Instrumentation & Controls Technician
Blue Origin · Van Horn, TX
- Level
- Technician
- Team
- Controls
- Travel
- 25%
- Experience asked
- 2+ years
- Industry
- Aerospace & defense
- Posted
- Yesterday
The role in 30 seconds
A technician-level controls role at Blue Origin (aerospace & defense) in Van Horn, TX. As part of a hardworking team of instrumentation and controls technicians, you will be responsible for the fabrication of instrumentation and control systems used in rocket engine testing.
- They ask for
- 2+ years
- Tools it names
- 5S, PLC
- Day to day
- about 25% travel · relocation help
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of November 2, 2026
Maintenance Technician roles in Texas: typical posted base $51k–$67k.
Median of the low and high ends of 3 live postings that list pay, out of 225 maintenance technician openings in Texas, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
Texas plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 31 other live controls postings in Texas.
- Experience asked
- Less than usual (2+ vs 3+)
Similar roles usually ask 3+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ PLC 63%
- Automation 63%
- Robotics 25%
- Welding 22%
- Root cause 22%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Controls team at Blue Origin
We found 5 people at this company and state: 5 in this kind of role. Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. See them ↓
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
Write to James → (free) - 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- The posting says about 25% travel. Between which sites?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
This plant: Blue Origin in Van Horn
No other open roles at this site right now · 5 people we found in controls roles at Blue Origin.
Full description from Blue OriginAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Qualifications
- ✓2+ years of experience in Instrumentation & Controls, Avionics, rocket/jet engine testing or similar field
- ✓Ability to closely follow electrical schematics, diagrams, and P&ID
- ✓Perform mate/de-mate, cleaning, inspection, assembly, and testing of harnesses and electronic components
- ✓Has fabricated cable harness assemblies including power, signal, and data cables
- ✓Has fabricated control panels
- ✓Familiar with test, flight, safety, and proper handling of critical hardware
- ✓Demonstrated ability to work with Data Acquisition Systems and sensors, having a good understanding of instrumentation calibration
- ✓Mechanical aptitude, use of hand tools, and safe working practices
- ✓Familiar with PLC’s, installing and troubleshooting instrumentation to include valve positioners, thermocouples, pressure transducers, and other general electronics
- ✓Proficiency in troubleshooting low voltage systems, 4-20mA signals, and thermocouples
- ✓Working knowledge of hazardous areas and NEC Article 500 installations
- ✓Ability to work effectively with a strong work ethic and close attention to detail in a fast-paced dynamic team environment with constantly evolving roles and
responsibilities
- ◆Ability to lift 50lbs, work at medium heights, climb ladders, stairs, etc.
- ◆Basic computer skills such as Windows, Microsoft Office, etc.
- ◆Extremely customer focused with strong verbal and written communication skills in English
- ◆Must be willing and able to work off shifts and overtime as needed.
- ◆Ability to travel up to 25% of the time if needed to support other Blue Origin locations
Preferred Qualifications
- ✓5+ years of experience in propulsion facility/system or launch vehicle operation, integration, or maintenance
- ✓Certifications: IPC/WHMA-A-620, MIL-DTL-22520, NASA-STD-8739, J-STD-001, and/or ANSI/ESD S20.20
- ✓Working knowledge of rocket propellants, including Liquid Oxygen, and cryogenic fuels
- ✓Working knowledge of camera and video system technologies and how to troubleshoot IP and SDI video signals
- ✓Experience setting up, and pulling large amounts of low voltage wiring
- ✓Experience with WAGO push-in termination blocks, or similar
- ✓Experienced in handling aerospace components
- ✓Experienced in handling ESD sensitive components
- ✓Experience operating forklifts, scissor lifts, telescopic boom lifts
- ✓Understanding of 5s principles and tool control measures
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.
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
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 Advanced Concepts and Enterprise Engineering (ACE), supporting Blue Origin’s mission of millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. The team fosters innovation and drives engineering workflows of the future, shared solutions and standards, simplicity and lower costs, and manufacturable design.
As part of a hardworking team of instrumentation and controls technicians, you will be responsible for the fabrication of instrumentation and control systems used in rocket engine testing. You will perform fabrication, installation, and checkout of wire harnesses, control panels, flight hardware, video hardware, and instrumentation systems. You will also need to have a good understanding of safety procedures associated with working with hazardous chemicals and high-pressure systems. Your responsibility may also include managing contractors as they perform instrumentation and controls installations.
We are looking for someone to apply their technical expertise, leadership skills, and commitment to quality to positively impact safe human spaceflight. Passion for our mission and vision is required!
Special Mentions
- •Relocation provided
- •Base Schedule: 8 days on / 6 days off (8/6 rotation), Monday through Monday, A or B rotation
- •Standard Hours: 6:00 AM to 4:30 PM (subject to change based on operational needs)
- •Travel expected up to 25% of the time
- •Multiple positions available
Van Horn Specific information
Being at the heart of Blue Origin operations, the West Texas Site in Van Horn, TX offers eligible employee’s additional attractive financial incentives to supplement their competitive base earnings, including a living allowance and relocation assistance. Eligibility for these additional benefits is based on the employee’s ability to permanently relocate to Van Horn, TX, or travel to Van Horn from another Blue location a minimum of 50% of the time.
include but are not limited to
- •Fabrication, installation, and checkout of wire harnesses, control panels, flight hardware, video hardware, and instrumentation systems
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: Driv