Avionics Integration Sr. Manager

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 the Lunar Permanence business unit, which develops Blue Origin’s Blue Moon landers and related products. To further Blue Origin's mission of millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth, we are building sustainable infrastructure for our transport of crew and cargo from Earth to the lunar surface.

As part of a small, passionate and accomplished team of experts, you will lead the Avionics Integration team responsible for the comprehensive integration, verification, and operational readiness of the avionics subsystem for the MK2 lunar lander vehicle. Reporting to the Director of Avionics, you'll provide technical leadership and people management for a team that coordinates and integrates avionics solutions across multiple subsystems including Electrical Power Subsystem (EPS), Communication Subsystems (In-Space and Surface Assets), Command and Data Handling (C&DH), Development Flight Instrumentation, and Harnessing. This role combines deep technical expertise in avionics systems architecture with strong leadership capabilities to guide your team through end-to-end integration from early concept development through flight operations.

Your team will work closely with peer avionics managers and cross-functional vehicle subsystem teams including Engines, Propulsion, Fluid Systems, Crew Systems, Environmental Control & Life Support, Structures, Mechanisms, and Guidance, Navigation, and Control to ensure seamless integration of the vehicle avionics subsystem. You will be responsible for the integrated design solutions for system layouts, packaging, harnessing interfaces, and component selection that enable the vehicle to progress from development through integration and testing, and finally to flight.

Blue Origin is committed to building a future where millions of people live and work in space to benefit Earth. We must return to the Moon permanently, and the Blue Moon Lander enables this goal. Blue Moon is a large, flexible, reusable commercial lander for cargo or crew. Lunar Transportation is Blue Origin's team dedicated to developing mission architectures such as our planned Lunar Lander program, Blue Moon (Link: https://www.blueorigin.com/blue-moon). Our Lunar Pathfinder mission will demonstrate the lander's core capabilities – including the privately funded BE-7 landing engine, precision landing sensors, and advanced integrated power and propulsion architecture – on an early New Glenn flight. The team building this vehicle is rethinking how space systems are designed, with a high-performing architecture, efficient reusability, and rapid design iteration. Come join our team and pave the road to a permanent lunar presence.

We are looking for someone to apply their technical expertise, leadership skills, and commitment to quality to positively impact safe human spaceflight. Passion for our mission and vision is required!

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Technical Leadership:

• End-to-end ownership and accountability for the integrated MK2 Avionics subsystem design products, ensuring seamless integration across EPS, C&DH, Communications, Harnessing, and Development Flight Instrumentation
• Lead development of integrated avionics architecture including system-level layouts, packaging strategies, harness routing, and interface definitions that span multiple avionics subsystems
• Coordinate with peer avionics subsystem managers to develop cohesive interface control documents (ICDs), CONOPS definitions, and integrated design solutions
• Drive architecture studies, concept development, and trade studies that optimize the integrated avionics solution across subsystem boundaries
• Lead verification planning, vehicle integration activities, system build and checkout, and flight operations support for the integrated avionics subsystem
• Represent the integrated Avionics subsystem in cross-functional trades and impact studies with Engines, Propulsion, Fluid Systems, Crew Systems, Environmental Control & Life Support, Structures, Mechanisms, and GN&C subsystems
• Coordinate integration activities across vehicle configuration, flight sciences, hardware, software, system safety, supplier management, fault tolerance analysis/schemes, FMECA, FHA, and end-to-end telemetry downlink/uplink
• Support development of top-level avionics system requirements and ensure proper flowdown to subsystem teams
• Provide technical approval authority for cross-subsystem avionics integration decisions, interface trades, and technical reviews
• Lead integrated anomaly investigations that span multiple avionics subsystems, root cause analyses, and development of recovery plans
• Support development and execution of ground and flight test operations, serving as the technical authority for integrated avionics performance
• Collaborate with the Director of Avionics to align integration activities with overall avionics subsystem strategy and vehicle-level objectives

