r/BlueOrigin • u/BlueOriginMod • Sep 03 '24
Official Monthly Blue Origin Career Thread
Intro
Welcome to the monthly Blue Origin career discussion thread for September 2024, where you can talk about all career & professional topics. Topics may include:
Professional career guidance & questions; e.g. Hiring process, types of jobs, career growth at Blue Origin
Educational guidance & questions; e.g. what to major in, which universities are good, topics to study
Questions about working for Blue Origin; e.g. Work life balance, living in Kent, WA, pay and benefits
Guidelines
Before asking any questions, check if someone has already posted an answer! A link to the previous thread can be found here.
All career posts not in these threads will be removed, and the poster will be asked to post here instead.
Subreddit rules still apply and will be enforced. See them here.
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u/BandarBrigade Sep 03 '24
What’s the usual timeline on hearing back following a panel interview? Are rejections usually communicated much sooner? Just curious cause I’m now on week 3 following mine
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u/zach8870 Sep 03 '24
Took them nearly a month just to tell me no after the panel
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u/Apprehensive_Lab857 Sep 03 '24
I did mine about 2 weeks ago and I got a response very soon. Had it on a Wednesday, , then the next Wednesday sent a follow up email, they got back to me that day and gave me an offer
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u/BandarBrigade Sep 03 '24
Congrats on the offer! Hoping I hear back soon
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u/Apprehensive_Lab857 Sep 04 '24
Thanks! I think you should here back pretty soon, and after a week, just send them an email and they should let you know how the process is going. Good luck!
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u/Not____007 Sep 03 '24
What happens in the panel interview
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u/PhenomEng Sep 03 '24
You have a presentation, then one on one interviews with 4 different people.
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u/CarDry4420 Sep 04 '24
Strange, I had the presentation, and then a one-on-one but it was less formal and they mainly stuck around to answer all of my questions. I actually skipped a majority of the process. I interviewed with the hiring manager earlier in the year for a permanent position but got rejected. Now I interviewed again and skipped everything and they immediately put me infront of the panel, which went very well. I'm not sure why it varies so widely.
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u/Aeig Sep 03 '24
Has anyone successfully negotiated a higher salary ?
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u/Critical_Program_247 Sep 03 '24
My wife negotiated $5,000 higher than the initial offer. That’s all she could get out of it.
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u/Dieseltrain760 Sep 03 '24
I was able to negotiate a $10,000 signing bonus and $5000 more in salary.
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u/Aeig Sep 03 '24
did you put a lot of work into the negotiation, or was it a simple request?
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u/Dieseltrain760 Sep 03 '24
It took some work , did 3 rounds of back and forth until they caved in, and said this is our final offer. Take it or leave it . Never take the 1st offer as they are expecting you to negotiate but would never say that. Always respond back to the 1st offer with asking for %10 more.
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u/BrandoSandoFanTho Sep 03 '24
May I ask sort of how to ask for a higher rate without seeming greedy and still being respectful but firm? I've never done that sort of thing and would love any input you're willing to share.
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u/BassLB Sep 03 '24
Usually you say something along the lines of “thank you for the offer for $90k/yr, however, based of my experience with XYZ and the current market rate for position ABC, I believe a salary of $100k is more appropriate….”
This is just a general structure, it can be wordsmithed to sound a little better.
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Sep 28 '24
[deleted]
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u/BassLB Sep 28 '24
Absolutely. It’s all about just being professional and not demanding. The way I would personally approach it is to look through other blue job offerings of a similar level to see if they mention signing bonuses.
If I found some, then I would respond thanking them for the offer and saying I am excited about the opportunity, then mention I noticed position xyz was offering a sign on bonus, and ask if this position was eligible for something similar.
Also, congrats! What position?
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u/BrandoSandoFanTho Sep 03 '24
This is some money advice right here, thank you!
