Senior Ground Manager, New Shepard (R38901)

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 is a part of New Shepard, a reusable suborbital rocket system designed to take astronauts and research payloads past the Kármán line, the internationally recognized boundary of space. Through operational reusability, New Shepard supports our mission of lowering the cost of access to space!

As part of a hardworking team of diverse specialists, technicians, and engineers, you will lead a team that operates and maintains the New Shepard launch and landing facility and ground support equipment (GSE) for various spaceflight systems. You will share in the team’s impact on all aspects of New Shepard launch operations and maintenance. The New Shepard Operations and Maintenance (NSOM) Ground Senior Manager will review and approve launch facility and GSE scope within the assigned budget and is responsible for the operations, maintenance, configuration control, risk assessment and readiness for Land and Launch Complex (LLCX) and Ground Support Equipment in support of flight vehicle operations. This is the position where technical scope, schedule, and budget for Launch Operation Facilities and GSE are integrated. The NSOM Ground Senior Manager has several direct reports including the LLCX Manager and GSE Manager and is assigned to the New Shepard Director of Maintenance. This person will indirectly work closely with the Ground System Element to provide feedback as a valuable collaborator to various engineering development projects for the Ground Systems. Being a great teammate is a must; as this person will collaborate across team interfaces to understand and overcome logistics, supply chain, and resource challenges to deliver mission ready facilities and equipment. They will identify and provide recommendations for engineering changes, work with stakeholders to champion and complete projects that provide positive return and will directly lower the cost to access space. 

The job can be based in Kent with routine (25%-35%) travel to the Launch Site One facility in West Texas, or based in Van Horn, TX with less than 10% travel to Kent. Additional operations responsibilities may be assigned depending on individual experience and qualifications.

We are looking for someone to apply their technical expertise, leadership skills, and dedication to quality to positively impact safe human spaceflight. Passion for our mission and vision is required!

Qualifications:

• Minimum of a B.S. degree in engineering., or equivalent experience
• 10+ years’ experience in test or field operations with at least 5 years in a demanding operational environment
• Experience supervising maintenance and operation of hydraulic systems, RF equipment and electronics/control systems, fluid systems and mechanical systems.
• Strong experience in leadership, planning, and team development, in a demanding time accountable environment
• Strong coordination and project management skills. Must be able to track, manage and prioritize multiple simultaneous tasks and jobs.
• Excellent computer skills with the ability to use a variety of management and planning software tools, including the ability to rapidly learn and apply new software tools as required, to include limited coding of operating scripts, Integrated Ground System (IGS) Graphical User Interface (GUI), and procedures.
• A proven track record of working successfully in multiple fields, and the ability to evaluate technical recommendations from subject matter experts in a wide range of disciplines
• Proven communication skills and the ability to build strong working relationships within the organization.
• Ability to support frequent travel as needed for maintenance on-site support and launch operations
• Previous experience managing a maintenance and operations team with equipment in the field.
• Experience with establishing, supervising, and updating a preventive maintenance program
• Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to a culture of inclusion

Desired:

• PMP Certification or equivalent level of experience in project management
• Aerospace, space launch, military or commercial aviation, or heavy industrial equipment operational leadership preferred
• Ability to manage budget and schedule in a resource limited and demanding operational environment
• Experience leading team to leverage limited resources for maximum benefit
• Relevant experience in transitioning a product and team from production to oper