Sr. Manager, Ground System Test Engineering & 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! 

As part of a hardworking team of diverse engineers, analysts, designers, and project managers, you will lead the Test and Production System Development team, owning the full lifecycle design, development, build, and activation of test facilities, integrated test stands, and production environment fluid systems in manufacturing across the Orbital Launch Site (OLS) and Rocket Park. Upon activation, test infrastructure is handed to Test Operations; the team then provides sustaining engineering support to keep those assets capable and mission ready. You will support all Blue Origin business units — including New Glenn, Lunar, Engines, and Test Operations — delivering safe, reliable, and capable mechanical and fluid system infrastructure. You will manage a multidisciplinary team of mechanical/fluids engineers, technical project managers, and construction project managers, working in close partnership with functional Data Systems and Control Equipment (DSCE), ground software, CAD drafting, and Facilities teams to execute your scope.

• Relocation provided

• Travel expected up to 15% of the time

• Own complete test infrastructure and production environment projects across test facilities, integrated test stands, and manufacturing — from requirements through design, build, and activation; hand off to Test Operations upon activation and provide ongoing sustaining engineering support

• Lead and manage a multidisciplinary team of mechanical/fluids engineers, technical project managers, and construction project managers supporting all Blue Origin business units.

• Drive execution of multiple concurrent test stand and production fluid system projects in parallel; maintain schedule, budget, and technical performance

• Partner closely with DSCE (hardware and software), CAD drafting, Facilities, Safety/EHS, Quality, Integrated Supply Chain and other functional teams to deliver integrated, fully functional test and production systems

• Own technical and programmatic decision-making for high-pressure and cryogenic fluid systems, hazardous fluid handling, and associated structural and mechanical interfaces

• Lead and champion HAZOP and PHA/PSA processes across all projects, ensuring safety analysis is thorough, timely, 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

• 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/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

• 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

• 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/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

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.