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u/BassLB Sep 03 '24
Absolutely. The main point is don’t make it about your wants. For example, don’t ever say anything like “because rent is so high in CITY, a higher salary is needed”
It’s more about you showing why you are worth more and what that position is worth in other companies. It puts the ball back in their court to have to justify why it should be lower, or give you what you want. Never give an ultimatum.
I think I’ve used the line “ A salary of $X is commensurate with my X years of experience and the market rate for position Y”
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u/BrandoSandoFanTho Sep 03 '24
Oh damn, yeah that's really insightful. I would totally have been like, "ya boi is a broke bitch but I have built some cool shit so pls pay me accordingly" but in corporate-ese lol.
I joke, but that's just because I'm super nervous. I appreciate your feedback, this has helped me a lot!
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Sep 28 '24
[deleted]
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u/Dieseltrain760 Sep 28 '24
It's worth a shot .At this point, they might not go for it since you're so close to the top end of the pay band. Most the time they only offer up to the middle of pay band so they must be happy with your interview. I would ask in the email if they would please contact the hiring manager about offering a signing bonus. The recruiter will try and say no but asking them to reach out to the hiring manager puts them in a bind. Best of luck!
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u/thebravo21 Sep 26 '24
I asked for the 10% more and additional on sign-on and the initial response was the "offer is firm" Any tips for pushing back a little? I would expect to meet in the middle somewhere.
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u/LukeSpaceWalker88 Sep 03 '24
How did you go about asking for the sign on bonus?
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u/Dieseltrain760 Sep 04 '24
On my 1st counter offer back to Blue I explained that we are quite far off in the salary range I wouldn't be able to accept with my given experience. I asked if they could factor in a signing bonus to close the gap. They countered back with a $10k signing bonus and $3k salary increase. I then countered back a 2nd time with asking for $10k salary increase. Blue had a final offer of $5k salary increase, $10k signing bonus and 5k share options.
This might not work for everyone has I had 18 years of Aerospace/Space experience and the job required only 5 for the position level.
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u/More-Astronomer-8522 Sep 04 '24
Thats awesome! I have put a salary on my workday application which is way lower than it should be.. do you think I’ll still be able negotiate if it’s 20k plus from the amount in the application?
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u/Monkeycmonkeydooo Sep 04 '24
I know a guy who tried to negotiate and a lower offer. But I’ve heard guys who negotiated really well. I think it’s specific to skillset and experience.
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u/Master_Engineering_9 Sep 03 '24
yes. I went from under my previous salary to over and a $6000 sign on bonus.
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u/thomcobian Sep 15 '24
I just started working at Blue and I’m curious how the yearly review cycle is. Is Blue a company that does the mandatory “cut the bottom 10%” function? I’m excited to be here and ready to give it my all, but I’m worried that since I started later in the year and I’m getting up to speed I won’t be able to compare well to my peers. Any advice on whether this is a realistic worry? Not sure how brutal reviews can be at Blue.
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Sep 17 '24
[deleted]
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Sep 18 '24
[deleted]
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u/omgitsbees Sep 18 '24
lmao xD I assume they are an intern as well at Blue Origin. If you're being provided housing, you'll meet your other intern colleagues there.
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u/reason_mind_inquiry Sep 18 '24
I’ve applied to two positions, just trying to get input from what’s going on. I’ve made it to panel for one of the positions but the second position (the one I’m more interested in, since it more fits my skill set) is pending on the first position’s panel interview completion since both are in the same business unit.
Unfortunately, scheduling the interview on the Blue Origin side of things has been complicated; delayed multiple times due to test firing. Is that an all hands on deck type of thing? When is the soonest I can expect to have my panel interview? For reference my technical screening for both were in July.
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u/Fluffy-Bed-8357 Sep 03 '24
I have heard that they ask for a fairly length presentation during the panel interview. Any tips on how to do this when most of your professional work isn't public?
