Launch Ops Managers/Sr Managers (Multiple Levels | Multiple Shifts)

Blue Origin•Space Coast, FL

10d•Onsite

About The Position

Blue Origin is seeking Mission & Flight Operations Managers or Senior Managers to lead teams that plan and execute safe, efficient operations for vehicles and payloads, from hardware receipt through day-of-operations and post-flight. The role owns operational execution of launch, test, and mission activities, coordinating across vehicle, payload, and ground systems while developing technicians, controllers, engineers, supervisors, and technical leaders. Depending on background and scope, responsibilities may cover launch vehicle and ground operations, payload and processing operations, or transportation and handling of flight hardware. The position is based on the Space Coast, Florida, with an A Shift schedule of Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; the posting also requires support for non-standard hours, including nights, weekends, holidays, and on-call or surge support. Relocation is available. Launch Operations leads integrated test campaigns for avionics, ground support equipment, and flight hardware, from initial power-on and subsystem verification through full-stack vehicle and pad-level tests. Managers set direction for test strategy and execution, lead multidisciplinary teams developing automated test systems, data acquisition architectures, and instrumentation strategies, and apply technical judgment to reviews and operational decisions. The position emphasizes rigorous test engineering, safety-by-design, mission assurance, and disciplined execution in a high-consequence environment. Managers plan and execute operations, lead teams, own readiness and real-time risk decisions, and coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to meet mission objectives. They maintain operational procedures and infrastructure, manage resources and budgets, drive continuous improvement, and communicate status and risks to leadership. Applicants must meet the stated U.S. citizenship, permanent-residency, refugee, or asylum eligibility requirement. A standard background check applies; additional checks or credentials may apply to certain job profiles.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physical sciences, operations, or a related technical field, or equivalent hands-on experience in a complex operational environment.
At least 5 years of experience in mission/flight operations, launch operations, flight test, range operations, or complex aerospace/industrial operations; 8 or more years for Senior Manager.
At least 2 years of people leadership managing technicians, controllers, operators, or engineers in a high-consequence operational environment; 4 or more years for Senior Manager.
Direct experience planning and executing complex operations involving hazardous systems such as cryogenic, pneumatic, hydraulic, high-voltage, high-pressure, ordnance, or propellants.
Experience creating and managing operations schedules and resource plans using Microsoft Project, Primavera, or equivalent tools.
Ability to perform in dynamic, time-critical situations, make sound decisions under pressure, and clearly communicate intent and status.
Proficiency with standard office and operations software, and ability to quickly learn new digital tools and operations or planning systems.
Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with a history of effective collaboration across cross-functional teams.
Willingness and ability to support non-standard hours, including nights, weekends, holidays, and on-call or surge support.
Willingness and ability to work in field or industrial environments, including outdoors, with PPE, on ladders, and in hazardous or restricted areas.
Willingness to travel occasionally to other Blue Origin sites and launch or test locations.
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

At least 7 years (Manager) or 10 years (Senior Manager) of relevant aerospace or space launch experience with complex engineering systems such as launch vehicles, spacecraft, aircraft, or propulsion/test facilities.
At least 3 years (Manager) or 5 years (Senior Manager) of people management experience, including hiring, performance management, and development of high-performing operations teams.
Experience leading launch pad or test stand operations, including countdown and on-console roles; payload processing and encapsulation in cleanroom environments; mission/control center or flight test control-room operations; or launch site/complex coordination, including hazard area management and access control.
Hands-on expertise in at least one relevant technical domain, such as launch vehicle or payload integration; ground fluid systems; avionics, instrumentation, or electrical checkout; ordnance/explosives; or propellant/hazardous material processing.
Working knowledge of safety and regulatory frameworks such as range safety requirements, OSHA/NFPA standards, explosives and hazardous materials regulations, and environmental or transportation regulations such as 49 CFR and 40 CFR.
Experience with system safety and process hazard analyses such as FMEA, HAZOP, or fault tree analysis.
Experience using data and metrics for operational performance management and continuous improvement, including ERP/MRP and/or maintenance management systems.
Formal training or certifications in operations management, project management, Lean, or Six Sigma.
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance if required by the program.
Technical depth in digital/analog electronics, power systems, communications, sensors, data acquisition, and test automation tools such as Python, LabVIEW, or similar.

Responsibilities

Lead day-to-day mission and flight operations for assigned vehicles, payloads, and/or launch complexes, ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient execution.
Develop, maintain, and execute integrated operations plans, procedures, and schedules for processing, test, and mission activities across facilities, teams, and shared resources.
Manage a team of technicians, controllers, and/or engineers, including recruiting, onboarding, training, performance management, and career development.
Work hands-on when needed to support or lead integration, checkout, and test of flight and ground systems in the field or control room.
Own and maintain operations procedures, checklists, launch and test timelines, and mission rules; ensure configuration control and alignment with engineering intent and safety requirements.
Collaborate with Safety, Systems Engineering, Operations, Range, and program teams to identify hazards, support system and process hazard analyses, and implement mitigations.
Maintain real-time situational awareness during on-console and field operations; coordinate go/no-go decisions and the start or stop of hazardous operations with safety, range, and engineering authorities.
Track team readiness, qualifications, and certifications; own training plans, simulations, and drills for nominal and off-nominal scenarios.
Oversee maintenance, calibration, and readiness of ground support equipment, tooling, and operations infrastructure, including configuration changes and planned outages.
Manage operations budgets and resource allocations within the Annual Operating Plan; provide input to capital and staffing plans.
Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders, including vehicle and payload programs, mission management, customers, and range organizations, to align operational plans, resolve conflicts, and support mission objectives.
Drive continuous improvement through data-based problem solving, root cause analysis, and corrective and preventive actions.
Ensure compliance with Blue Origin policies, procedures, and directives, as well as applicable regulatory, range, and environmental requirements.
Communicate status, risks, and readiness to leadership through reports and participation in reviews, readiness assessments, and mission or launch boards.
Set the strategy and execution for integrated test campaigns involving avionics, ground support equipment, and flight hardware.
Lead teams developing and refining automated test systems, data acquisition architectures, and instrumentation strategies.
Provide technical judgment by asking questions, challenging assumptions, reviewing critical designs, and setting technical standards for the systems portfolio.
Lead launch vehicle and ground operations, payload processing and encapsulation, and/or transportation and handling of flight hardware, as applicable to assigned scope.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and 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, potential eligibility for benefits and bonuses based on company discretion; amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed.