Apprentice Machinist Program

Application close date:

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!  

We are team of collaborators, doers, and problem-solvers who are relentlessly committed to a culture of safety. This position will directly impact the history of space exploration and will require your commitment and detailed attention towards safe and repeatable space flight. Join us in lowering the cost of access to space and enabling Blue Origin's vision of millions of people living and working in space to benefit Earth.

This is Blue Origin's registered apprenticeship program, built with the U.S. Department of Labor and Drake State Community & Technical College. As an Apprentice Machinist you are a full-time Blue Origin employee from day one, with full benefits, and starting pay of $21.49 per hour at hire. Your time is split between hands-on work at Blue Origin alongside experienced machinists and classroom and lab instruction at Drake State. Classroom instruction is fully covered by Blue Origin at no cost to apprentices.

Advancement is earned through demonstrated skill against your on-the-job training plan. Apprentices who complete the program earn a nationally recognized credential and convert to Level 1 Technician.

This is the founding cohort. Ten apprentices will build the machining pathway Blue scales across trades and sites in the years ahead.

Responsibilities:

• Set up and operate CNC machines and equipment under the direction of assigned mentors to produce accurate components for spaceflight systems.
• Review planning/engineering, work instructions and tooling to verify appropriate work process and quality requirements before starting job.
• Properly and safely select, align, secure and remove holding fixtures, cutting tools, attachments, accessories and materials onto machines.
• Use gages and measuring instruments to meet tolerance requirements.
• Perform accurate and timely completion of all job order documentation and associated paperwork, part counts, tie-in information, etc.
• Maintain on-the-job training hour records and competency documentation required by the program.
• Attend all scheduled Drake State instruction and maintain satisfactory academic standing.
• Progress through competency gates evaluated with your manager and the apprenticeship program team every six months.
• Perform daily and regular cleaning including light maintenance tasks on machinery and equipment.
• Work with team members and others using Lean/Continuous Improvement processes to develop and utilize process improvements that positively impact operations by reducing waste, reducing safety risks and improving quality.
• Utilize interpersonal and communication techniques, working in a team environment, and dealing with a wide variety of personalities and communication styles.

Qualifications:

• A minimum of 9+ months hands-on experience operating manual or CNC machine tools in a production machine shop or manufacturing environment; OR completion of a machining, manufacturing, or precision metalworking certificate or degree program that included substantial hands-on machine time; OR military service in a machining, fabrication, metalworking, or maintenance specialty involving hands-on machine tool operation.
• Documented experience setting up or operating at least one 3-axis mill or lathe.
• Hands-on use of inspection equipment such as calipers, micrometers, and depth gauges to verify dimensional accuracy.
• Basic knowledge of precision tool, machinery and equipment such as CNC lathe, mills and a variety of cutting tools and equipment.
• Basic blueprint reading skills including GD&T per ASME Y14.5 standard.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as work orders, drawings, internal and customer specifications, manuals, and safety regulations.
• Able to perform basic math skills efficiently and accurately (including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division using whole numbers, fractions and decimals).
• Familiar with use of personal computers.
• Effectively communicate and understand job instructions both verbally and written.
• Minimum age 18 at cohort start.
• Must be physically able to climb ladders, stairs, work in small/restricted areas, and lift and carry 25 lbs.
• Self-motivation and ability to prioritize projects to meet completion dates.
• 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.

Desired:

• Basic experience with 3, 4 axis mills and or lathes (Horizontal, mill/turns).
• Basic experience machining the following materials: Copper, Aluminum and/or Titanium.
• Fanuc, Haas, Mazatrol, Heidenhain and Siemens controls.
• Aerospace machining experience.
• Basic knowledge of how to fabricate and machine parts out of metal, plastics, and composites.
• Experience operating heavy lifting equipment such as cranes and forklifts.

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 [email protected]. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.