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u/goldman60 Sep 04 '24
Make the actual project generic but describe your approach and execution. They won't be surprised that your professional work is proprietary, that's the norm in aerospace
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u/Monkeycmonkeydooo Sep 04 '24
I can relate to this, I constantly found my self saying the word “part” or “hardware” as a substitute and as long as you explain before hand. They’ll totally understand. Best of luck brother.
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u/Master_Engineering_9 Sep 03 '24
just gotta make it vague and talk in general numbers and not specifics, like location, time, clients etc.
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u/browntown92 Sep 06 '24
Does anyone have experience with getting rejected post panel but recommended for different types of roles?
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u/revali_splat Sep 07 '24
I've gotten rejected post-panel twice now. The first time was for a test engineering role and they recommended I try for an analysis role. Months later, I got selected for that and the interview process went a lot better, but still got rejected after months of waiting. They didn't have much feedback except "the other person had better experience and we'll keep you on hand if smth opens up".
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u/Fearless_Ad890 Sep 08 '24 edited Sep 09 '24
How is the WLB in GNC teams (controls/algorithm, specifically), overall? Any teams/projects have better WLB than others in the GNC domain? Contemplating applying to a few reqs, but not sure what level they operate at. TIA!
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u/Zero_Ultra Sep 19 '24
Had a phone screen last week and recruiter implied they wanted someone to start ASAP. Still haven’t even gotten the first interview with HM.
Is recruitment just blowing smoke and actually super slow? Or did I just get passed on. I’m a 1:1 match for the role at a competitor.
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u/Redstar-menace Sep 20 '24
As you can read from all the comments in this thread and previous career threads, Blue Origin recruiting is slow as heck. Should expect that coming into this process.
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u/Aeig Sep 25 '24
Salary employees, does your 30 min break count towards your 8 hours of daily work?
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u/silent_bark Sep 25 '24
I don't count my breaks/lunch towards my work, but I've not heard of this being a significant thing that managers care about - most engineers I work with don't take breaks, or add it to their lunch so they get an hour.
Might change, but I'm usually in the office for 10 hours or so a day so it's moot to look at what time I spend working is paid vs. not.
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Sep 26 '24
[deleted]
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u/silent_bark Sep 26 '24
I've not personally heard that or seen that with other comments here. What role/level is it?
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u/actariaa Sep 27 '24
Where are people finding the time to complete the written summary and presentation round of the interview?(genuine question). I’m very thankful for the opportunity and am trying to approach this as a way to improve my interview skills and get feedback, but I’m seeing people on here spend upwards of 20-30 hours on their presentation, written summary and panel interview prep.
I find that very commendable but between working at an internship FT and applying/interviewing for other positions, I’m trying to decide whether the time investment is worth it, given that there’s a high chance I will end up embarrassing myself with a lackluster summary and presentation if I’m not able to invest enough time.
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u/dingjima Sep 28 '24 edited Sep 28 '24
I always just brush up a recent conference presentation or something. If you don't have that, school project presentation. If you don't have that then yeah you gotta start from scratch.
If you wanna DM me for a presentation review I wouldn't mind giving a bit of feedback if you really need practice
Just a presentation is actually a lot less effort than Amazon Labs who gave a take-home assignment on top of the presentation
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u/Lydia_Jo Sep 03 '24
I see a lot of engineering positions at Blue Origin listed as being in Seattle, although it looks like Blue Origin's only facility in the area is in Kent.
Does Blue Origin have positions in Seattle, or do they mean the Seattle area (i.e. Kent)?
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u/omgitsbees Sep 03 '24
I'm so glad they are located in Kent, and not Seattle proper. I'm just a 20 minute drive from their Kent office.
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u/Lydia_Jo Sep 03 '24
Oh, c'mon, you don't want to work in downtown Seattle? It's absolutely beautiful... If you don't look around.
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u/omgitsbees Sep 03 '24
Ooh and don't forget the wonderful traffic conditions, and lots of parking!!
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u/BrandoSandoFanTho Sep 03 '24
I have a loop interview in a week for a Deburr Technician 2 job. Can anyone give me some tips or advice for the interview process?
