Mechanical Integration Technician III Verified today

Blue Origin · Van Horn, TX · Production · first seen 2026-09-03

Overview

Join Blue Origin Operations as a Mechanical Integration Technician III at our Van Horn, TX facility. You will play a direct, hands-on role in building and operating complex test infrastructure, executing integration activities, and maintaining safe, reliable facility performance. Your work will directly influence test readiness, schedule execution, and the success of development milestones in a fast-paced, highly technical environment.

Work Schedule and Location

Work Schedule: 16 days on / 12 days off rotational schedule. Flexibility to work weekends, holidays, and varying shift days is required.

Van Horn is at the heart of Blue Origin operations. Eligible employees receive additional financial incentives to supplement competitive base earnings, including a living allowance and relocation assistance. Eligibility is based on permanent relocation to Van Horn, TX, or travel to Van Horn from another Blue location a minimum of 50% of the time.

Responsibilities

  • Operate test facility systems, including pneumatic, hydraulic, and propellant distribution systems, under established procedures and supervision.
  • Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on valves, piping, pumps, regulators, actuators, and related support equipment.
  • Inspect, troubleshoot, and repair facility components to maintain readiness and reliability.
  • Update maintenance records, logs, and configuration documentation accurately and in a timely manner.
  • Assist in the installation, alignment, and removal of component test articles, fixtures, and support hardware.
  • Support mechanical, fluid, and electrical connections between test articles and facility systems (e.g., propellant lines, pneumatics, instrumentation harnesses).
  • Participate in test readiness activities, including leak checks, functional checks, and pre-/post-test inspections.
  • Collaborate with engineers to implement design changes, upgrades, and improvements to test stands and support systems.
  • Install, calibrate, and troubleshoot instrumentation such as pressure transducers, thermocouples, flow meters, and strain gauges.
  • Assist with sensor wiring, routing, and termination, including connector assembly and basic electrical diagnostics.
  • Support the integration and verification of control and data acquisition systems per engineering instructions.
  • Assist with layout, fabrication, and installation of piping, structural supports, brackets, and test fixtures.
  • Perform basic machining and fabrication tasks (cutting, grinding, drilling, threading, fitting) using common shop tools.
  • Support welding activities (e.g., preparation, fit-up, post-weld clean-up); candidates with welding certifications may perform structural or process piping welds as appropriate.
  • Read and interpret engineering drawings, P&IDs, and work instructions to ensure correct build and installation.
  • Follow all safety procedures, lockout/tagout practices, and hazard controls for high-pressure, cryogenic, and hazardous fluid systems.
  • Participate in safety walkdowns, hazard assessments, and incident/near-miss reviews; proactively identify and report unsafe conditions.
  • Adhere to configuration control, quality standards, and documentation requirements for all work performed.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement of procedures, tooling, and workflows to enhance safety, efficiency, and reliability.
  • Work closely with engineers, operators, and other technicians to plan and execute builds, maintenance, and test operations.
  • Provide clear status updates, communicate issues promptly, and contribute to problem-solving discussions.
  • Support occasional cross-site activities, special projects, and facility upgrades as program needs evolve.

Minimum Qualifications

  • High school diploma or GED.
  • 3+ years of relevant hands-on experience in one or more of the following: industrial facilities, test operations, aerospace/aviation maintenance, petrochemical, power generation, or similar high-consequence environments.
  • OR 2+ years of relevant experience with completion of a technical trade school, military technical training, or associate degree in a related field (e.g., industrial maintenance, welding, machining, mechatronics).
  • Demonstrated experience working with fluid/pneumatic or propellant-like systems (e.g., high-pressure gas, fuel, cryogenic, or hydraulic systems), including basic troubleshooting and maintenance.
  • Proficiency with common mechanical tools and equipment (e.g., torque wrenches, tube benders, flaring tools, pipe threading, hand and power tools).
  • Ability to read and interpret basic engineering drawings, schematics, and P&IDs.
  • Comfort working around and supporting operation of heavy equipment (overhead cranes, forklifts, rigging) under established procedures and training.
  • Strong commitment to working safely in environments involving high pressure, high energy, and hazardous materials.
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly.
  • Ability to work on ladders, scaffolding, and elevated platforms.
  • Ability to stand, bend, kneel, or work in confined spaces for extended periods as required by tasks.
  • Ability to work overtime, off-shifts, weekends, and on-call support as needed to meet test and build schedules.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident (lawful permanent resident/green card holder) and able to satisfy applicable export control and access requirements.

Desired Qualifications

  • 5+ years of experience in test facilities, test operations, or similar high-performance test environments.
  • Experience with cryogenic fluids, propellants, or other hazardous/pressurized media, including leak detection and safe handling practices.
  • Hands-on experience with TIG welding (stainless steel, aluminum, or nickel alloys) and/or structural welding with relevant certifications.
  • Hands-on experience with precision tube fabrication (stainless tubing, orbital welding, flare fittings).
  • Hands-on experience with basic machining (manual mill/lathe) and custom fixture fabrication.
  • Familiarity with CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor) sufficient to review models and drawings for build and integration tasks.
  • Experience installing and troubleshooting industrial instrumentation and controls, including data acquisition or PLC/SCADA systems.
  • Certifications or documented training in welding (AWS, ASME, or equivalent), industrial maintenance/mechatronics, instrumentation and controls, or rigging/crane/forklift operation.
  • Prior experience in a highly regulated or high-reliability environment (e.g., aerospace, defense, nuclear, oil & gas, or chemical processing).
  • Demonstrated participation in continuous improvement initiatives (e.g., 5S, lean, root cause analysis).
  • Experience collaborating with engineering teams to provide design-for-maintainability or design-for-test feedback.

Technical Assessment

Interviews will include a technical assessment.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance.
  • Paid parental leave, short and long-term disability.
  • 401(k) with company match of up to 5%.
  • Education Support Program.
  • Stock options for all regular employees working at least 20 hours/week.
  • Paid Time Off: Up to four weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.
  • Bonuses may be available based on role type and job level, subject to change.