Lunar Flight Operations Lead - Test & Flight Operations
We are a diverse team of collaborators, doers, and problem-solvers who are relentlessly committed to a culture of safety.
This position will directly impact the history of space exploration and will require your commitment and detailed attention towards safe and repeatable space flight.
Join us in lowering the cost of access to space and enabling Blue Origin’s vision of millions of people living and working in space to benefit Earth.
As part of a small, hardworking, and accomplished team of Mission Operations Systems and Flight Operations Engineers, you will collaborate closely with space vehicle and ground subsystem teams, leading and performing flight and operations development tasks throughout the full system lifecycle.
You will share in the team’s impact on all aspects of the mission operations concept, mission analysis and planning, flight planning, ground data systems, and tools used to operate crew-rated lunar landers.
You will work directly with NASA and our National Team Partners as part of the Human Landing System (HLS) Sustaining Lunar Development (SLD) program.
You will play a key role in developing the Lunar Transportation system that will return humans to the Moon and extend human presence permanently beyond the bounds of Earth.
We are looking for someone to apply their technical expertise, leadership skills, and commitment to quality to positively impact safe human spaceflight.
Passion for our mission and vision is required!
Responsibilities :
- Lead a team of 8-20 personnel to develop processes and execute mission operations in the areas of operations product development, mission planning, flight dynamics and training
- Assist the Lunar Director of Mission Operations with the management of budget, schedule and personnel for the Lunar Mission Operations team
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including engineers representing flight vehicle systems, ground software, flight control operators and customers
- Lead initiatives to improve Mission Operations Systems and Flight Operations engineering and other functional processes and tools
- Help establish standards for repeatable and cost-effective mission operations execution, working to continuously improve team performance and create a culture of operational excellence
- Provide real-time leadership to the execution of complex space missions, including test and demonstration flights of new technology
- Support the development of future lunar vehicles by helping define the Concept of Operations and ensuring design requirements provide operability to both flight and ground crews responsible for operation of the vehicle
Qualifications :
- B.S. in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, physics or related technical field
- Expertise in one or more of the following areas :
- Space mission flight operations
- Mission analysis, flight planning and timeline development (tool and analysis)
- Ground-based Navigation (e.g. RF, Optical, etc.)
- Spacecraft telemetry, commanding and sequencing
- Operational fault management
- Experience in a complex system lifecycle requirement definition, design solution definition, implementation, integration, verification, validation, qualification, commissioning and / or operations
- Strong understanding of the principles and methods of engineering complex systems
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work collaboratively in a fast paced, dynamic work environment
- Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to a culture of inclusion
- 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.
Don’t meet every single requirement? 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 a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway.
You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.
Compensation range for on site CO applicants is $142,976-$209,697
Compensation range for on site WA applicants is $155,495-$228,058
Compensation range for on site CA applicants is $155,495-$228,058
Other site ranges may differ
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.
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, diverse, 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, in which all employees recognize and appreciate the diversity of individual team members.
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, gender, 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.
For more information on EEO Is the Law, please see and .
Blue Origin will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the Washington Fair Chance Act, Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws.
Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation
Benefits
Employee Benefits include : Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave (must be employed at time of birth or adoption), short and long-term disability, 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%, and an Education Support Program available after 1 year of service.
Paid Time Off : Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays for all regular employees (including part-time), fixed-term, and interns.
Discretionary bonus : Employees may be eligible for discretionary bonuses in addition to base pay. Bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results.
Flight Operations Engineer
We are a diverse team of collaborators, doers, and problem-solvers who are relentlessly committed to a culture of safety.
This position will directly impact the history of space exploration and will require your commitment and detailed attention towards safe and repeatable space flight.
Join us in lowering the cost of access to space and enabling Blue Origin’s vision of millions of people living and working in space to benefit Earth.
As part of a hardworking team of diverse flight operations professionals, you will operate and launch spaceflight systems.
You will share in the team’s impact on all aspects of the re-usable rocket operation and commercial spaceflight.
After completing a challenging hands-on training program and successfully certifying, you will operate the Propulsion Module at our Texas launch site in support of the New Shepard pre-launch, launch, and post-launch activities.
As a flight controller, your role will be pivotal in carrying out a safe and successful launch. In this role, you will also support many aspects related to development and continuous improvement of the launch operation, such as procedure authoring and verification, process improvement, and safety analysis.
This role is based in Kent, WA with regular travel to our launch site in Texas. This can be a level II or level III position.
Responsibilities :
- Develop proficiency in operating sophisticated mechanical, fluid, and avionics systems as you work toward and complete certification as a Capsule Controller, Booster Controller, or Ground Controller for test and launch of the New Shepard rocket
- Serve as a flight controller on launch day, leading tasks such as simultaneously load propellants and pursuant into the rocket, or preparing the capsule for embarking astronauts
- Respond to off-nominal scenarios, taking appropriate actions to maintain crew and astronaut safety and help lead the team to resolution of anomalies
- Operate the Crew Capsule, Propulsion Module, or launch complex ground systems in support of vehicle testing and pre-launch preparations for New Shepard launch (vehicle checkouts, mission simulation, etc.)
- Develop and support procedure updates for use across all phases of the operation
- Support control console human interface upgrades
- Support systems safety activities by working toward process and documentation improvement
We are looking for someone to apply their technical expertise, leadership skills, and dedication to quality to positively impact safe human spaceflight.
