Sr. Director - Launch Infrastructure and Ground System Development

Application close date:

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!

We are a team of collaborators, doers, and problem-solvers who are relentlessly committed to a culture of safety. This position will directly impact the history of space exploration and will require your commitment and detailed attention towards safe and repeatable space flight. 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. As part of a passionate and growing team of experts, you will use your leadership and expertise in aerospace systems and infrastructural development best practices to plan and develop the launch infrastructure required for the success of Blue Origin. You will be responsible for leading the strategic planning, design, development, and maintenance of all essential ground and launch support infrastructure to enable efficient, safe, and cost-effective launch operations. This role requires a blend of executive leadership, deep technical expertise in aerospace ground systems, and a proven track record of managing large-scale, complex infrastructure projects from concept through operational readiness. The successful candidate will drive innovation and ensure the highest levels of safety, reliability, and efficiency for all launch, landing and refurbishment infrastructure. Blue Origin is looking for someone to apply their expertise, leadership skills, and commitment to quality to positively impact safe human spaceflight. Passion for our mission and vision is required!

Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute the long-term strategic roadmap for all launch infrastructure, including launch pads, landing vessels, vehicle integration facilities, propellant storage and handling systems.
• Serve as the primary Subject Matter Expert (SME) to the executive team on all launch site and ground operations capabilities, risk, and investment strategy
• Lead, mentor, and expand a multi-disciplinary team of engineers, project managers, and operations personnel
• Oversee the conceptual and detailed design of new launch infrastructure, ensuring compliance with mission requirements, safety standards, and environmental & relevant agency regulations.
• Manage the full project lifecycle for all infrastructure developments, from site selection and permitting to commissioning and final handover
• Direct the procurement and integration of highly specialized ground support equipment (GSE) and critical propellant/pressurant delivery systems
• Ensure all infrastructure can support high-tempo launch operations, minimizing turnaround time and maximizing reliability.
• Develop and manage the annual operating and capital expenditure budgets for the Launch Infrastructure department.
• Champion a culture of safety first in all design, construction, and operational activities.
• Ensure all infrastructure adheres to strict federal, state, and local regulatory requirements (e.g., FAA, environmental protection agencies).

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Aerospace, Mechanical, Civil, or Electrical) or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in aerospace, defense, or heavy industrial infrastructure development.
• Minimum of 8 years in a senior leadership or management role, specifically overseeing large-scale, multi-million dollar capital projects related to launch vehicles or similar high-energy systems.
• Demonstrated experience with the design and operation of cryogenic/hypergolic propellant handling systems
• Exceptional executive-level communication, negotiation, and presentation skills
• Proven ability to manage complex internal and external stakeholders, including government agencies, contractors, and sub-suppliers.
• Deep understanding of Range Safety requirements and launch site operations standards
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with ability to work in a fast-paced and evolving environment.

Desired:

• Master's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Civil or Manufacturing Engineering.
• Professional Engineer (PE) certification in a relevant discipline (e.g., Civil, Mechanical, Structural Engineering)
• Experience managing geographically dispersed teams and projects across multiple launch sites.
• Knowledge of modern, automated Vehicle Horizontal/Vertical Integration processes
• Familiarity with environmental impact assessments and permitting processes for major industrial facilities.

Culture 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 an authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every desired qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Export Control Regulations

Applicants for employment at Blue Origin must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S.as a refugee or granted asylum.

Background Check

• Required for all positions: Blue's Standard Background Check

• Required for Certain Job Profiles: Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installation

• Required for Certain Job Profiles: Drivers who operate Commercial Motor Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or combination of power unit and trailer that meets or exceeds 10,001 lbs. and/or transports placardable amounts of hazardous materials by ground in any vehicle on a public road while in commerce, may be subject to additional Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations including: Driver Qualification Files, Medical Certification (obtained before onboarding), Road Test, Hours of Service, Drug and Alcohol Testing (CDL drivers only), vehicle inspection requirements, CDL requirements (if applicable) and hazardous materials transportation/shipping training.

• Required for certain Job Profiles: Ability to obtain and maintain Merchant Mariner Credential, which includes pre-employment and random drug testing as well as DOT physical

Benefits

• Benefits include: Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability, 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%, and an Education Support Program.

• Paid Time Off: Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.

• Dependent on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on the company's intent to reward individual contributions and enable them to share in the company's results, or other factors at the company's sole discretion. Bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and subject to change and cancellation. Please check with your recruiter for more details.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Blue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified and dedicated work force. Blue Origin hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Blue Origin will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Washington Fair Chance Act, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws. For more information on "Know Your Rights," please see here.

Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation

Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin's Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us atEEOCompliance@blueorigin.com. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.

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