Data System and Controls Engineering Manager

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 is part of Blue Origin Operations, which is comprised of Integrated Supply Chain, Test Operations, Safety, Quality, and Mission Assurance. This includes Manufacturing and Supply Chain support across all Blue Origin facilities.

We are a team of collaborators, doers, and problem-solvers who are relentlessly committed to a culture of safety. Join us in lowering the cost of access to space and enabling Blue Origin's vision of millions of people living and working in space to benefit Earth.

We are seeking an experienced Data Systems and Controls Engineering Manager to lead our passionate and accomplished team supporting the development, construction, operation, and maintenance of liquid rocket engine test facilities. This role will provide technical leadership and people management for engineers and technicians focused on instrumentation, data acquisition systems, and control hardware across various liquid rocket engine propulsion systems. This position will directly impact the history of space exploration and will require your dedication and detailed attention towards safe and repeatable test operations and spaceflight! This position is based in Van Horn, TX.

Van Horn Specific information:

Being at the heart of Blue Origin operations, the West Texas Site in Van Horn, TX offers eligible employee’s additional attractive financial incentives to supplement their competitive base earnings, including a living allowance and relocation assistance.  Eligibility for these additional benefits is based on the employee’s ability to permanently relocate to Van Horn, TX, or travel to Van Horn from another Blue location a minimum of 50% of the time.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and develop a team of engineers and technicians responsible for data systems and controls engineering, fostering a culture of safety, collaboration, and continuous growth
• Manage the maintenance and upgrade of test stand data acquisition systems, including overseeing hardware configurations, validation processes, and troubleshooting of DAQ hardware issues
• Direct technical support for instrumentation on test stands; review and approve drawings of harnesses/interfaces, electrical power, and data/control systems; provide mentorship and training to engineers and technicians
• Oversee the planning and execution of instrumentation, data, and controls system integration activities at test stands, including design reviews, installation planning, and functional verification of wire harnesses, components, and instrumentation
• Ensure proper creation and maintenance of software configuration files, test scripts, test procedures, and relevant rocket engine test documentation
• Coordinate data review during test operations and provide strategic input to the team regarding test sequences, test article and stand operations, and readiness for critical test phases
• Establish and enforce standards for verifying instrumentation health and performance on test stands and test articles, including hot fire test data review and reporting
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives to promote workplace safety, meet fast-paced schedules, and secure cost savings
• Manage budgets, headcount, and project timelines across multiple simultaneous instrumentation and control system efforts
• Represent the data systems and controls team in cross-functional engineering reviews and leadership discussions

Qualifications:

• B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field; M.S. preferred
• 7+ years of experience in data systems, controls engineering, or a related technical field
• 2+ years of people management experience leading technical engineering teams
• Experience with electrical schematic and panel layout design using CAD (preferably AutoCAD Electrical)
• Strong knowledge of PLC programming and system architecture (Allen Bradley experience a plus)
• Demonstrated understanding of instrumentation integration with data acquisition hardware
• Ability to guide and develop team members in the use of electrical diagnostic equipment
• Expert knowledge of industrial sensors and actuators: pressure, temperature, LVDT, accelerometers, motor controllers, flow meters, relay