Launch Ops Managers/Sr Managers (Multiple Levels | Multiple Shifts)

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.

We are looking for a dynamic Mission & Flight Operations Manager / Sr Manager to lead teams that plan and execute safe, efficient operations for Blue Origin vehicles and payloads from hardware receipt through day‑of‑operations and post‑flight.

You will own the operational execution of launch, test, and mission activities, coordinating across vehicle, payload, and ground systems while developing and mentoring a high‑performing team of technicians, controllers, and engineers. This position will directly impact the history of space exploration and will require your

Position Specific Details:

Shifts: A Shift Monday- Friday 8am -4:30pm

Location: Space Coast, FL

Relocation: Available

Key Responsibilities

Lead day‑to‑day mission and flight operations for assigned vehicles, payloads, and/or launch complexes, ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient execution.

Develop, maintain, and execute integrated operations plans, procedures, and schedules for processing, test, and mission activities across facilities, teams, and shared resources.

Manage a team of technicians, controllers, and/or engineers, including recruiting, onboarding, training, performance management, and career development.

Act as a working manager when needed, supporting or leading hands‑on integration, checkout, and test of flight and ground systems in the field or control room.

Own and maintain operations procedures, checklists, launch and test timelines, and mission rules; ensure configuration control and alignment with engineering intent and safety requirements.

Collaborate with Safety, Systems Engineering, Operations, Range, and program teams to identify hazards, support system and process hazard analyses, and implement mitigations.

Maintain real‑time situational awareness during on‑console and field operations; coordinate go/no‑go decisions and start/stop of hazardous operations in partnership with safety, range, and engineering authorities.

Track team readiness, qualifications, and certifications; own training plans, simulations, and drills to prepare crews for nominal and off‑nominal scenarios.

Oversee maintenance, calibration, and readiness of ground support equipment (GSE), tooling, and operations infrastructure, including configuration changes and planned outages.

Manage operations budgets and resource allocations within the Annual Operating Plan; provide input to capital and staffing plans.

Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders (e.g., vehicle and payload programs, mission management, customers, and range organizations) to align operational plans, resolve conflicts, and support mission objectives.

Drive continuous improvement through data‑based problem solving, root cause analysis, and implementation of corrective and preventive actions.

Ensure compliance with Blue Origin policies, procedures, and directives, as well as applicable regulatory, range, and environmental requirements.

Communicate status, risks, and readiness to leadership through clear reports and participation in reviews, readiness assessments, and mission/launch boards.

Team Focus & Domain Expertise

Launch Operations sits at the heart of Blue Origin’s launch and spaceflight systems, turning design intent into hard data, clean checkouts, and flight confidence. Our managers own the strategy and execution of integrated test campaigns for avionics, GSE, and flight hardware – from first power‑on and subsystem verification to full‑stack vehicle and pad‑level tests that clear the way for launch day.

You won’t just ensure procedures are followed; you’ll set the vision for smarter, faster, more resilient ways to test and drive your organization to deliver them. You’ll lead leaders and multidisciplinary teams that develop and refine automated test systems, data acquisition architectures, and instrumentation strategies that push test coverage, increase speed, and boost confidence for every mission. Technical depth in areas such as digital/analog electronics, power systems, communications, sensors, DAQ, and test automation (e.g., Python, LabVIEW, or similar tools) will let you dive deep when it matters – asking the right questions, challenging assumptions, reviewing critical designs, and setting the technical bar for your portfolio of systems.

Safety and mission assurance are our north star, and the stakes are real. You’ll apply rigorous test engineering and safety‑by‑design principles while building and leading a disciplined operations organization that validates systems that must work the first time, every time – supporting a high launch cadence while protecting crew, payloads, and ground personnel. Managers who thrive here combine sharp technical judgment with calm, decisive leadership under pressure, shaping culture, priorities, and readiness. They bring the energy that comes with seeing their teams’ work roll to the pad, count down, and fly to space.

Mission & Flight Operations Managers provide strategic and frontline leadership at the sharp end of the mission – where hardware, people, and procedures come together to put vehicles and payloads into space. Depending on your background and scope, you may own operations such as:

Launch Vehicle & Ground Operations – Being accountable for teams performing vehicle integration, pad or test stand operations, ground fluid system operations (cryogenic, pneumatic, hydraulic), avionics/electrical checkout, and hands‑on support to countdown and test events. You ensure the people, processes, and hardware come together to turn a static vehicle on the stand into a launch‑ready system.

Payload & Processing Operations – Managing supervisors and teams responsible for payload or spacecraft handling, integration, encapsulation, and facility operations, often in controlled or cleanroom environments. Your organization ensures every payload is treated with the care and precision worthy of its science, mission, or customer.

Transportation & Handling – Owning the planning and execution of the movement, rigging, lifting, and securing of large or critical flight hardware using specialized transport and material handling equipment. You define the standards and oversee the choreography that moves high‑value hardware safely from factory floor to launch pad.

You’re expected to bring solid hands‑on operations experience in at least one of these domains, along with a proven ability to build, develop, and lead disciplined, procedure‑driven teams in a high‑consequence environment. In this role, you’ll set direction and priorities, grow and mentor supervisors and technical leaders, and own real‑time risk and go/no‑go decisions that directly shape mission outcomes. If you’re motivated by tight timelines, complex hardware, and the adrenaline of seeing entire organizations you lead execute a successful countdown and launch, this is where you’ll feel at home.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physical sciences, operations, or a related technical field; or equivalent hands‑on experience in a complex operational environment.

5+ years of experience in mission/flight operations, launch operations, flight test, range operations, or complex aerospace/industrial operations (8+ years for Sr Manager).

2+ years of people leadership experienc