Sr. Operations Manager - New Glenn Launch Execution

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 diverse team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight!  

This role supports the development and operations of New Glenn, a single-configuration, heavy-lift orbital launch vehicle capable of routinely carrying people and payloads to low-Earth orbit, geostationary transfer orbit, cislunar, and beyond. Its first stage is fully reusable, and the vehicle was designed from the beginning to be human-capable.

As part of a diverse and hardworking team of engineers, technicians, and specialists, you will lead a team of engineers and specialists to manage the schedule and execution of launch complex operations including tactical scheduling, work order management, test/launch planning, pad maintenance, kitting of hardware/test equipment, and deconfliction of hazardous clear zones at Launch Complex 36. The Operations Manager works closely with the launch vehicle processing, ground operations, and refurbishment operations teams to determine the needs and constraints of the Integration Facility and pad systems usage/outages along with the scheduling of shared resources/equipment.  Additionally, The Operations Manager will assist in the development of the integration/testing flows and processing plans based on the program schedule, customer need dates, labor, and equipment resource availability.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to

• Act as the hands-on gatekeeper for launch pad operations by orchestrating the tactical execution of all operations at the launch complex.
• Develop key performance indicators for launch complex activities. Monitor and react to these KPIs and anticipate issues prior to escalation.
• Create a ‘center of excellence’ ideology within Launch Operations through continuous improvement efforts and organizing launch complex workspaces for efficiency and effectiveness.
• Monitor on-site operations to provide real-time status to on-site crews and update visual management boards with current job/program status.
• Ensure parts and equipment are available and delivered to support scheduled work.
• Ensure all parallel operations on the launch complex are deconflicted as necessary.
• Coordinate local clear areas due to hazardous operations and manage operational space allocation for the site.
• Provide day-to-day direction to the team consisting of operations controllers, schedulers, planners, and manufacturing engineers to ensure all daily business deliverables and tasks are completed.
• Work problems of diverse scope using detailed data analysis that will require complex decision making. 
• Maintain situational awareness of all activities, interactions, hazards, weather, and personnel locations on the pad and be accountable for facilitating the starting and stopping of operations as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree and 6+ years of Operations experience (Manufacturing, Material Management, Test Operations, and/or Engineering).
• 3+ years in a leadership role responsible for managing technical products, project cost, and schedule performance.
• High digital literacy with a high proficiency in Microsoft Project.
• Skills to include bias for action, good communication during high pace work environments, ability to take command of a situation, and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Able to work full-time schedule, overtime, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Must be able to pass the security background check to work at federal reservations.   
• Based upon job duties, may need to work in various areas that may cause exposure to fumes, dust, toxic or caustic chemicals (well below OSHA exposure guidelines), outdoor weather, moving mechanical parts.
• Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to a culture of inclusion.
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 3+ years of work experience in space or aerospace operations and schedule execution.
• Experience managing operations at a Space Launch Complex.
• Experience standing up new processes and business practices.
• Expert skill level with Microsoft Project.
• Expert skill level with Material Requirements Planning/Enterprise Resource Planning software.