Mk1 Mission CONOPS Lead

Blue Origin; Oregon (WI); On-site; USD 145,000 - 203,000; Full time

Job summary

Blue Origin is seeking a Mission Lead to own the end-to-end definition and validation of the MK1-102 mission CONOPS across all phases, from launch to surface operations. You’ll work with Lead Systems Engineers, Mission Operations, and Engineers to define activities, timelines, and risks using MBSE and performance tools.

The role requires extensive experience shaping space mission CONOPS, leadership, and the ability to drive trade studies, risk mitigation, and readiness for gating reviews.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Systems Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field.
• 6+ years of space mission CONOPS experience across multiple phases.
• Experience defining and validating space mission CONOPS across mission phases.
• Knowledge of staging behavior and lunar mission dynamics (transit, orbit, descent/landing, surface operations).
• Strong leadership and interpersonal/communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Own the end-to-end definition of the MK1-102 mission CONOPS across launch, cruise, lunar operations, descent and surface delivery.
• Lead validation of the CONOPS via analysis, simulation, and test ensuring feasibility and traceability to requirements.
• Define mission timelines, constraints, and resource margins across all phases.
• Own Mission Model and guide MBSE development across the program.
• Identify and close mission-level risks including phase transitions and critical events.
• Lead trade studies in support of Lead Systems Engineer and frame alternatives.
• Collaborate with Mission Operations and Engineers to keep design and operations aligned.
• Support readiness reviews with authoritative mission-level input.

Skills

Leadership

Interpersonal/communication

Systems thinking

Education

B.S. in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Systems Eng or Physics

M.S. or higher in a relevant field

Tools

MBSE tools

Job description

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 the Lunar Permanence business unit, which develops Blue Origin’s Blue Moon landers and related products. To further Blue Origin's mission of millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth, we are building sustainable infrastructure for our transport of crew and cargo from Earth to the lunar surface.

At Blue Origin, we are building a road to space so our children can build the future. The Lunar Permanence team is delivering the Blue Moon Mark 1 (MK1) lander — a single‑launch, cryogenically‑fueled vehicle capable of delivering large payloads to the lunar surface. MK1‑102 is the mission that will deliver NASA's VIPER rover to the lunar South Pole region.

We are looking for a Mission Lead to own the end‑to‑end definition and validation of the MK1‑102 mission Concept of Operations (CONOPS) across all mission phases — from launch and cruise through lunar transit, descent and landing, and surface delivery operations. The Mission Lead works closely with Lead Systems Engineers, Mission Operations, and Functional/Performance Responsible Engineers to define mission activities, develop detailed timelines, run trade studies, define mission constraints, mitigate risks, and facilitating test plans and analysis scenarios. You will use in-house Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and performance analysis tools to assess the CONOPS and performance margins on a technical level.

Responsibilities

• Own the end‑to‑end definition of the MK1‑102 mission CONOPS across all phases (launch, cruise/transit, lunar orbit operations, powered descent & landing, and surface operations)


• Lead validation of the CONOPS through analysis, simulation, and test, ensuring operational scenarios are feasible, verifiable, and traceable to mission requirements.


• Define and manage mission timelines, operational constraints, and technical resource margins (e.g., propellant/cryogenic boil‑off, power, thermal, comms windows, timeline slack) across all phases.


• Owner of Mission L2 requirement and mission level success tree.


• Take ownership of the MK1 Mission Model; working closely with modeling lead to guide further development of the modelling capability across the program.


• Identify, characterize, and drive closure of mission‑level risks, including phase transitions and critical events (e.g., RPOD, landing).


• Define, inform, and selectively lead trade studies in support of the Lead Systems Engineer, framing alternatives, criteria, and recommendations, as they apply to the CONOPS.


• Partner closely with Mission Operations and Functional/Performance/Autonomy Responsible Engineers to ensure the as‑designed mission and the as‑operated mission stay aligned.


• Support gated and operational‑readiness reviews (e.g., Mission Operations Review, Operations Readiness Review, Flight Readiness Review) with authoritative mission‑level technical input.

Minimum Qualifications

• B.S. in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Systems Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field.


• 6+ years of relevant experience for the Senior level; equivalent depth at L3, L4 or Principal will be evaluated accordingly.


• Demonstrated experience defining and/or validating space mission CONOPS across multiple mission phases.


• Working knowledge of staging behavior and lunar mission dynamics (transit, orbit, descent/landing, surface operations).


• Demonstrated leadership and interpersonal/communication skills — able to align Mission Ops, REs, and the Lead SE around a common mission definition.


• Ability to define technical resource margins and lead/own technical risk.

Preferred Qualifications

• M.S. or higher in a relevant engineering or physics discipline.


• Direct experience on a lunar or cryogenic flight program (lander, upper stage, or in‑space cryogenic system).


• Hands‑on experience with model‑based systems engineering (MBSE) tools and methods.


• Experience building and championing adoption of an MBSE/mission‑model toolset within an organization.


• Experience leading trade studies and supporting a Lead Systems Engineer or Chief Engineer.


• Familiarity with NASA mission integration and payload‑delivery interfaces (e.g., CLPS‑class / VIPER‑class payloads).

Base Pay Range for:

WA applicants is $145,188.00 - $203,263.20

Other site ranges may differ

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, vehicle inspection requirements, CDL requirements (if applicable) and hazardous materials transportation/sh