Test Engineer II - Motion Control, Honeybee Robotics

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!

As a member of the Blue Origin family of companies, Honeybee Robotics has been at the forefront of robotics for over 40 years. Our Colorado location specializes in creating advanced motion control solutions for NASA, defense, and commercial programs. Our work has played a critical role in thousands of projects, spanning from conceptual design studies to flight missions, including NASA''s Artemis I Mission and the Roman Space Telescope. We are seeking technically brilliant individuals who are passionate about their work, thrive in collaborative environments, and have a laser focus on the details that drive excellence.

At Blue Origin, the Motion Control Business Unit (MCBU) designs, manufactures, and tests the high-performance, reliable motion control components and integrated solutions that power the most demanding aerospace missions. Our product portfolio-including actuators, motors, Solar Array Drive Electronics (SADEs), Solar Array Drive Assemblies (SADAs), and Thrust Vector Control (TVC) systems-operates in the harshest environments, enabling critical missions from Earth orbit to the lunar surface and deep space. Our Test Department is essential in ensuring every component meets the rigorous standards required for mission success.

As part of a hardworking team of specialists, technicians, and engineers in our MCBU Test Department, you will apply engineering knowledge and methods to the design, planning, execution, and interpretation of tests for aerospace systems and components in support of Blue Origin's lunar programs. Working independently on moderately complex tasks, you will develop and execute test campaigns across the product lifecycle-from Engineering Development Units (EDUs) to Qualification, Flight acceptance, and recurring production-and may provide technical direction to technicians and junior engineers. Your work will directly impact the reliability and performance of the motion control hardware that enables lunar landers and next-generation space vehicles.

Special Mentions

• First Shift
• Relocation provided
• Travel expected up to 10% of the time

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Test Development & Execution

• Develop, write, and execute test plans and procedures for Engineering Development, Qualification, Flight acceptance (ATP), and recurring-production testing of MCBU components-such as motors, actuators, gimbals, SADE, and SADA hardware-supporting lunar program milestones.
• Independently execute acceptance, functional, and performance test campaigns to validate product performance against customer requirements and industry standards.
• Set up, configure, and troubleshoot test stands and articles under test to resolve technical issues that arise during test campaigns.
• Support the setup and execution of environmental tests, including vibration, shock, bench performance, thermal, and thermal vacuum (TVAC) testing.
• Present test campaign plans, schedules, and results to project stakeholders and customers.

Test System Design

• Design, build, and modify mechanical test fixtures and ground support equipment using 3D CAD software; adapt fixtures for vibration, shock, thermal, and TVAC testing as program needs dictate.
• Design, integrate, and troubleshoot electrical ground support equipment (EGSE); interpret electrical diagrams and PCBA schematics to stand up test stands and diagnose faults.
• Develop, configure, and maintain test automation, control/sequencing, and data-acquisition software (e.g., Python, LabVIEW); support software integration, verification, and version control.
• Configure and operate instrumentation and digital data acquisition (DAQ) systems; install and use sensors such as load cells and thermocouples to measure force, torque, and temperature.
• Apply fundamental knowledge of motor and actuator behavior-including detent torque, accuracy, and stiffness-to set up and interpret testing.

Documentation & Collaboration

• Analyze and interpret test data to verify performance, identify trends, and support root cause investigations.
• Document test setups and results, prepare detailed technical reports, and present findings to internal teams.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams, including technicians, design engineers, and quality, to ensure successful test execution.
• Maintain test equipment readiness and support calibration activities to ensure accuracy and repeatability.
• Perform other duties and assume additional responsibilities as needed to meet evolving business and program needs.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.

• 2-5 years of relevant experience in a test, mechanical, electromechanical, or test-software engineering role (an advanced degree may offset experience).

• Demonstrated depth in at least one of the following:

• Mechanical design - designing/modifying test fixtures and GSE using 3D CAD (e.g., Creo, SolidWorks, NX), with a solid grasp of GD&T and mechanical structures;

• EGSE design - designing/integrating electrical ground support equipment and reading electrical diagrams/PCBA schematics;

• Software - developing test automation, control, or data-acquisition software (e.g., Python, LabVIEW).

• Intermediate understanding of instrumentation and measurement systems, including the fundamentals of digital data acquisition.

• Working knowledge of the fundamental properties of motors (electric/electromechanical preferred), such as detent torque, accuracy, and stiffness.

• Strong debugging and troubleshooting skills across mechanical and/or electrical test systems.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a high degree of attention to detail.

• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.

• 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

• Experience testing mechanisms and components.
• Controls experience (e.g., closed-loop motion control, servo tuning, control-systems fundamentals).
• Direct experience with environmental testing (vibration, shock, thermal, vacuum).
• Hands-on experience building, setting up, and troubleshooting mechanical or electromechanical test equipment.
• Familiarity with motion control systems such as motors, actuators, or robotic mechanisms.
• Experience performing structural and/or stiffness testing.
• Experience supporting lunar, planetary, or spaceflight hardware programs.
• Experience with test data post-processing and analysis using tools such as MATLAB or Python.
• Knowledge of space qualification standards (e.g., NASA-STD, MIL-STD-810, GEVS/GSFC-STD-7000) and cleanroom protocols.

On the Motion Control team, you will have the unique opportunity to put your engineering skills to the test on the foundational hardware that enables missions across the solar system-including the lunar landers that will return humans to the Moon. You will learn from industry experts while making a direct impact on the quality and reliability of lunar landers, satellite systems, and next-generation space vehicles. If you are passionate about mechanical and electromechanical systems and want to help build the road to space, join us.

Base Pay Range for:

CO applicants is $90,934.00 - $127,307.25

Other site ranges may differ

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.