Sr. Manager, Vehicle Avionics - Launch Operations

Blue Origin; Florida; On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Blue Origin, based in Florida, seeks a senior Avionics Operations leader to guide the integration, testing, and operational readiness of launch vehicle avionics. You will oversee vehicle processing, troubleshooting, and documentation, ensuring safe and reliable flight operations.

You will manage a high-performing team of avionics engineers and technicians, mentor staff, and drive cross-functional training to support ground and launch campaigns. Requires strong leadership and aerospace experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or equivalent required.
• 7+ years in aerospace systems integration, testing, or operations.
• 2+ years in leadership or management roles.
• Experience with avionics systems (power, data handling, navigation, guidance, flight control).

Responsibilities

• Lead avionics integration, testing, troubleshooting, and operation of launch vehicle avionics.
• Oversee avionics readiness during processing, testing, and launches.
• Collaborate with design, operations, and other teams to resolve issues.
• Develop and execute avionics procedures and test documentation.
• Drive continuous improvement of operational efficiency and system reliability.

Skills

Avionics systems

Team leadership

Operational readiness

Troubleshooting

Cross-functional coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or equivalent

Tools

Test equipment

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!

Job Description

This role is part of the Launch Engineering team, providing centralized support to business units with a focus on the design, build, operation, and maintenance of ground systems, test, and launch facilities across multiple locations. As part of a passionate and accomplished team of experts in Ground and Vehicle Operations, you will lead the Avionics Operations team responsible for launch vehicle avionics integration, testing, troubleshooting, and operational readiness. This role requires a combination of technical expertise, operational leadership, and people management to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient execution of vehicle processing, integrated testing, and launch operations.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Technical & Operational Leadership

• Lead the team responsible for integration, testing, troubleshooting, and operation of launch vehicle avionics systems, including electrical power, navigation, guidance, and flight control systems.
• Oversee avionics operational readiness and execution during vehicle processing, integrated testing, and launch campaigns.
• Collaborate with Avionics Design Engineering, Vehicle Operations, and other functional teams to resolve technical issues and improve system operability.
• Oversee the development, review, and execution of avionics operational procedures and test documentation.
• Lead operational troubleshooting and drive resolution of avionics anomalies, technical issues, and constraints impacting vehicle readiness.
• Support system safety reviews, hazard analyses, and implementation of operational risk mitigation strategies.
• Identify and implement opportunities to improve operational efficiency, standardize processes, and enhance system reliability.

People & Organizational Leadership

• Recruit, hire, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of avionics operations engineers and technicians.
• Establish clear team objectives, provide regular coaching and performance feedback, and support employee career development.
• Develop and implement structured training plans to strengthen team technical competencies, operational proficiency, and readiness for test and flight operations.
• Establish and drive cross-functional training initiatives to expand team capabilities, promote knowledge sharing, and enable Avionics Operations personnel to train and support other functional teams across Ground and Vehicle Operations.
• Track and assess personnel qualifications, training completion, and crew readiness to support safe and effective test and flight operations.
• Collaborate with functional leaders to ensure consistency in training, qualification, and development across Ground and Vehicle Operations.
• Manage team priorities, resource allocation, and staffing to support operational and program milestones.
• Promote a workplace culture aligned with Blue Origin's guiding principles and ensure adherence to company policies, directives, and procedures.

Planning & Execution

• Coordinate operational schedules, staffing, and resources to support vehicle processing, integrated testing, and launch campaign requirements.
• Identify and communicate technical risks, resource constraints, and operational issues to leadership, developing mitigation and recovery plans as needed.
• Support budget development, resource planning, and execution in alignment with the Approved Operating Plan.
• Support operations outside nominal business hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as required by test and launch schedules.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or equivalent relevant experience.
• 7+ years of experience in aerospace systems integration, testing, or operations involving complex hardware and software systems.
• 2+ years of leadership or management experience, including direct responsibility for personnel and/or technical teams.
• Experience with avionics systems, including electrical power, command and data handling, navigation, guidance, or flight control systems.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and coordinate technical activities in an operational environment.
• Experience troubleshooting complex technical systems and driving issues to resolution.
• Excellent written,