Chief Engineer, In-Space Propulsion (R39797)

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 part of Enterprise Program Management (EPM), where we provide technical standards, tools, processes, training, and subject matter expertise for product engineering and manufacturing. EPM allows all Blue Origin business units to benefit from commonly used capabilities, hardware, and software and assists business units in identifying, selecting, and training engineers from both inside and outside the organization.

As part of a dedicated and accomplished Chief Engineering team, you will provide independent oversight across the In-Space Programs to ensure overall technical compliance across the development and operational lifecycle. The position works with the Engines Chief Engineer Lead and requires strong engineering and collaboration skills to implement the optimal solutions that support the imposed requirements and architecture. In a fast-paced exciting environment, you will contribute to innovative solutions, while demonstrating personal leadership, technical judgment and competence, and a passion for the highest technical standards partnering with the business unit and engineering leadership to achieve program goals. This position will directly impact the history of space exploration and will require your dedicated dedication and attention toward safe and reliable spaceflight.

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

Responsibilities:

• Act as the independent technical authority for Engines In-Space thrusters, providing Chief Engineer assessments of requirements, design, risks, budget, and schedule with the Program Manager.
• Own the technical baseline for all In-Space thrusters within the Engines Business Unit.
• Identify gaps between requirements, design, manufacturing, operations, and facility solutions and work with project teams on practical solutions across the lifecycle.
• Assess and disposition aggregate technical risks across a product/program.
• Assess and approve technical completion and compliance at major program and element technical reviews.
• Provide engineering leadership and mentoring to coordinate design, analysis, and systems engineering processes throughout development, verification, delivery, and operation.
• Provide independent review of corrective actions for major failures at the program/product level, and work with functional managers in addressing systemic issues.
• Facilitate technical trades and advise teams on solutions for In-Space architectures.
• Collaborate with program and company leadership to define and assess technology roadmap alignment product needs and industry developments.
• Collaborate with other members of the Engineering and Program Management organization to assess and enforce engineering process health, compliance with standards, and best practices for product/program.
• Represent the company and project with key customers and collaborators.
• Coordinate with other Chief Engineers to guide Chief Engineer activities internally and across multi-element and partner teams to solve complex problems.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Passion for our mission: Millions of people living and working in space!
• B.S. in an engineering-related field, with 15+ proven years of design, development, or analysis experience.
• Experience in full lifecycle development of engine systems, including many aspects of system design, analysis, and test, requirement and verification definition, software implementation and verification, system integration, qualification, operations, and commissioning.
• Highly organized teammate with excellent technical written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated track record of personal integrity, strong technical judgment, and bias for action from their previous assignments.
• Proven ability to operate with cohesive and effective teams and drive decision-making within those teams.
• Experience with development in mission and safety-critical environments.
• Leadership experience in an aerospace development environment.
• Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to our inclusive culture.
• 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 asylu