is headquartered in Kent, Washington.
Learn more about Blue Origin
Size
3,000 employees
Industry
Founded
2000

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