Sr. Manager, Ground System Test Engineering & Development

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 Blue Origin Operations, which is comprised of Integrated Supply Chain, Test Operations, Safety, Quality, and Mission Assurance. This includes Manufacturing and Supply Chain support across all Blue Origin facilities.

As part of a hardworking team of diverse engineers, analysts, designers, and project managers, you will lead the Test and Production System Development team, owning the full lifecycle design, development, build, and activation of test facilities, integrated test stands, and production environment fluid systems in manufacturing across the Orbital Launch Site (OLS) and Rocket Park. Upon activation, test infrastructure is handed to Test Operations; the team then provides sustaining engineering support to keep those assets capable and mission ready. You will support all Blue Origin business units - including New Glenn, Lunar, Engines, and Test Operations - delivering safe, reliable, and capable mechanical and fluid system infrastructure. You will manage a multidisciplinary team of mechanical/fluids engineers, technical project managers, and construction project managers, working in close partnership with functional Data Systems and Control Equipment (DSCE), ground software, CAD drafting, and Facilities teams to execute your scope.

Special Mentions

Relocation provided

Travel expected up to 15% of the time

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Own complete test infrastructure and production environment projects across test facilities, integrated test stands, and manufacturing - from requirements through design, build, and activation; hand off to Test Operations upon activation and provide ongoing sustaining engineering support

Lead and manage a multidisciplinary team of mechanical/fluids engineers, technical project managers, and construction project managers supporting all Blue Origin business units.

Drive execution of multiple concurrent test stand and production fluid system projects in parallel; maintain schedule, budget, and technical performance

Partner closely with DSCE (hardware and software), CAD drafting, Facilities, Safety/EHS, Quality, Integrated Supply Chain and other functional teams to deliver integrated, fully functional test and production systems

Own technical and programmatic decision-making for high-pressure and cryogenic fluid systems, hazardous fluid handling, and associated structural and mechanical interfaces

Lead and champion HAZOP and PHA/PSA processes across all projects, ensuring safety analysis is thorough, timely, and fully integrated into design

Anticipate and mitigate programmatic and technical risks, balance near-term operational needs with long-term capability development across multiple business unit customers

Set team goals aligned with organizational objectives; communicate program status, risks, and resource needs clearly to senior leadership

Build, develop, and retain a high-performing engineering team; provide coaching, feedback, and career development opportunities

Champion process improvements and engineering best practices across the test stand and production fluid systems function

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related engineering discipline

10+ years of experience in mechanical, fluids, or test systems engineering, with at least 3 years in a people leadership or management role

Demonstrated experience leading engineers through the full lifecycle of fluid system development (design, build, integration, and activation/commissioning)

Technical competency in both high-pressure gas and cryogenic fluid systems, including cryogenic propellant systems (LOX, LH2, LNG, LN2, etc.)

Demonstrated competency leading HAZOP and PHA processes from initiation through resolution and documentation; experience integrating safety analysis outputs into design and operational procedures

Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent projects with distinct schedules, budgets, and stakeholders

Demonstrated track record of building and developing high-performing engineering teams

Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to present technical and programmatic status to senior leadership

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:

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Project Management Professional (PMP) certification

Experience managing construction project managers, leading ground-up facility build projects, and/or working with external contractors.

Background in rocket engine or propulsion component test stand and integrated test facility design and operation

Experience supporting production fluid systems in a manufacturing environment

Familiarity with range/launch site operations and associated safety and facility requirements

Experience coordinating across multiple internal business unit customers in a shared-services or functional engineering organization

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.

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: Drivers who operate Commercial Motor Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or combination of power unit and trailer that meets or exceeds 10,001 lbs. and/or transports placardable amounts of hazardous materials by ground in any vehicle on a public road while in commerce, may be subject to additional Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations including: Driver Qualification Files, Medical Certification (obtained before onboarding), Road Test, Hours of Service, Drug and Alcohol Testing (CDL drivers only), vehicle inspection requirements, CDL requirements (if applicable) and hazardous materials transportation/shipping training.

Required for certain Job Profiles: Ability to obtain and maintain Merchant Mariner Credential, which includes pre-employment and random drug testing as well as DOT physical

Benefits

Benefits include: Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability, 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%, and an Education Support Program.

Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week)

Paid Time Off: Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.

Dependent on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on the company's intent to reward individual contributions and enable them to share in the company's results, or other factors at the company's sole discretion. Bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and subject to change and cancellation. Please check with your recruiter for more details.