Shift Leader, Test Ops

Blue Origin; Van Horn (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision (benefits)

401(k) with company match up to 5%

Paid time off

Stock options

Education Support Program

Job summary

Blue Origin's West Texas Site in Van Horn, TX is seeking a seasoned Test Stand Leader to supervise technicians maintaining and operating the XEEx test stand for rocket engines. You will influence safety and performance of human spaceflight through hands-on leadership and strategic scheduling.

You will plan daily tasks with the Test Stand Manager, allocate resources, review timecards, and coordinate with engineers on improvements, while maintaining strict safety around cryogens and high-pressure

Qualifications

• Proven leadership over engineers and technicians.
• 7+ years in rocket engine testing or related operations.
• 2+ years in a supervisory or lead role.
• Ability to earn trust and build positive relationships.
• Strong knowledge of instrumentation and controls and/or mechanical fluid systems.
• Experience with test stands and developmental aerospace testing.
• Experience building or altering test stands and defining tooling.
• Ability to follow P&ID drawings and place components.
• U.S. citizenship or eligible work status.

Responsibilities

• Plan daily schedule with the Test Stand Manager using the two-week forecast.
• Attend pre-shift briefings, provide input, and align tasks.
• Re-schedule or recover items not completed in the daily assignment.
• Delegate daily tasks to technicians based on experience and technical levels.
• Ensure the test stand is staffed for daily operations.
• Perform shift-start, mid-shift, and end-shift stand walk-downs.
• Monitor FOD and tool control; keep the stand clean and organized.
• Guide technicians on test facility construction, activation, and safe operation.
• Approve timecards, track time, and schedule personnel.
• Complete performance evaluations and interview prospective employees.
• Support and provide continued training and skill development for team members.
• Work with engineers on improvements, enhanced test methods, and development.
• Operate safely around cryogens, hazardous chemicals, and high-pressure systems.
• Maintain safe I&C operations at the test facility.
• Complete other duties as assigned to support testing and operations.
• Monitor team purchases for budget management.

Skills

Leadership

Instrumentation & controls

Test stand knowledge

MS Office

Education

Two-year technical or AS degree

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Application close date

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.

About Blue Origin

Blue Origin envisions millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We are developing 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 write new chapters in the history of spaceflight.

This role is part of Blue Origin Operations, comprising Integrated Supply Chain, Test Operations, Safety, Quality, and Mission Assurance. It provides manufacturing and supply chain support across all Blue Origin facilities and offers centralized support for the design, build, and maintenance of ground systems, test, and launch facilities across multiple locations.

The West Texas Site in Van Horn, TX offers eligible employees additional financial incentives, including a living allowance and relocation assistance. Eligibility is based on permanent relocation to Van Horn, TX.

Role Overview

As a leader of the test team at the Extreme Engine Experiment (XEEx) test stand, you will supervise technicians who maintain, repair, and operate the West Texas Test Site for various launch vehicle systems. Your leadership will directly influence safe human spaceflight and rocket engine testing.

Responsibilities

• Plan daily schedule with the Test Stand Manager using the two‑week forecast.
• Attend pre‑shift briefings, provide input, and align skills to complete daily tasks.
• Re‑schedule or recover items not completed in the daily assignment.
• Delegate daily tasks to technicians based on experience and technical levels.
• Ensure the test stand is staffed for daily operations.
• Perform shift‑start, mid‑shift, and end‑shift stand walk‑downs.
• Monitor FOD and tool control; keep the stand clean, organized, and presentable.
• Guide technicians on test facility construction, activation, and safe operation.
• Approve timecards, track time, and schedule personnel.
• Complete performance evaluations and interview prospective employees.
• Support and provide continued training and skill development for team members.
• Work with engineers on improvements, enhanced test methods, and development.
• Operate safely around cryogens, hazardous chemicals, and high‑pressure systems.
• Maintain safe I&C operations at the test facility.
• Complete other duties as assigned to support testing and operations.
• Monitor team purchases for budget management.

Minimum Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience with the ability to oversee engineers and technicians.
• 7+ years of experience in rocket engine testing, aerospace test facility operations, or launch vehicle operations.
• 2+ years in a supervisory or lead role.
• Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to team culture.
• High proficiency in instrumentation and controls and/or mechanical fluid systems, including low, medium, or high‑pressure gaseous and cryogenic applications.
• Sound working knowledge of test stands and developmental aerospace article testing.
• Experience building, fabricating, or altering test stands and defining needed tooling and components.
• Ability to closely follow P&ID drawings and place components.
• Ability to work in adverse weather conditions and on outdoor industrial installations.
• Proficient computer skills, including MS Office.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident, or lawfully admitted U.S. refugee or asylum recipient.

Preferred Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in propulsion test facilities and/or oil and gas operations.
• 5+ years as a lead person or supervisor.
• Exceptional organizational, communication, and analytical skills.
• Broad scheduling and planning skillset.
• Proven track record of driving complex projects with minimal oversight.
• Two‑year technical or AS degree.
• Continuous improvement mindset, recommending solutions to develop effective maintenance, integration, and testing procedures.

Culture Statement

We encourage applicants who are excited about this role even if their past experience does not align with every desired qualification. You may be the right candidate for this or other roles.

Export Control Regulations

Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident, or lawfully admitted U.S. refugee or asylum recipient.

Background Check

• All positions require Blue's Standard Background Check.
• Certain job profiles require DBIDS background check if the role requires presence on a military installation.
• Certain job profiles (drivers of commercial motor vehicles, etc.) may require additional federal regulations and training.
• Certain job profiles require ability to obtain and maintain a Merchant Mariner Credential.

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%, and an Education Support Program.
• Stock options for all regular employees working at least 20 hours per week.
• Paid time off: up to four weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, plus up to 14 company‑paid holidays.
• Eligibility for bonuses and other benefits may vary by role and level. Mandatory payout is not guaranteed and may change.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Blue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We hire and promote people based on qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork. All qualified applicants and employees receive equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of protected characteristics mandated by federal, state, or local law.

Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation

Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin's affirmative action plans or requiring accommodations to participate in the application or interview process should contact [e-mail]. Please do not include personal medical information in your request.