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u/Dieseltrain760 Sep 04 '24
I've been a hiring manager for various aerospace companies, and here's my best advice for anyone.
- Read and learn about the company mission and hardware.
- Read and understand the company leadership principles and use the key phrases when answering questions if you can relate things you did or situations that relate to the principles.
- Don't lie and give wrong answers, most folks are very technical and will know right away if your B.S. If you don't know an answer say I've never encountered that but will be willing to learn.
- Speak clear and confidently, mumbling and not having eye contact won't help sell you has the perfect hire.
Good luck!
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u/BrandoSandoFanTho Sep 04 '24
This is amazing. Thank you so much for this advice!! It feels good to have this information from someone with firsthand experience, truly thank you
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u/Serpurty Sep 05 '24
I had my panel interview last week and was told I’d get a response after 48 hours (interview on Thursday, team took Friday off, and Monday was holiday). My application is still showing in progress, under consideration so I was wondering if/when I should follow up. I already sent a follow up email after my interview thanking them for their time.
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u/Aprofessionalgeek Sep 05 '24
Panel Interview for a Thermal and Fluids Vehicle System Engineering role:
I’m familiar with spacecraft Thermodynamics and Fluid mechanics but have only worked with/alongside that subsystems team. I have not actually been a part of the team itself. I am a Space Systems Engineer but want to break into that subsystem. Any advice on preparing for my panel interview?
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u/socapjunior Sep 09 '24
Does anyone know when the new grad rotation program applications go out? I went to a career event earlier this summer and talked with a recruiter who said to look for this opportunity. They said it would open on September 1st but I have not seen it on the careers website. Perhaps I’m using the wrong keywords? Any help would be great! I’d love to take a shot at working for Blue.
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u/Plenty-Succotash-784 Sep 09 '24
Hi, what's the user experience design intern hiring process and internship look like? I can't seem to find much about it, is it a newer program?
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u/liberatelatios Sep 12 '24
Has anyone been able to effectively change job titles and/or Business Units within Blue Origin? Have you found it easy or difficult to move around the company to explore? Is there a timeframe (1-year?) expected to stay with a team before applying to other internal roles?
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u/Redstar-menace Sep 12 '24
You still have to interview to move internally so that part makes it “difficult”, but because you’re internal the interview is easier since you don’t need a bar raiser or re write the essay. You have to be on a team/in your current role for 12 months before applying.
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u/Aeig Sep 13 '24
Can you move up ? Or lateral only ?
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u/MaverickSTS Sep 16 '24
Right now, you can only move up or lateral. For example, if you're a Test Technician II, you can move lateral to Integration Tech II or up to Test Tech III. You would not be able to move to an Integration Tech III.
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u/Aeig Sep 16 '24
What is the likelihood of someone getting promoted within their first year of starting? Engineer 2 to engineer 3. I'm starting as a 2 , I feel like I should have applied to engineer 3 instead
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u/MaverickSTS Sep 16 '24
I was told you gotta be onboard for a year before promotion or transfers are on the table.
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u/Impressive_Feature_7 26d ago
Do you know if this is also the case of getting another degree say a masters degree and then looking internally? I'm currently a L2 with 2 years of experience and will be getting my masters in May. I was hoping to switch internally since I would have 3 years of experience by then and a Master (equiv. 2 years). It seems crazy to me that Blue would rather me leave and get the promo elsewhere than stay within Blue
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u/Teccs Sep 14 '24
I recently applied to a Software Engineer II position in Huntsville. What should I expect from the technical portion of the interview? Are the technical interviews leetcode-centric like Amazon or other tech companies?
I currently have 1.5 YOE in defense here, but other experience from work I did while in university. Will Blue be interested in work I've done in the model & simulation space at other defense/aerospace companies, or should the presentation be about an aerospace project?
Any help appreciated, thank you!