Program Management:

• Manage team, schedule, milestones, technical performance metrics, and risk mitigation for avionics integration activities with inputs on costs and value engineering approaches
• Coordinate resource allocation and planning across multiple avionics subsystems to ensure integrated deliverables
• Develop and execute strategies for efficient cross-functional coordination with internal teams and external suppliers
• Analyze and track key performance metrics for integrated avionics systems throughout the product lifecycle
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimize integration processes, manufacturability, quality, and cost
• Balance strategic planning with execution, ensuring the team meets near-term integration milestones while advancing long-term technical objectives
• Provide regular program status updates to the Director of Avionics on integration progress, risks, and mitigation strategies

People Leadership:

• Build, lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing Avionics Integration team
• Set clear goals and priorities for team members that align with organizational objectives and individual career aspirations
• Provide coaching, feedback, and developmental opportunities to grow technical expertise and leadership capabilities within the team
• Foster a collaborative culture that breaks down silos between avionics disciplines and promotes effective partnerships with peer avionics managers and cross-functional teams
• Create an environment that encourages open communication, calculated risk-taking, and innovative problem-solving
• Drive accountability for schedule, quality, and technical excellence while maintaining team engagement and motivation
• Participate in talent planning and succession planning for critical avionics integration roles
• Partner effectively with peer managers across the Avionics organization to ensure seamless coordination and integration

Qualifications:

• Passion for getting people into space and back again safely
• B.S. degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical discipline
• Successful candidates in this role typically have 12+ years of related experience with demonstrated progression in technical leadership and people management
• Proven track record leading engineering teams through complex system integration programs from concept to delivery
• Direct experience with avionics system integration, multi-subsystem coordination, and flight hardware integration
• Strong understanding of avionics subsystems including EPS, C&DH, communications, harnessing, and flight instrumentation
• In-depth knowledge of systems engineering practices including requirements development, verification methods, interface management, and risk management
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply high-level system requirements to practical, integrated design solutions
• Strong technical judgment in resolving cross-subsystem integration challenges and effectively balancing risk and technical design trade-offs
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders and coordinate across organizational boundaries
• Experience managing budgets, schedules, and program milestones with accountability for technical performance
• Proven ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment with multiple stakeholders

Desired:

• Master of Science or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, or related disciplines
• 15+ years of industry experience on large-scale aerospace or spaceflight systems
• Experience leading integration teams developing flight-proven spacecraft avionics hardware through all phases of the product lifecycle
• Hands-on experience with installation, integration, and troubleshooting of complex avionics systems at the vehicle level
• Deep knowledge of space flight avionics architectures, including power distribution, data networks, communications systems, and flight computing
• Experience with analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters, power supply components and design, batteries, solar cells, RF systems, serial communication, and telemetry systems
• Strong understanding of harnessing design, component packaging, and electronics integration at the vehicle level
• Proficiency using software tools such as MATLAB, Python, or similar analysis tools
• Experience with requirements management software (DNG or JAMA preferred)
• Proven ability to develop and maintain productive relationships with suppliers and external partners
• Track record of mentoring and developing engineering talent, particularly in integration and systems engineering roles
• Experience supporting crewed spaceflight programs or human-rated systems
• Experience managing peer relationships and coordinating across multiple functional areas
• Demonstrated ability to drive results through influence and collaboration in matrix organizations
• Experience developing products from early trade studies through final design, manufacturing, integration, test, and flight operations

 

Compensation Range for:

CA applicants is $183,807.00 - $257,328.75 CO applicants is $169,008.00 - $236,611.20 WA applicants is $183,807.00 - $257,328.75

Other site ranges may differ

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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Blue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified and dedicated work force. Blue Origin hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Blue Origin will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Washington Fair Chance Act, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws. For more information on “Know Your Rights,” please see here.

Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation

Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin’s Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us at [email protected]. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.