Title: CNC Machining Manufacturing Engineer

Location: Huntsville, AL

Position Type: Full time

Requisition ID: R63959

Description:

Application close date:

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.

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.

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.

This role supports the development and qualification of CNC machining processes for a new advanced hardware program at Blue Origin. The successful candidate will own machining process engineering across the full range of program hardware — from precision multi-axis milling and turning of nickel superalloy turbomachinery components to finish machining of additively manufactured parts. This role requires deep CNC process engineering expertise: developing machining strategies and CAM programming approaches, optimizing toolpaths and cutting parameters for difficult-to-machine aerospace alloys, qualifying machining processes, and providing real-time engineering support during first-article and production runs. The ideal candidate combines strong manufacturing engineering fundamentals with hands-on machining knowledge — someone who can define the process from CAM strategy through first-part-off and drive it to capable, repeatable production. This is an environment where the CNC process engineer will help select production equipment, stand up machining work cells, and build the machining operation from the ground up.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Developing CNC machining process plans for complex aerospace components — defining operation sequences, machine assignments, fixturing concepts, tooling selections, and cutting parameters for multi-axis milling, turning, and grinding operations
• Defining CAM programming strategies and standards — selecting toolpath approaches, establishing programming templates, and working with CAM programmers to optimize cycle time, surface finish, and tool life on nickel superalloys, stainless steels, titanium, and other difficult-to-machine materials
• Qualifying machining processes through first-article builds, process capability studies (Cp/Cpk), and statistical process control (SPC) implementation for critical dimensions and surface integrity requirements
• Developing machining processes for finish machining of additively manufactured (AM) components — including datum strategy, stock-on-condition assessment, fixturing of near-net shapes, and post-processing to final drawing dimensions on DMLS/SLM-printed parts
• Providing Design for Machinability (DFM) feedback to design engineering — influencing tolerances, feature geometry, surface finish callouts, material selection, and datum schemes to optimize producibility before designs freeze
• Evaluating, selecting, and specifying CNC machine tools — multi-axis mills, turning centers, mill-turns, grinders, and EDM equipment — including vendor assessment, capability studies, and factory acceptance testing (FAT) to build the long-term production equipment plan
• Developing and maintaining machining work instructions, setup sheets, and tool lists that enable repeatable execution by CNC machinists across all shifts
• Providing shipside/lineside machining engineering support during first-article and production runs — monitoring process performance, troubleshooting tool wear and chatter issues, adjusting parameters in real time, and making offset decisions
• Leading machining-related nonconformance investigations — performing root cause analysis on dimensional exceedances, surface finish failures, tool breakage incidents, and metallurgical damage (e.g., grinding burn, white layer), developing corrective actions and process improvements
• Defining tooling strategies — selecting cutting tools, defining tool life management programs, evaluating coatings and insert geometries for superalloy machining, and managing relationships with cutting tool vendors
• Specifying and developing fixturing and workholding solutions for complex part geometries — including hydraulic, vacuum, and custom fixture design concepts for thin-wall and distortion-sensitive components
• Supporting automation initiatives — collaborating with automation engineers on automated tool measurement, in-process probing, adaptive machining, and lights-out operation strategies

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related discipline
• 8+ years of experience in CNC machining process engineering, manufacturing engineering with a machining focus, or CNC applications engineering
• Direct experience developing machining processes for aerospace or precision hardware in nickel-based superalloys (Inconel, Haynes, Waspaloy), stainless steels, and/or titanium
• Proficiency with CAM software — able to define programming strategies and review toolpaths even if not the primary programmer
• Strong understanding of multi-axis CNC milling (3- through 5-axis simultaneous) and CNC turning/mill-turn operations
• Experience with process qualification — first-article inspection, capability studies (Cp/Cpk), and establishing repeatable, capable machining processes
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings with complex GD&T per ASME Y14.5, and translate them into machining process plans
• Strong understanding of cutting tool technology — tool materials, coatings, insert geometries, and tool life management for difficult-to-machine alloys
• Strong written, personal, technical, and software skills (CAD, Issue Tracking, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with finish machining of additively manufactured (AM) components — datum strategy, fixturing near-net shapes, and stock-on-condition assessment for DMLS/SLM parts
• Background in turbomachinery component machining or similar rotating hardware with tight tolerances and complex geometries
• Experience evaluating and selecting CNC machine tools for production — vendor assessment, capability studies, and factory acceptance testing (FAT)
• Experience with high-speed machining (HSM) strategies and adaptive toolpath techniques for superalloy roughing
• Experience with in-process probing, on-machine measurement, and adaptive machining techniques
• Fixture design experience — specifying or designing workholding for thin-wall, distortion-sensitive aerospace components
• Experience standing up machining operations in a greenfield facility — work cell layout, chip management, coolant systems, and machine installation coordination
• Familiarity with AS9100 or equivalent quality management systems
• Lean/Six Sigma certification or equivalent
• Customer focused with a proven track record to work cooperatively with teams of different skills across large geographic distances
• Strong organizational and analytical skills

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, 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.
• 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.

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

Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin’s Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us at EEOCompliance@blueorigin.com. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.