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Chace Taylor Claborn

Propulsion Design Engineer

chaceclaborn@gmail.com·linkedin.com/in/chace-claborn-3b4b1017b·Huntsville, AL
Auburn University · BS Mechanical Engineering · 3.79 GPA · 2022
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Experience
Propulsion Design Engineer II - BE-3U Turbomachinery
Blue Origin
2025 - Present
  • Coming Soon
Hardware Manufacturing Engineer II - BE-3U Turbomachinery
Blue Origin
2025
  • Develop and update manufacturing work instructions and support the shop floor for BE-4 and BE-3U rocket engine components such as turbomachinery, valves, and various other components
  • Perform comprehensive engineering analysis and dispositions of non-conformances, applying advanced problemsolving techniques to ensure compliance with design specifications and production standards
  • Defines, develops, implements, and optimizes Hydroformed parts and equipment consisting of exotic materials, dies, and other supporting tooling; operates, troubleshoots, and programs recipes for new hardware
  • Utilize Python and SQL for data analysis, creating queries and scripts to identify trends, track non-conformances, and support manufacturing improvements (e.g., building dashboards and visualizations on Redash and Databricks)
  • Apply Lean manufacturing principles to streamline workflows and drive continuous improvement, utilizing ITS JIRA to track team progress, manage tasks, and align objectives with operational goals
  • Track project milestones and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure on-time delivery of insourced components, driving vertical integration and enhancing production workflow
  • Created AI Agents, AI workflows, and leveraged Artificial Intelligence for querying, data analysis, and troubleshooting
  • Started development on full-stack web-based applications like Turbo Build Book for subassembly processes
Manufacturing Process Engineer II - Turbomachinery, Valves, Combustion Devices, Thrust Chamber Assembly
Blue Origin
2022 – 2024
  • 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
  • Designed and implemented CNC probing routines and macros to streamline and automate setup processes, reduce manual intervention, and eliminate variation in critical dimensions
  • Led iterative NPI process refinement, utilizing root cause analysis and continuous feedback loops to optimize machining techniques and drive successful production outcomes
  • Collaborate with external vendors to implement cutting tool trials and enhance software (e.g., Vericut for CNC simulation, PLC programming for Hydroforming press) to improve machining precision and process efficiency
  • Organize best practices, conduct RCCAs, and facilitate knowledge transfer among machinists and programmers
Systems/Test Engineer Intern - RL10 Rocket Engines
Aerojet Rocketdyne
May 2021 – August 2021
  • Reviewed and updated Field Service Manuals for rocket engine systems
  • Observed and documented engine testing and assembly procedures
  • Assisted with inspection and quality assurance protocols
  • Developed engine shock recorder handling documentation
Process Engineer/Quality Inspector Intern
Precision Grinding Inc.
May 2020 – January 2021
  • Inspected close-tolerance parts using precision measurement equipment
  • Programmed CMM routines using PolyWorks software
  • Created GD&T-compliant quality inspection reports
  • Documented standard operating procedures for inspection processes
Technical Skills
CAD/CAM
Creo Parametric · Siemens NX · SolidWorks
Programming
SQL · Python · MATLAB · G-Code · Siemens 840D
Manufacturing
GD&T · 3D Printing · CNC Programming · Hydroforming · Lean Manufacturing
Data Analysis
Redash · Databricks · Tableau · Microsoft Office
Advanced Tools
Vericut · PLC Programming · PolyWorks · CMM · Hexagon Romer Arm
Key Achievements
  • Graduated Magna Cum Laude with 3.79 GPA from Auburn University
  • Led GD&T standardization reducing cycle time by 15%
  • Implemented CNC probing routines
  • Developed automated data analysis tools in Python/SQL
  • Contributed to vertical integration for rocket engine production
Certifications
Space Systems Certification — Auburn University (in progress)
Artificial Intelligence Certification — Auburn University (in progress)