Sr. Manager, Vehicle Avionics - Launch Operations

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 supports the development and operations of New Glenn, a single-configuration, heavy-lift orbital launch vehicle capable of routinely carrying people and payloads to low-Earth orbit, geostationary transfer orbit, cislunar, and beyond. Its first stage is fully reusable, and the vehicle was designed from the beginning to be human-capable.

Job Description

This role is part of the Launch Engineering team, providing centralized support to business units with a focus on the design, build, operation, and maintenance of ground systems, test, and launch facilities across multiple locations.

As part of a passionate and accomplished team of experts in Ground and Vehicle Operations, you will lead the Avionics Operations team responsible for launch vehicle avionics integration, testing, troubleshooting, and operational readiness.

This role requires a combination of technical expertise, operational leadership, and people management to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient execution of vehicle processing, integrated testing, and launch operations.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Technical & Operational Leadership

- Lead the team responsible for integration, testing, troubleshooting, and operation of launch vehicle avionics systems, including electrical power, navigation, guidance, and flight control systems.
- Oversee avionics operational readiness and execution during vehicle processing, integrated testing, and launch campaigns.
- Collaborate with Avionics Design Engineering, Vehicle Operations, and other functional teams to resolve technical issues and improve system operability.
- Oversee the development, review, and execution of avionics operational procedures and test documentation.
- Lead operational troubleshooting and drive resolution of avionics anomalies, technical issues, and constraints impacting vehicle readiness.
- Support system safety reviews, hazard analyses, and implementation of operational risk mitigation strategies.
- Identify and implement opportunities to improve operational efficiency, standardize processes, and enhance system reliability.

People & Organizational Leadership

- Recruit, hire, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of avionics operations engineers and technicians.
- Establish clear team objectives, provide regular coaching and performance feedback, and support employee career development.
- Develop and implement structured training plans to strengthen team technical competencies, operational proficiency, and readiness for test and flight operations.
- Establish and drive cross-functional training initiatives to expand team capabilities, promote knowledge sharing, and enable Avionics Operations personnel to train and support other functional teams across Ground and Vehicle Operations.
- Track and assess personnel qualifications, training completion, and crew readiness to support safe and effective test and flight operations.
- Collaborate with functional leaders to ensure consistency in training, qualification, and development across Ground and Vehicle Operations.
- Manage team priorities, resource allocation, and staffing to support operational and program milestones.
- Promote a workplace culture aligned with Blue Origin's guiding principles and ensure adherence to company policies, directives, and procedures.

Planning & Execution

- Coordinate operational schedules, staffing, and resources to support vehicle processing, integrated testing, and launch campaign requirements.
- Identify and communicate technical risks, resource constraints, and operational issues to leadership, developing mitigation and recovery plans as needed.
- Support budget development, resource planning, and execution in alignment with the Approved Operating Plan.
- Support operations outside nominal business hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as required by test and launch schedules.

Minimum Qualifications

- Bachelor's degree in engineering or equivalent relevant experience.
- 7+ years of experience in aerospace systems integration, testing, or operations involving complex hardware and software systems.
- 2+ years of leadership or management experience, including direct responsibility for personnel and/or technical teams.
- Experience with avionics systems, including electrical power, command and data handling, navigation, guidance, or flight control systems.
- Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and coordinate technical activities in an operational environment.
- Experience troubleshooting complex technical systems and driving issues to resolution.
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Strong organizational, prioritization, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, schedule-driven operational environment.
- Proficiency with management, planning, and reporting tools.
- Ability to support off-shift and weekend operations as required.
- Ability to travel occasionally.
- Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Preferred Qualifications

- Hands-on experience with launch vehicle or spacecraft avionics integration, testing, and operations.
- Experience supporting launch vehicle processing, integrated test campaigns, or launch operations.
- Experience leading avionics troubleshooting, anomaly investigations, and corrective actions.
- Familiarity with electrical ground support equipment (EGSE), avionics test systems, and associated operational interfaces.
- Experience developing, reviewing

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.

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