Sr. Manager, Ground System Test Engineering & Development Verified today
The Role
You will lead the Test and Production System Development team within Blue Origin Operations, owning the full lifecycle design, development, build, and activation of test facilities, integrated test stands, and production environment fluid systems across the Orbital Launch Site and Rocket Park. Upon activation, you hand off test infrastructure to Test Operations while providing sustaining engineering support to keep assets mission ready. You support all Blue Origin business units - New Glenn, Lunar, Engines, and Test Operations - delivering safe, reliable mechanical and fluid system infrastructure.
You will manage a multidisciplinary team of mechanical and fluids engineers, technical project managers, and construction project managers, working in close partnership with Data Systems and Control Equipment, ground software, CAD drafting, and Facilities teams.
Responsibilities
- Own complete test infrastructure and production environment projects from requirements through design, build, and activation; hand off to Test Operations and provide ongoing sustaining engineering support
- Lead and manage a multidisciplinary team of mechanical and fluids engineers, technical project managers, and construction project managers
- Drive execution of multiple concurrent test stand and production fluid system projects in parallel while maintaining schedule, budget, and technical performance
- Partner closely with cross-functional teams including DSCE, CAD drafting, Facilities, Safety/EHS, Quality, and Integrated Supply Chain
- Own technical and programmatic decision-making for high-pressure and cryogenic fluid systems, hazardous fluid handling, and structural and mechanical interfaces
- Lead and champion HAZOP and PHA/PSA processes across all projects, ensuring safety analysis is thorough and fully integrated into design
- Anticipate and mitigate programmatic and technical risks; balance near-term operational needs with long-term capability development across multiple business unit customers
- Set team goals aligned with organizational objectives; communicate program status, risks, and resource needs clearly to senior leadership
- Build, develop, and retain a high-performing engineering team; provide coaching, feedback, and career development opportunities
- Champion process improvements and engineering best practices across the test stand and production fluid systems function
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related engineering discipline
- 10+ years of experience in mechanical, fluids, or test systems engineering, with at least 3 years in a people leadership or management role
- Demonstrated experience leading engineers through the full lifecycle of fluid system development: design, build, integration, and activation or commissioning
- Technical competency in both high-pressure gas and cryogenic fluid systems, including cryogenic propellant systems (LOX, LH2, LNG, LN2, etc.)
- Demonstrated competency leading HAZOP and PHA processes from initiation through resolution and documentation; experience integrating safety analysis outputs into design and operational procedures
- Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent projects with distinct schedules, budgets, and stakeholders
- Demonstrated track record of building and developing high-performing engineering teams
- Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to present technical and programmatic status to senior leadership
- U.S. citizen, national, permanent resident, or lawfully admitted as refugee or granted asylum
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification
- Experience managing construction project managers, leading ground-up facility build projects, and/or working with external contractors
- Background in rocket engine or propulsion component test stand and integrated test facility design and operation
- Experience supporting production fluid systems in a manufacturing environment
- Familiarity with range and launch site operations and associated safety and facility requirements
- Experience coordinating across multiple internal business unit customers in a shared-services or functional engineering organization
Work Details
- Relocation provided
- Travel expected up to 15% of the time
Benefits
- Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance
- Paid parental leave
- Short and long-term disability
- 401(k) with company match up to 5%
- Education Support Program
- Stock options for all regular employees working at least 20 hours per week
- Up to four weeks paid time off per year based on scheduled hours
- Up to 14 company-paid holidays
- Performance-based bonuses and benefits (eligibility and amounts subject to change at company discretion)