Senior Director of Program Management - New Glenn

Application close date:

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.

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 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.

The Senior Director of New Glenn Program Management is a senior leader responsible for driving the development, production, and operations of the New Glenn launch systems. This role focuses on crafting and maintaining operational business rhythms and tools that drive engineering completion, procurement of all hardware needed, and build and launch velocity to meet program needs. The Senior Director will use program management, data analytics, and business operations teams to drive progress towards business unit objectives. Additionally, this role develops necessary relationships with other business units and functional groups including Finance, Operations, and Strategy to seamlessly integrate program execution with the broader company.

Key Responsibilities:

• Vision for Program Execution and Alignment: Develop the execution vision for the New Glenn program. Align program objectives with overall business unit goals.
• Operational Rhythms and Metrics: Develop and implement operational business rhythms and tools to drive engineering completion. Establish metrics and benchmarks for program performance.
• Cost and Schedule Management: Manage teams that develop and track critical schedule and cost goals.
• Build Velocity and Optimization: Identify and implement strategies to improve build velocity and reduce time-to-market. Leverage data analytics to optimize production processes.
• Cross-Functional Coordination and Collaboration: Work closely with program management, data analytics, business operations, risk management, and hardware management teams. Ensure seamless integration of program execution with broader company objectives.
• Reporting and Insights: Architect and deliver regular reporting for program reviews. Provide actionable insights and recommendations based on data-driven analysis.
• Toolset and Process Improvement: Lead the development and delivery of customer-focused, world-class project management toolsets. Continuously improve project management tools to accelerate program execution. Incorporate AI and automation into the business.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Engineering degree (e.g., Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field).
• 15+ years of experience in program management within the aerospace industry.
• Proficiency in project management software (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera).
• Experience with data analytics tools and software (e.g., Tableau, Power BI).
• Knowledge of configuration management tools and practices.
• Proven track record of leading multi-functional teams and large-scale, complex engineering projects.
• Demonstrated ability to drive results and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to present complex information in a clear and concise manner to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Ability to identify risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• Deep understanding of the aerospace industry, including regulatory requirements and standards.
• Understanding of budgeting, cost management, and financial reporting. Experience in managing program budgets and financial performance.
• Experience in leading change initiatives and managing organizational change.
• Experience in leadership and network building in a complex multi-functional position.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with in-service product management as well as new product development.
• Master’s degree in Engineering or Business Administration.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• Certified Scrum Master (CSM) or other agile project management certifications.
• Familiarity with defense and commercial space programs.
• Experi