Director of Avionics and Ground Control Systems

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

As part of a hardworking team of diverse engineers, you will be the leader of the New Glenn Orbital Launch team responsible for all launch vehicle avionics operations and ground control system hardware and software. This will include work with technicians during hardware and software troubleshooting of ground systems including GSE, EGSE, DSCE, and RF associated with the launch complex and processing equipment. Systems include high pressure gas, fluid systems, motion control, and electrical power systems. You will also be responsible for directing the team responsible for final integration and operations of launch vehicle power, navigation, and guidance systems.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Manage the team responsible for testing and operating launch vehicle power, navigation, and guidance systems and the team responsible for ground controls systems.

• Oversee the development of procedures for vehicle avionics, RF, EGSE, DSCE, and GSE Tooling control system support.

• Oversee the development and maintain configuration control, operational readiness, maintenance procedures, and spares inventory of Ground and Marine RF, EGSE, GSE, DSCE equipment.

• Support the development and manage calibration intervals for RF, EGSE, GSE, DSCE and GSE Tooling control system equipment.

• Support the modification and updates of RF, EGSE, GSE, DSCE, and GSE Tooling control system equipment and software.

• Manage the budget associated with ground control systems operations and maintenance as well as processing equipment for vehicle avionics.

• Collaborate with New Glenn avionics design engineering to apply engineering operations requirements and provide feedback for operability improvements of the launch vehicle systems.

• Collaborate with other functional group leads to ensure consistency in training and development across the Orbital Launch group. 

• Track and report crew readiness for test and flight operations. 

• Operations support will require occasional support outside of nominal business hours.  This includes after hours, weekends, and holidays. 

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, electrical, physics, aerospace engineering or another related engineering discipline.

• A minimum of 10 years of direct/specialized launch site operations/integration experience with large launch vehicles or systems of equivalent complexity.

• Excellent oral, written, interpersonal, customer relation skills, and presentation skills are required.

• Demonstrated ability to develop and manage several tasks and schedules simultaneously.

• Experience working with and leading cross-functional teams in a diverse work environment. 

• Outstanding organizational and time management skills.

• Critical thinker with innovative, problem-solving skills. 

• Advanced skills using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, & Outlook).

• Must be able to pass the security background check to work at federal reservations.   

• Able to work in a harsh climate environment.

• 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

• Working knowledge of various avionic systems.

• Hands-on experience operating and troubleshooting avionic systems. 

• Management of DSCE, EGSE, GSE or RF systems.

• Knowledge of NEC 70, NEC 70E, NFPA 79, UL508A.

• Knowledge of redundant control system design.

Inclusivity Statement

Don’t meet all desired requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At Blue Origin, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every