Chace Taylor Claborn
Manufacturing Process Engineer II – Machine Shop at Blue Origin
Education
B.S. Mechanical Engineering
Auburn University • 2022
GPA: 3.79
Technical Skills
CAD/CAM & Engineering Software
Creo Parametric
Siemens NX
SolidWorks
Windchill PLM
Vericut
Programming & Data Analysis
Python
SQL
MATLAB
G-Code
Siemens 840D
Redash
Databricks
Tableau
Manufacturing & Quality
GD&T
CNC Programming
3D Printing
CMM/PolyWorks
LEAN Manufacturing
Instrumentation
Testing
R&D
Project Management
ITS JIRA
Internal MES
Microsoft Office
Professional Experience
Manufacturing Process Engineer II – Machine Shop
Blue Origin, Huntsville, AL | July 2022 to Present (45-50 hours per week)
- Lead GD&T application and design-for-manufacturability feedback for turbomachinery, valves, and other engine components - reducing cycle time, minimizing non-conformances, and improving part Cpk values.
- Leverage CAD/CAM software to design custom fixtures and tooling, analyze CNC programs, redline engineering drawings, generate exploded assembly views—supporting efficient machining and enhanced part manufacturability.
- Drive machining process development and standardization for CNC operations in support of rocket engine hardware.
- Created Python applications and scripts to automate data analysis, reporting, and visualization for manufacturing metrics.
- Utilize ERP/MES queries to track production metrics, identify bottlenecks, and improve throughput—delivering data-driven insights.
- Programmed CNC lathes, mills, and 5-axis machines using G-code and conversational programming; optimized cycle times while meeting quality standards.
- Supported hydroforming exotic materials to meet Blue Origin's current and future engine requirements.
- Established standard work instructions, inspection criteria, and quality control plans for critical operations to ensure process stability.
- Work with technicians to manage CNC machines and mentor peers, and cross-functional teams in a fast-paced production environment.
Propulsion Intern
Aerojet Rocketdyne, Huntsville, AL | May 2021 to August 2021 (40 hrs/week)
- Conducted hot-fire testing of liquid rocket engines and recorded operational data to evaluate engine performance.
- Calculated performance parameters for propulsion systems using test data, supporting design validation efforts.
- Monitored rocket engine testing & assembly to ensure procedures were followed and safety precautions were observed.
- Performed inspection of engine components, interfaces, and test configuration to ensure acceptability per procedures.
- Developed an operational procedure that specified the handling and usage of rocket motor/engine shock recorders.
Process Engineer/Quality Inspector Intern
Precision Grinding Inc., Birmingham, AL | May 2020 to January 2021 (36 hrs/week)
- Responsible for reading detailed drawings and close-tolerance part inspection of machined and fabricated steel parts.
- Wrote scripts for Hexagon Romer Arm on PolyWorks to inspect and reverse-engineer parts using CMM and utilized manual gauges for precision measurements.
- Documented inspection results and generated quality reports, applying GD&T controls for compliance.
- Accomplished writing a Standard Operating Procedure for CMM to help future company employees.
Machine Shop Department Intern (Part-Time)
WhiteFab Inc., Birmingham, AL | May 2017 to August 2020 (2 hrs/week)
- Gained experience with CNC Vertical Machines, CAD, lathes, forklifts, overhead cranes, and fabrication of steel parts.