Director of Western Range Launch Infrastructure
About The Position
Blue Origin is establishing a West Coast launch posture at the Western Range at Vandenberg Space Force Base (VSFB). The Director of Western Range Launch Infrastructure will lead the site from concept and design through construction, activation, and steady-state operations. The role owns development of the launch complex, processing facilities, and support facilities, and engages with the Space Force on common-use infrastructure efforts that may include harbor, roadway, and utility improvements. This is a long-term position with responsibility for the entire VSFB operation. The director sets program direction, assembles and leads a cross-functional team, and represents Blue Origin to Space Launch Delta 30 (SLD 30), other government stakeholders, and project partners. The work involves active, on-site engagement in problem-solving, design reviews, technical coordination, agency meetings, and executive discussions. The role is based onsite at VSFB, California, may require up to 15% travel, and includes relocation assistance.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline.
- 12 or more years of relevant engineering, program management, or operations leadership experience.
- 5 or more years of people-leadership experience managing cross-functional engineering or construction teams.
- Demonstrated program-level ownership of launch, test, or heavy infrastructure delivery, including program-level schedule and budget accountability.
- Experience leading engagement with federal agencies such as Space Force, FAA, NASA, or DoD on permitting, range coordination, and program execution.
- Experience managing design and construction contractors, including A&E firms and general contractors, as the owner’s representative.
- Ability to communicate with executive leadership, agency flag officers, A&E principals, field superintendents, and technicians.
- Must meet the stated employment eligibility requirement: U.S. citizen or permanent resident (current Green Card holder). The posting’s Export Control Regulations section also lists U.S. nationals and individuals lawfully admitted as refugees or granted asylum as eligible categories.
- Ability to obtain and maintain badging at government installations, including Vandenberg SFB.
- Ability to perform hands-on field work in heat, cold, rain, tight quarters, or at heights.
Nice To Haves
- Direct experience working at or with VSFB, Western Range operations, or 30th Space Wing / SLD 30 coordination.
- Prior ownership of a launch complex, test complex, or major aerospace infrastructure program from concept through activation.
- Experience activating a launch or test complex and transitioning it from construction to first operations.
- Working knowledge of launch vehicle ground systems integration, including GSE, propellant and fluids systems, command and control, and mechanical and electrical facility interfaces.
- Experience with marine and port infrastructure, including wharfs, docks, shore facilities, and dredging coordination.
- Familiarity with FAA commercial launch regulations (14 CFR Part 420/450) and the NEPA federal environmental review process.
- Familiarity with hazardous operations siting requirements, explosive safety quantity-distance (ESQD) arcs, and operational safety clearance planning.
- Experience with California-specific environmental and coastal regulatory frameworks.
- Professional Engineer (PE) license and/or PMP.
- MS or MBA.
Responsibilities
- Lead the design, development, construction, and activation of Blue Origin launch facilities at VSFB.
- Serve as Blue Origin’s primary point of contact with SLD 30 and other government stakeholders, building and maintaining relationships that advance the program.
- Manage the integrated master schedule, budget, and program performance metrics; communicate and defend program status and accountability to leadership.
- Identify, mitigate, escalate, and drive to closure technical, regulatory, supply-chain, and schedule risks.
- Lead a cross-functional team of engineers, construction managers, planners, and technicians; hire, develop, maintain standards, and build the team that will operate the site.
- Navigate federal, state, and local compliance requirements, including NEPA, FAA commercial launch licensing, Space Force range requirements, California environmental and coastal regulations, and local permitting.
- Provide substantive status reports to executive leadership on schedule, budget, risk, and operational readiness.
- Oversee integration of ground support equipment, propellant and fluids systems, and facility infrastructure into an operable launch complex.
- Plan and lead the transition from construction to operations, including developing the activation plan, establishing the operating team, and leading steady-state launch operations.
- Participate directly in on-site problem-solving, design reviews, technical-team work, and agency meetings.
Benefits
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Basic and supplemental life insurance
- Paid parental leave
- Short- and long-term disability insurance
- 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
- Relocation assistance
- Potential eligibility for bonuses, depending on role type and job level; amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
