Solar Development Engineer Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

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.

As a part of the Operations business unit supporting Blue National Security, you will focus on the development of satellite systems aimed at solving two of the most compelling challenges in spaceflight today: space infrastructure and increasing mobility on-orbit. As a member of a hardworking team of engineers and specialists, you will be responsible for the design, manufacturing, and testing of Blue Ring - a spacecraft capable of supporting a variety of missions from medium Earth orbit to the cislunar region. The Blue Ring spacecraft provides unprecedented delta-V capabilities, enabling customers to maneuver payloads of more than 3,000 kg to a variety of Earth orbits. Additionally, Blue Ring offers end-to-end services, including hosting, transportation, refueling, data relay, logistics, and “in-space” edge computing capabilities.

As a Mechanical Manufacturing Engineer supporting Structures and Mechanisms, you will translate engineering intent, drawings, and configurations into operational steps and processes to produce fully functional hardware at scale. You will be directly embedded on the manufacturing floor, supporting structure subassembly and final assembly, as well as spacecraft mechanisms subassembly and final integration - including deployable booms, outriggers, and roll-out solar arrays (ROSAs).

Responsibilities include supporting builds, translating engineering definitions into manufacturing work instructions, and developing and qualifying new processes and technology. Successful candidates will lead DFMA studies to strengthen the feedback loop between design, build, and test, accelerating product development. If you share our vision, thrive in a dynamic startup environment, excel on integrated cross-functional teams of experienced and skilled individuals in several relevant technologies (even if perhaps not in the aerospace industry), continuously seek out opportunities to learn and improve, and do not allow title or job description to limit the depth or breadth of your contributions, then we would love to hear from you.

Special Mentions: B-Shift | Monday-Thursday | 12:00PM-10:30PM Location: Huntsville, AL Relocation: Available Travel: Expected up to 20% of the time

• Translate engineering intent, drawings, and configurations into fully functional structural and mechanical hardware for the Blue Ring spacecraft.
• Support the manufacturing floor in structure subassembly and final assembly, ensuring compliance with engineering requirements, discrepancy resolution, and component acceptance testing.
• Support spacecraft mechanisms subassembly and final integration, including deployable booms, outriggers, and roll-out solar arrays (ROSAs), with attention to precision alignment, torque requirements, and deployment verification.
• Perform in a hands-on engineering role and serve as a liaison between elements of design, test, manufacturing, and operations.
• Develop manufacturing work instructions to clearly define the following manufacturing processes: receiving inspection, fabrication, assembly, integration, test, and refurbishment - with specific focus on structural and mechanical mechanism builds.
• Disposition and investigate root causes of structural and mechanical discrepancies; implement preventative and corrective actions.
• Create in-build redlines and recommend engineering changes to improve structural design, mechanism design, and overall manufacturability.
• Perform engineering drawing review, including GD&T interpretation and validation, and provide final approval for manufacturing.
• Conduct Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) studies with focus on mechanical deployment mechanisms and structural interfaces to strengthen the feedback loop between design, build, and test.
• Drive Design for Manufacturability and Assembly (DFMA) across the structural and mechanisms product life cycle, driving continuous improvement in assembly efficiency and hardware quality.
• Support tooling identification, procurement, and qualification specific to structural assembly fixtures, mechanism handling equipment, and ROSA integration tooling.
• Ensure all work aligns with applicable quality and safety standards (AS9100, ISO 9001), supporting a safe and sustainable future in space.

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Aerospace Engineering (other relevant fields may apply) from an accredited university
• Experience in a manufacturing, industrial, or process engineering role: 0-3 years → Level 1 Manufacturing Engineer 3+ years → Level 2 Manufacturing Engineer 5+ years → Level 3 Manufacturing Engineer 8+ years → Senior Manufacturing Engineer
• 1+ years of experience creating English-language work instructions
• Must be available to work B-Shift (M-TH, 12:00PM-10:30PM) with flexibility to adjust shift as needed and willingness to work extended hours if required

• Active Top Secret/SCI clearance or ability to obtain.
• Prior manufacturing engineering experience in aerospace or defense environments.
• Manufacturing experience with one or more of the following: Spacecraft structures (primary/secondary structure subassembly and final assembly) Spacecraft mechanisms (deployable booms, outriggers, roll-out solar arrays, hinges, hold-down and release mechanisms) Mechanical systems, thermal management systems, or environmental instrumentation for aerospace
• Experience developing spacecraft or other Aerospace, Defense, and High Performance (ADHP) hardware.
• Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals for mechanical design and manufacturing, including working knowledge of GD&T.
• Experience with deployable structure integration and verification, including deployment testing, torque margin analysis, and functional checkouts.
• Experience identifying, designing, and procuring tooling and fixtures for structural and mechanism production systems.
• Experience working with Bills of Materials (BOMs) and BOM reconciliation.
• Strong organizational, project management, and presentation skills (Gantt charting, JIRA, MS Project, Confluence, or similar).
• Proficient in writing work instructions at a high pace.
• Previous experience using Jules and Windchill software.
• Excellent computer skills with the ability to quickly learn and use various software tools as needed.
• Experience with AS9100 Quality Management System (QMS).
• Material Review Board (MRB) experience.

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.

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

• 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