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.

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.