Passion for our mission and vision is required!
Qualifications :
- Previous experience as an operator or flight controller, including time on console or in a control room, and familiarity with radio communication protocols
- Experience exercising Crew Resource Management as part of a larger team
- Significant direct experience with complex vehicle preparations, testing or similar technical hands-on experience
- Strong ability and desire to understand sophisticated systems, investigate and tackle challenging problems, and work in a dynamic environment
- Proven safety mentality
- Takes initiative to improve existing systems, processes, and documentation
- Strong communication skills
- Performs well in time-critical scenarios
- Strong digital literacy and ability to learn new software tools
- Minimum of a B.S. degree in engineering
- Ability to travel to West Texas launch site
- Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to our inclusive culture.
- 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.
Desired :
- Experience operating pneumatic, hydraulic, and electronics / control systems
- Experience coding simple software programs or algorithms
- Experience operating cryogenic systems, including liquid oxygen systems
- Experience leading teams as an Operator, Test Conductor or Test Engineer
- Experience developing, writing and updating operating or test procedures
Don’t meet every single requirement? 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 a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway.
You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.
Compensation range for on site WA applicants is $89,820-$131,736
Compensation range for on site CA applicants is $89,820-$131,736
Other site ranges may differ
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.
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, diverse, 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, in which all employees recognize and appreciate the diversity of individual team members.
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, gender, 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.
For more information on EEO Is the Law, please see and .
Blue Origin will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the Washington Fair Chance Act, Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws.
Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation
Benefits
Employee Benefits include : Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave (must be employed at time of birth or adoption), short and long-term disability, 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%, and an Education Support Program available after 1 year of service.
Paid Time Off : Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays for all regular employees (including part-time), fixed-term, and interns.
Discretionary bonus : Employees may be eligible for discretionary bonuses in addition to base pay. Bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results.
Engineer - Mechanical
We are a team of collaborators, doers, and problem-solvers relentlessly committed to a culture of safety. As part of a small, hardworking, and accomplished team of specialists, you will support the development, operation, and maintenance of Blue Origin’s mechanical, pneumatic and hydraulic test laboratories to support various spaceflight systems.
Working directly with engineers and laboratory technicians, you will drive improvements in system performance to support the Blue Origin vision of building a road to space.
You will share in the team’s impact on all aspects of development activities as we help business units achieve their mission! This hands-on position will directly impact the history of space exploration and will require your dedicated and detailed attention towards safe and repeatable spaceflight.
Responsibilities :
- Design, plan, fabricate, install, and operate pneumatic and hydraulic test capabilities supporting development and qualification of fluid system components for launch vehicle applications
- Develop and execute test plans and procedures; perform subsequent data reduction and reviews
- Understand and troubleshoot fluid and instrumentation systems
- Perform root cause analyses, system hazard analyses, and failure investigations
- Plan and oversee fluid systems maintenance
- Identify opportunities for cost savings and safety improvements
- Design, define, procure, and install system components and materials; manage vendors and subcontractors during installation
- Proactively prepare status updates and communicate with internal and external customers
- Ensure work is completed in accordance with Blue Origin policies and procedures
- Review and approve critical test and characterization reports from internal and external laboratories
- Create and develop company-level plans and policies for pneumatic and hydraulic system testing
Qualifications :
- Passion for our mission : Millions of people living and working in space!
- B.S. in Mechanical Engineering
- 5+ years' direct experience in the design, development, or operation of pneumatic and / or hydraulic systems in test or research / development facilities
- Direct experience in testing complex fluid systems and components
- Working knowledge of a variety of fluids including nitrogen (gas and liquid cryogen), helium, and hydraulic fluids
- Experience with CAD, Windchill, Creo, Team Centered Engineering
- Strong, demonstratable ability and desire to understand complex systems, investigate and solve challenging problems, and work in a dynamic environment
- Experience writing technical procedures, standards, and specifications
- Understanding of safe lab practices, FOD / 5S mitigation, and chemical hygiene
- Strong attention to detail, and ability to work with reactive and hazardous chemicals
- Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional team relationships, and contribute to a culture of inclusion
Desired :
- Registered Professional Engineer or desire / ability to become one
- Demonstrated technical expertise in test stand design, operations, and maintenance
- Pressurized gas systems
- Cryogenics
- Hydraulic fluid systems
- Instrumentation and controls
- ASME codes and local building standards
- Masters of Mechanical Engineering, or related field of study, or equivalent direct experience
- Strong project management and team leadership skills
- Understanding and experience with hazardous operations and design for system safety
- Experience with welded structure design
- Experience with civil engineering projects, facility space and utilities planning
- Experience with 3D CAD tools and data management
- Knowledge of test facility instrumentation, data acquisition, and control systems
- Proficiency in LabView, MATLAB
- 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.
Don’t meet every single requirement? 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 a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every 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.
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, diverse, 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, in which all employees recognize and appreciate the diversity of individual team members.
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, gender, 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.
For more information on EEO Is the Law, please see and .
Blue Origin will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the Washington Fair Chance Act, Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws.
Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation
Benefits
Employee Benefits include : Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, short and long-term disability and 401(k) with up to 5% company match.
Paid Time Off : Provides up to 4 weeks per year, in addition to 14 holidays
Discretionary bonus programs