Sr. Manager-Instrumentation & Controls (I&C)

Blue Origin; Merritt Island (FL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid parental leave

Stock options

Job summary

Blue Origin in Merritt Island, FL is seeking a seasoned Instrumentation and Control (I&C) Team Lead to guide the design, build, integration, and sustainment of ground I&C systems for New Glenn operations. You'll lead technicians, plan work, ensure safety and quality, mentor staff, and coordinate with engineering and operations across sites to maintain readiness for launch campaigns.

Ideal candidates bring 5+ years in mission/flight ops or aerospace, frontline supervisory experience, and ability

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 5+ years in mission/flight operations, launch/test ops, aerospace/industrial systems.
• 3+ years frontline leadership directing technicians or operators.

Responsibilities

• Lead technicians in instrumentation & control system build, install, test, and troubleshoot with focus on safety, quality, and schedule.
• Plan, assign, and monitor work, including shift coverage and overtime.
• Ensure work follows procedures, drawings, and safety/quality requirements.

Skills

Team leadership

Operations planning

Safety compliance

Engineering coordination

Technical documentation reading

Education

Associate degree in electronics/mechatronics

Tools

Mil‑spec connectors (38999, 5015)

UL508A knowledge

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 supports the development and operations of New Glenn, a single-configuration, heavy-lift orbital launch vehicle capable of routinely carrying people and payloads to low-Earth orbit, geostationary transfer orbit, cislunar, and beyond. Its first stage is fully reusable, and the vehicle was designed from the beginning to be human-capable.

The Ground System Development organization is responsible for delivering reliable, high performance ground systems, electrical systems, and Instrumentation and Controls (I&C) infrastructure that enable safe and continuous spaceflight operations. This position supports that mission by contributing to the design, build, integration, and sustainment of ground systems, test assets, and launch facilities across multiple sites.

As part of a highly skilled team of technicians and engineers, you will manage and lead the I&C team efforts of install, troubleshoot, and commission instrumentation and control systems that support critical launch and test operations. Your leadership will directly influence system readiness, facility reliability, and the overall success of launch site execution.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Lead technicians in day-to-day activities associated with instrumentation and control system build, installation, test and troubleshoot, with a strong focus on safety, quality, and schedule.
• Plan, assign, and monitor work (shift coverage, work center assignments, overtime, and backup coverage).
• Ensure work is performed per approved procedures, work instructions, drawings, and safety/quality requirements.
• Provide hands on technical support for integration, checkout, test, and operations of ground systems as needed.
• Conduct regular performance check ins, annual and mid-year reviews; coach, develop, and mentor team members.
• Lead the team growth and support through Interviewing and hiring, onboarding, training, and recognition for your team.
• Review and sign timecards.
• Communicate work status, issues, and risks clearly to leadership and partner teams (engineering, planning, logistics, safety, quality).
• Support workforce planning, budget inputs, and resource forecasting for the I&C technician team.
• Drive a strong safety culture; identify hazards, support incident investigations, and implement corrective actions.
• Identify and implement continuous improvements to increase safety, quality, efficiency, and repeatability.
• Maintain clean, organized, compliant work areas (e.g., 5S, "clean as you go," tool/FOD control).

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 5+ years of hands-on experience in mission/flight operations, launch/test operations, aerospace/industrial systems, or a closely related operational environment.
• 3+ year of frontline leadership (supervisor, lead, crew chief, or equivalent) directing technicians or operators.
• Experience performing work on complex or hazardous systems (e.g., cryogenic, pneumatic, hydraulic, high pressure, high voltage, propellants, or similar).
• Ability to read and follow technical documentation (procedures, work instructions, drawings, schematics, manuals).
• Proven ability to plan and prioritize daily work for a team while meeting safety, quality, and schedule commitments.
• Basic proficiency with digital tools (email, spreadsheets, maintenance/operations systems) and ability to learn new tools quickly.
• Willing and able to support nonstandard hours (nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime), work in field/industrial environments (outdoors, PPE, heights/ladders, hazardous or restricted areas as required), and travel occasionally to other Blue Origin sites or test/launch locations.
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 7+ years of relevant operations experience (e.g., aerospace, launch vehicles, test facilities, industrial automation/controls, oil & gas, or similar), including 3+ years as a frontline supervisor/lead, preferably in domains such as launch pad/test stand instrumentation and control system build, installation, test and troubleshoot.
• Proficiency interpreting engineering drawings, models, specifications, and test procedures.
• Experience with Lean/continuous improvement (e.g., 5S, Kaizen) and implementing process and safety improvements.
• Experience with assembly, integration, and handling of large or complex control systems handling process and mechanical systems.
• Formal technical training or an associate degree in a relevant field (e.g., electronics, mechanics, industrial technology, instrumentation, mechatronics).
• Knowledge of UL508A standards, NEC70, AFSPC 91-710, Installation requirements for Hazardous Locations
• Experience installing cable tray, wire basket, conduit, cable routing
• Experience with Mil spec and industrial connectors such as 38999, 5015, M8, M12 and others

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

• 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.
• 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's Affirmpative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us [e-mail]. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.