Sr. Manager - Factory Automation

Blue Origin LLC; Washington; On-site; USD 197,000 - 276,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) with company match

Education Support Program

Stock Options

Job summary

Blue Origin is seeking a Senior Automation Development Director to lead a team of automation professionals across manufacturing. You will scale and improve automated systems, guide design, and drive deployment to enhance safety, quality, and efficiency in production.

The role demands extensive controls engineering expertise, leadership experience, and a passion for spaceflight. Expect collaboration across data science, AI, and IoT analytics to push automated manufacturing forward.

Qualifications

• B.S./M.S. in a relevant engineering field is required or desired.
• 8+ years leading a multi-functional automation team.
• 6+ years with automation software environments and languages (e.g., Ladder, ST, C/C++).
• 6+ years with control software environments (Siemens TIA Portal, Allen Bradley).
• 3+ years in from-scratch automation layout & cell configuration.
• Ability to read electrical/mechanical drawings.
• Strong design and simplification skills.
• Clear communication with partners.
• IEC 61131, ANSI B11, NFPA 79, RIA 15.06 familiarity.
• Automation simulation and mechanical/electrical design experience.
• Python or C# software development experience.
• NC programming (G-code, TP, Karel).
• Technical writing, presentations, and documentation.

Responsibilities

• Lead initiatives to improve manufacturing reliability and efficiency through automation.
• Own and drive technical architecture, roadmap, and implementation.
• Oversee mechanical and electrical design of automation solutions; integrate components and novel hardware.
• Lead PLC and robot programming design and modification.
• Support SCADA apps (Ignition, Kepware, AWS, etc.).
• Collaborate with data-science and AI teams for data-driven improvements.

Skills

Automation leadership

PLC programming

SCADA programming

Python

C#

G-code/TP/Karel

Technical writing

Electrical verification

Version control

Automation simulation

Design simplification

Communication

Control standards IEC 61131/ANSI B11/N

Education

B.S. in Mechanical/Manufacturing/Mechatronics/Electrical/Controls or related engineering field

M.S. in Mechanical/Manufacturing/Mechatronics/Electrical/Controls or related engineering field

Tools

Ignition

Kepware

AWS

Siemens TIA Portal

Allen Bradley ControlLogix

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 Blue Origin Operations, which is comprised of Integrated Supply Chain, Test Operations, Safety, Quality, and Mission Assurance. This includes Manufacturing and Supply Chain support across all Blue Origin facilities. Our team is looking for an outstanding, highly motivated, senior automation development Director to lead our exceptional team of automation professionals. Our mission is to innovate and build scalable and robust hardware and software solutions in the manufacturing environment. These solutions drive delivery of Blue Origin rockets and systems. You will participate in, and guide the design, implementation, and deployment of pioneering automated systems and technologies to continuously improve the safety, quality and efficiency of our manufacturing processes. Functionally decompose sophisticated problems into simple, straight-forward solutions. Share knowledge in performance, scalability, enterprise system architecture, and engineering standard methodologies. We are looking for someone to apply their expansive controls engineering knowledge, automation design expertise, leadership skills, and dedication to quality to scale and improve automated manufacturing at Blue. Passion for our mission and vision is required!

Responsibilities

• Lead initiatives to improve the reliability and efficiency of manufacturing processes through automation
• own and drive the technical architecture, roadmap and implementation
• Oversight of mechanical & electrical design of complete automation solutions, including both off-the-shelf component integration and novel hardware design & development
• Lead the design and modification of PLC and Robot programs
• Support the development of SCADA applications (Ignition, Kepware, AWS, etc.)
• Collaborate with data-science and artificial intelligence teams to pair control system development with IOT analytics and AI powered software, developing closed-loop data-driven enhancements to sophisticated manufacturing systems

Qualifications

• B.S. degree or higher in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Mechatronics, Electrical, Controls, or other relevant engineering field
• 8+ years experience in engineering leadership of a multi-functional team of automation professionals
• 6+ years experience with common automation software development languages (ex. Ladder, ST, C/C++)
• 6+ years experience with controls and automation software development environments (ex. Siemens TIA Portal, Allen Bradley Control Logix)
• 3+ years experience with 'from scratch' automation layout design & cell configuration
• A demonstrated ability to interpret and review electrical and mechanical drawings
• Strong skills for design and process simplification
• Ability to communicate optimally, clearly, and with humility to partners
• An understanding of world-class quality, attention to detail, and dedication
• Desired: M.S. degree or higher in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Mechatronics, Electrical, Controls, or other relevant engineering field
• Familiar with various control system and equipment safety standards such as IEC 61131, ANSI B11, NFPA 79, and RIA 15.06
• Extensive mechanical & electrical design experience, including automation simulation
• Experience with writing and developing software in a high-level language such as Python or C#
• Experience with NC programming of automated systems such as G-code, TP, Karel
• Excellent technical writing, grammar, and presentation experience
• Experience with electrical verification of machines
• Experience in defining, implementing, and maintaining controls code from source control
• Hands on experience with multiple common manufacturing and assembly processes, CNC machines, metrology systems (laser tracking), and inspection

Base Pay Range for: WA applicants is $197,004.00 - $275,805.60. 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/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

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.

Stock Options

Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week)

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’sAffirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us at [e-mail]. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request. We’re committed to building the road to space so our children can build the future. We are a mission‑driven company focused on ideas and innovation, and encourage fresh perspectives from bold voices. At Blue, our team is building the future as their unique selves.

Thank you for your interest in working at Blue Origin! Blue Origin was founded with a vision to enable a future where millions of people are living and working in space to benefit Earth. In order to preserve Earth, Blue Origin believes in the need to enable humanity to expand, explore, find new energy and material resources, and move industries that stress Earth into space. Blue Origin believes it has an important role in building a road to space and lowering the cost of getting there. At Blue Origin, we’re working on this today by developing fully reusable launch vehicles and systems that are safe, reliable and affordable. Every launch vehicle is designed for human spaceflight from the beginning and able to ferry payloads to space.

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