Director of Avionics - Manufacturing, Multi-Mission

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 a 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 require your commitment and detailed attention toward 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.

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!

Blue Origin is seeking a dynamic and innovative Director of Avionics to lead our avionics initiatives. This role is pivotal in driving both the development and production of avionics systems and processes, ensuring they meet and exceed customer requirements. This role is part of the Engines, In-Space Systems and Test Ops group and is based in Kent but supports all Business Units and groups across all Blue Origin facilities. The Director will lead avionics processes such as test, check-out, modification, fabrication, and assembly of electro/mechanical systems, including electronic circuits, power distribution, life/vehicle critical safety systems, and battery systems. The Director will collaborate closely with various programs to implement process improvements and reduce cycle times, ultimately enhancing our ability to deliver superior products to our customers.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute the strategic vision for avionics at Blue Origin.
• Align avionics initiatives with overall company goals and customer needs.
• Oversee the development of new avionics manufacturing processes and technologies that are scalable, efficient, and meet quality standards.
• Increase production capabilities and efficiency of avionics manufacturing processes.
• Implement strategies for cycle time reduction to improve overall delivery timelines.
• Collaborate with program teams to develop and qualify manufacturing capabilities in anticipation of and reaction to program needs.
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders to communicate progress, challenges, and successes.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, suppliers, and industry partners.
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence within the team.
• Identify and implement best practices and new technologies to stay at the forefront of the industry.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing avionics team.
• Oversee the planning and execution of delivery of new manufacturing capacity and capabilities
• Manage the avionics department and leadership team including recruiting, performance reviews, training, and coaching
• Oversee and drive the measurement, analysis, reporting, and improvement of work center performance.
• Take ownership of interfaces with other manufacturing work centers and other business functions; guide identification, prioritization, and implementation of improvements required to increase the effectiveness of the overall system.
• Define, manage, plan, and monitor budgets and schedules for raw material, operational expenses, labor, and capital projects.

Qualifications:

• B.S. degree in an engineering or manufacturing field. Masters or MBA is a plus.
• 10+ years of leadership experience in manufacturing in an area such as launch vehicles, spacecraft, aircraft, automotive, medical devices, power generation systems, or electronics.
• Strong understanding of fabrication processes, integration processes, systems engineering best practices, test, quality and configuration management systems.
• 7+ years management of large budgets or profit/loss at a department, program, project or higher level(s).
• 7+ years project management, schedule management, and team leadership skills. 
• Ability to build strong working relationships up, down, and across the organization.
• Ability to oversee and guide root cause analysis efforts.
• Experience leading and managing teams in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Experience in process definition, development, deployment, and improvement.
• Ability to earn trust and maintain positive professional relationships in a heavily matrixed organizational structure.

Desired:

• Master’s degree in engineering or technical field, or MBA.
• Experience transitioning manufacturing capabilities from development to production.
• Experience managing facility level capital improvements and upgrades.
• Experience implementing Lean Manufacturing.
• Aerospace, space launch, military or commercial aviation, or heavy industrial equipment operational leadership.

Base Pay Range for:

WA applicants is $203,165.00 - $284,430.30

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

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