Dir, Automation Integration Design

Blue Origin • Bay Area, CA

9d • Onsite

About The Position

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 the Operation organization for known project, you will define, plan, and drive the automation strategy, roadmap, and execution of AI-powered product level automation solutions for product development ad FATP. You will lead a multidisciplinary team responsible for designing, deploying, and continuously improving the AI based automation at the product level with capability to simplify end to end integration of a complex product. You will manage the cost reduction of systems we manufacturing by incorporating low cost precision automation while driving measurable improvements in safety, quality, throughput, and efficiency. You will bring together controls engineering, intelligent robotics, machine learning, and IoT technologies to modernize and scale how we manufacture, while partnering closely with senior leaders across Manufacturing, Engineering, Data Science, and Operations to align automation investments with production programs and business goals.

Requirements

• M.S. degree or higher in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Mechatronics, Electrical, Controls, Computer Science, or a related engineering field
• 10+ years of progressive engineering experience in manufacturing automation, controls, or a related discipline
• Demonstrated experience defining and executing automation strategies and roadmaps that delivered measurable manufacturing improvements in safety, quality, or efficiency
• Strong working knowledge of industrial automation systems, including PLCs, robotics, SCADA, IoT, and controls architectures, with proven understanding of AI/ML applications in manufacturing environments
• 5+ years of senior leadership experience managing and scaling multidisciplinary automation teams in a manufacturing environment, including hiring, mentoring, and developing senior technical talent
• 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 higher in a relevant engineering, computer science, or technical field
• Experience leading digital transformation or Industry 4.0 initiatives in an aerospace, defense, or advanced manufacturing environment
• Hands-on background in controls engineering, robotics, or automation, providing technical credibility and the ability to guide the team through complex manufacturing challenges
• Experience with AI/ML integration in manufacturing systems, including computer vision, machine learning model deployment, and digital twin development
• Familiarity with IoT architectures, cloud platforms (AWS, Azure), and data pipelines for manufacturing analytics
• Knowledge of relevant manufacturing safety and controls standards (IEC 61131, ANSI B11, NFPA 79, RIA 15.06)
• Experience with precision manufacturing processes, CNC machines, metrology systems, and quality inspection technologies

Responsibilities

• Define and own the automation strategy and multi-year roadmap for Blue Origin's manufacturing environment, aligning with production programs, quality goals, and operational priorities
• Build, lead, and develop a multidisciplinary team of automation engineers, controls engineers, robotics specialists, and AI/data integration professionals supporting manufacturing operations
• Oversee the end-to-end delivery of automation programs across the manufacturing environment - from concept and business case through design, implementation, commissioning, and ongoing support
• Champion the adoption of AI and Industry 4.0 technologies, including machine learning, computer vision, predictive maintenance, closed-loop process control, and autonomous inspection systems
• Collaborate with data science and AI teams to integrate machine learning and predictive analytics into manufacturing systems, enabling data-driven and closed-loop process optimization
• Drive the development and standardization of SCADA and IoT platforms (Ignition, Kepware, AWS IoT, etc.) to ensure seamless connectivity between the factory floor and AI/analytics layers
• Establish and enforce engineering standards, best practices, and governance frameworks across the automation and controls team
• Own the automation team's budget, resource allocation, and capital investment planning, ensuring maximum ROI on automation initiatives
• Track and report on key performance metrics - including automation uptime, quality improvements, cycle time reductions, and cost savings - to demonstrate business impact
• Mentor and grow senior technical talent, building the next generation of automation leaders within Blue Origin's manufacturing organization

Benefits

• Relocation provided
• 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)
• Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.

What This Job Offers

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