Sr. Manager, Vehicle Avionics - Launch Operations

BLUE ORIGIN•West Melbourne, FL

About The Position

This role is part of Blue Origin’s Launch Engineering team, which provides centralized support to business units with a focus on the design, build, operation, and maintenance of ground systems, test, and launch facilities across multiple locations. The position leads the Avionics Operations team responsible for launch vehicle avionics integration, testing, troubleshooting, and operational readiness. It combines technical expertise, operational leadership, and people management to support safe, reliable, and efficient vehicle processing, integrated testing, and launch operations for New Glenn. The role oversees avionics operational readiness and execution during processing, testing, and launch campaigns; coordinates technical resolution and risk mitigation; and develops operational procedures, test documentation, and team training. It also manages team objectives, qualifications, staffing, resources, schedules, and priorities in support of program milestones. Support outside nominal business hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, may be required according to test and launch schedules.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent relevant experience.
At least 7 years of experience in aerospace systems integration, testing, or operations involving complex hardware and software systems.
At least 2 years of leadership or management experience, including direct responsibility for personnel and/or technical teams.
Experience with avionics systems, including electrical power, command and data handling, navigation, guidance, or flight control systems.
Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and coordinate technical activities in an operational environment.
Experience troubleshooting complex technical systems and driving issues to resolution.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Strong organizational, prioritization, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, schedule-driven operational environment.
Proficiency with management, planning, and reporting tools.
Ability to support off-shift and weekend operations as required.
Ability to travel occasionally.
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

Hands-on experience with launch vehicle or spacecraft avionics integration, testing, and operations.
Experience supporting launch vehicle processing, integrated test campaigns, or launch operations.
Experience leading avionics troubleshooting, anomaly investigations, and corrective actions.
Familiarity with electrical ground support equipment (EGSE), avionics test systems, and associated operational interfaces.
Experience developing, reviewing

Responsibilities

Lead the team responsible for integration, testing, troubleshooting, and operation of launch vehicle avionics systems, including electrical power, navigation, guidance, and flight control systems.
Oversee avionics operational readiness and execution during vehicle processing, integrated testing, and launch campaigns.
Collaborate with Avionics Design Engineering, Vehicle Operations, and other functional teams to resolve technical issues and improve system operability.
Oversee the development, review, and execution of avionics operational procedures and test documentation.
Lead operational troubleshooting and drive resolution of avionics anomalies, technical issues, and constraints impacting vehicle readiness.
Support system safety reviews, hazard analyses, and implementation of operational risk mitigation strategies.
Identify and implement opportunities to improve operational efficiency, standardize processes, and enhance system reliability.
Recruit, hire, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of avionics operations engineers and technicians.
Establish team objectives, provide coaching and performance feedback, and support employee career development.
Develop structured training plans to strengthen team technical competencies, operational proficiency, and readiness for test and flight operations.
Establish cross-functional training initiatives to expand team capabilities, promote knowledge sharing, and enable Avionics Operations personnel to train and support other Ground and Vehicle Operations teams.
Track and assess personnel qualifications, training completion, and crew readiness for safe and effective test and flight operations.
Collaborate with functional leaders to ensure consistency in training, qualification, and development across Ground and Vehicle Operations.
Manage team priorities, resource allocation, and staffing to support operational and program milestones.
Promote a workplace culture aligned with Blue Origin’s guiding principles and ensure adherence to company policies, directives, and procedures.
Coordinate operational schedules, staffing, and resources for vehicle processing, integrated testing, and launch campaigns.
Identify and communicate technical risks, resource constraints, and operational issues to leadership, developing mitigation and recovery plans as needed.
Support budget development, resource planning, and execution in alignment with the Approved Operating Plan.
Support off-shift operations, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as required by test and launch schedules.

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, company results, or other factors