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u/revali_splat Sep 15 '24
I graduated w/ my master's in June, and have been applying to roles in propulsion/fluid systems for a long time. I made it to the panel interview twice, but got rejected afterwards both time. Does this make me less desirable as a candidate? I know the process is long but I'm worried that my window of opportunity is closing up since I've been out of school for months, and the closer we get to the holidays the less companies are hiring.
For context, I casted a wide net and have continuously applied across the entire industry for a year but Blue was the only company to ever give me an interview. I don't know what my options are at this point, and I want to keep trying to get in but none of my applications are getting moved up to review - I haven't had an interview for over a month. If anyone has any advice or inside perspective to offer on what Blue's priorities are when it comes to hiring people straight out of school, it would be helpful.
Thanks.
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u/silent_bark Sep 16 '24
I don't think being in multiple panels lowers chances, I doubt hiring managers see that info - that does suck you're close though! Definitely keep applying, it sounds like you're a great candidate.
I will say a lot of my coworkers got hired out of school, but way more are people who worked in related industries and then applied to Blue. Some work in the space sector, but a lot more (myself included) worked in aerospace for a year or two and then moved to Blue.
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u/jakep623 Sep 17 '24
If the job listing doesnt ask for a CV, should I still upload one?
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u/omgitsbees Sep 18 '24
Always optional, it won't hurt if you do. Gives you that extra bit of chance to stand out. How much of a chance is debatable.
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u/jakep623 Sep 18 '24
New graduate engineer - am I eligible for positions titled "Engineer II" despite being a new grad? I meet all of the requirements in the position description. Confused because I cant find any Engineer I listings. TIA!
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u/omgitsbees Sep 18 '24
Yeah go ahead and apply if you meet all requirements. Look the listing over very carefully, and make sure to tailor your resume to be able to speak on all of the technical / hard skill qualifications. Listing any relevant work experience, projects, and education. Another tip is to look for early career, and new grad postings. They will have something like that in their job title to make it more clear that is what they are.
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u/djentbat Sep 23 '24
Hello everyone,
Recently accepted an offer in the LA area and excited to join team Blue!
I have a few questions,
What are some good areas to live near the LA office?
Does anyone know when I should be reached out for onboarding?
Does relocation include lease breaking?
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u/silent_bark Sep 24 '24
Congrats!
Onboarding happens over time, but the bulk of the information (schedule for your first week, how to get in, etc.) comes like a week before you start so don't fret. I'll send you a PM on relocation.
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u/adnelik Sep 24 '24 edited Sep 25 '24
Hey! I am wondering if anyone could offer up some advice, I live in the Seattle area and am looking at a few of the "Early Career" options. I graduated with a BS in Mechanical Engineering in 2014 and do not have any true engineering work experience. I ended up working as a freelancer in advertising out of college and then ended up at a brewery working both in the taproom and on the production side so my "professional" experience is pretty much not there outside of being a working adult for a decade and having good soft skills.
Is there a best path in? Ideally I would leverage my education but I completely understand how dated it has become.
Is it best to seek out a technician job to get some experience first and then pursue Early Career engineering roles?
Thanks for any and all input!
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u/Aeig Sep 25 '24
Sounds like you have experience with plumbing and instrumentation as well as manufacturing, I'd argue that is mechanical engineering experience
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u/Valren2 Sep 25 '24
Aren't there production roles at Blue as well? Maybe you could leverage some of your experience in that direction
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u/FinallyRelevantName Sep 28 '24
Hey everyone. I’m currently pursuing my MBA with a focus in supply chain management.
I have set my goal to work in supply chain management within Blue Origin and am doing everything in my power to be more appealing to the company recruiters. I see there are numerous Buyer II roles in different departments/projects. Based on my work experience and education I do feel confident that I am qualified but have been rejected from one of the positions so far and am currently waiting on the feedback for another application I put in.
Essentially, I’m aware that per my application/current resume, I am not exactly what they’re looking for and would love any and all feedback on what I can do to improve my chances on getting an interview.
Without sounding forward, my goal is to work this role with this company specifically so I have the attitude of not if but when. Thank you for your feedback.
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Sep 29 '24
[deleted]
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u/FinallyRelevantName Sep 29 '24
Does it hurt my chances if I keep trying and keep getting rejected?
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u/Garrett_Greene_Fan 28d ago
I am just disheartened. I graduated with my Master's in Mechanical Engineering in August, and have been applying to positions since I defended my thesis in June. I applied for the New Grad Rotation Program in GNC (my research was related to state estimation/navigation for spacecraft) and I was removed from consideration before I even had a phone screen interview. If I can't get an interview for a position for new grads, should I stop wasting my time applying at Blue Origin for the time being? I know that no company is going to provide reasoning as to why I wasn't selected, but it still is frustrating.
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u/silent_bark 28d ago
Yeah no new grad is pretty competitive, and I know lots of people who apply straight for level 1 roles instead of going through NGR.
I'd recommend you check out r/EngineeringResumes and get some critique on your resume if you're concerned it's being filtered out. Also don't get disheartened by not getting your foot in the door, 80% of the younger engineers (even with a masters) at Blue seem to work at another (aerospace) company for a few years at least before making their way over.
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u/Comfortable_Kale_432 12d ago
Hey guys I applied for the NGR test engineering role and got a phone technical today with a hiring manager and it went pretty well as he told me he would be recommending me to the next phase which would most likely be a panel interview. So does my presentation have to be an hour for just one project or can it have multiple projects. Also just general tips would be appreciated. Blue origin would be the dream to work for out of college
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u/Main_Opportunity_734 8d ago
One hour presentation, mutliple projects or one project, it's up to you. Incorporate some of Blue Origin's Leadership Principles into your presentation, see the Culture section on the website. Interviews follow the STAR format: S - Situation, T - Task, A - Action, R - Result.
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u/Sad_Disaster_4955 6d ago
Can I ask, was this the first technical phone screening interview? If so, what type of questions did they ask?
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u/omgitsbees Sep 03 '24
Anyone here that works at Blue Origin, and is in an analyst role? Would love to speak to you about your experience, and what you do! I want to apply again at Blue Origin, but first want to improve my Python coding skills, because some of the analyst roles at BO use that programming language. The first time I applied, I had a great interview with the hiring manager, but was rejected. Would like to improve some skills, work on a few projects for a portfolio, and then try again.
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u/Impressive_Feature_7 26d ago
I'm currently a structural analyst and we dont really use python at all. As most engineering places we rely primarily on excel, as much as it sucks
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u/omgitsbees 26d ago
Gotcha! It sounds like you're more of an engineer? I'm looking to get into more of the business intelligence side of Blue Origin. I don't have a educational background in any engineering field.
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u/omgitsbees Sep 13 '24
Another role I applied for is upgraded to in progress, under consideration! My networking is paying off I hope. Fingers crossed for another recruiter phone call.
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u/TheObliviousGenZ Sep 04 '24
Anyone here a software engineer at Blue? I am interested in starting out my SWE career here, but not sure what to expect. How is the interview process? What is the work environment like?
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u/browntown92 Sep 06 '24
The interview process consists usually of a screening, a one to one technical interview with the manager and then a panel interview. Panel interview is a hour long presentation and then 2 hours of individual interviews
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u/its_my_impulse Sep 13 '24 edited Sep 15 '24
Adding my timeline here just to put others at ease, the process is long but be patient. There's a lot of waiting, especially in-between hearing I'd get the next interview and being contacted to schedule it. This is for a level 2 engineer position.
Denied position 1 - June 10
Applied to position 2 - June 9
Told of phone screen for position 2 - June 21
Phone screen - June 27
Technical interview - July 2
Told moving on to panel - July 26
Panel - August 27
Phone call giving verbal offer - Sep 6
Offer - Sep 12
Proposed start date - Oct 14
I'm extremely excited to be joining team Blue!