Automated Welding Technician - VPPA

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!

As a Welder/Laser Operator at Blue Origin, you will support advanced manufacturing operations by performing precision welding processes on aluminum, steel, and alloy parts and assemblies to rigorous aerospace tolerances. Your work will involve utilizing a variety of welding metals, alloys, and cutting-edge techniques-including orbital tube welding, TIG, and automated processes such as Variable Polarity Plasma Arc (VPPA)-to fabricate and assemble critical hardware. You will blend and prepare metallic surfaces for welding and non-destructive evaluation, ensuring stringent quality, safety, and cleanliness standards are met in every step. This position calls for expertise in reading blueprints, operating precision measurement tools, and maintaining an organized, compliant workspace.

Position Specific Details

• Shifts: A | Mon-Thurs. (5am-3:30pm), B | Mon-Thurs (3pm-1:30pm), C | Fri-Sun (5am-5:30pm), D | Fri-Sun (5pm-5:30am)

• Location: Space Coast, FL

• Relocation: Available

Key Responsibilities

• Perform welding processes - including orbital tube welding (OTW), TIG welding, and automated welding methods (VPPA) - on aluminum, steel, and alloy aerospace components to specified tolerances and quality requirements.

• Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, and welding procedures to execute precision fabrications and assemblies.

• Prepare and blend metallic surfaces using hand tools for welding and non-destructive evaluation, ensuring optimal cleanliness and fit-up.

• Fabricate jigs, fixtures, and metallic sub-assemblies in adherence to aerospace standards.

• Use precision measurement tools (calipers, height gauges, portable CMMs, etc.) to verify accuracy and quality in completed work.

• Conduct basic troubleshooting and preventative maintenance on welding and laser equipment.

• Maintain a clean, organized, and compliant work environment, strictly following safety, cleanliness, and 5S protocols.

• Collaborate with other team members and cross-functional groups to optimize processes and workflows, sharing best practices and supporting continuous improvement.

• Document work performed and communicate findings to engineering and quality teams.

Team Focus & Domain Expertise

The Welder/Laser Operator team at Blue Origin specializes in advanced welding and fabrication for aerospace structures, bringing mastery in orbital tube welding, TIG, VPPA, and related processes. Team members possess strong capabilities in tube bending, facing, cleaning, and precision measurement-contributing to the assembly, refurbishment, and integration of complex hardware for flight and non-flight systems. A culture of rigorous cleanliness, safety, and continuous improvement underpins all collaborative efforts.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED, plus trade school degree, or equivalent years of relevant experience.

• Experience performing various welding techniques (orbital tube welding, TIG, automated welding processes such as VPPA) on metals/alloys used in aerospace applications.

• Certification in welding (e.g., AWS Certified Welder) or equivalent.

• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical documentation.

• Proficiency in using measuring tools including calipers, height gauges, and similar precision equipment.

• Basic understanding of metallurgical principles and welding processes.

• Ability to lift 50lbs and work at heights (stands, ladders, lifts) and/or in confined spaces.

• Proficiency with digital tools, including Windows and Microsoft Office applications.

• Must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced industry certifications, trade school training, or degree in a related field.

• Extensive experience in aerospace manufacturing environments and complex assembly.

• Expertise in fabricating jigs and fixtures for precise hardware builds.

• Advanced knowledge of tube bending, facing, cleaning, and weldment preparation techniques.

• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to effectively troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues.

• Familiarity with aerospace cleanliness standards and compliant workspace maintenance.

• Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma certification.

• Willingness and ability to work overtime when required.

• Ability to work A, B, C or D shift as necessary

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 (CDL drivers only), 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 atEEOCompliance@blueorigin.com. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.