Avionics Development Lead

BLUE ORIGIN • Seattle, WA

3d • $209,650 - $293,510

About The Position

The Avionics Development Lead supports development and operations of New Glenn, Blue Origin’s heavy-lift orbital launch vehicle. The role leads avionics new product introduction, from proposals and architecture through execution and transfer to operations, managing cost, schedule, technical, safety, risk, and overall performance parameters. It provides technical leadership for avionics designs and integrates avionics architectures into vehicle systems while helping develop repeatable processes for the design, production, and operational readiness of avionics products.

The position works across specialists, technicians, engineers, and cross-functional teams to advance avionics products and architectures for New Glenn and new vehicles. Travel is expected up to 25% nationwide, and interviews include a technical assessment.

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in aerospace systems.
• 15+ years of experience in avionics hardware/software development; experience may include design, management, production, test, software, systems engineering, or chief engineering.
• B.S. in aerospace, mechanical, electrical engineering, or a related field from an ABET-accredited institution.
• Strong engineering development experience across the product lifecycle, with a track record of delivery on aggressive schedules.
• Demonstrated experience managing product-family development or multiple concurrent vehicle programs with different technical architectures or design approaches.
• Advanced knowledge of designing, building, testing, and flying aerospace systems for rockets, landers, and space systems.
• Ability to quickly identify and solve ambiguous problems and use engineering judgment to make rapid decisions that minimize wasted effort.
• Attention to detail, willingness to roll up sleeves, and commitment to high standards.
• Ability to operate strategically and tactically in a high-energy, fast-paced environment.
• Highly organized, with the ability to plan and guide complex technical work across multiple concurrent programs.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to earn trust at all levels.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• M.S. or Ph.D. in aerospace, mechanical, electrical engineering, or a related field, or an MBA.
• Experience managing multi-mission program portfolios.
• Experience navigating the development-to-production transition of a complex aerospace program.
• Experience with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems.
• Experience growing and developing diverse teams across a multi-business-unit integrated operations organization.
• Experience as a customer-facing operational focal, preferably with NASA or another government or prime-contractor customer, including milestone reviews, operational data exchange, and contract/change coordination.
• Exceptional judgment and discretion when handling sensitive or confidential information.
• Strong business acumen and understanding of industry dynamics, marketplace trends, the competitive landscape, and technology requirements for operational sustainability.

Responsibilities

• Support the Senior Director of Avionics Development with strategy and execution across the new development team.
• Develop Single Threaded Leaders for New Glenn development programs to manage cost, schedule, technical, safety, and risk aspects of avionics programs.
• Develop a lifecycle execution scheme for LRU new product introduction that achieves design cycle-time goals and delivers quality products.
• Provide avionics design expertise as a technical reviewer and leader during design deep dives, interim design reviews, critical design reviews, and architectural decision meetings.
• Manage cost, schedule, technical, risk, and safety for new avionics development programs.
• Integrate avionics architectures into each system, including running architecture decision meetings, vehicle channelization, and cross-discipline solutions.
• Establish procurement streams for New Glenn Avionics development needs and ensure Supply Chain is ready to procure production parts within Master Resource Planning lead times.
• Ensure designs support vertical integration of new avionics products and meet touch-time and cycle-time metrics, including coordinating facilities, processes, and requirements for Operations.
• Lead new proposals for avionics subsystems in new vehicles.
• Build strong relationships with New Glenn cross-functional teams crucial to avionics success.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Basic and supplemental life insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Short- and long-term disability
• 401(k) with company match of up to 5%
• Education Support Program
• Stock options for regular employees working at least 20 hours per week
• Paid time off of up to four weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours
• Up to 14 company-paid holidays
• Depending on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on individual contributions and company results.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior