Manager – Industrial Automation Controls Systems Engineering

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.

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, passionate and accomplished team of experts, you will lead a high functioning team responsible for designing, implementing, and sustaining PLC/DAQ-based control systems and electrical ground support equipment (EGSE) for fluid processes and mechanical systems—including vehicle power and battery charge/discharge, heater controls, and launch release functions. The position requires knowledge of industrial automation platforms (Rockwell and/or Siemens), strong systems and integration thinking, and the ability to drive technical decisions quickly while managing schedule, budget, risk, safety, and configuration control. Success in this role means delivering reliable, compliant control solutions from requirements through commissioning and turnover to operations in a high-visibility, high-accountability environment.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and develop a team of industrial automation engineers who design, implement, and maintain PLC and DAQ control systems for fluid processes and mechanical systems
• Oversee the development of Launch Vehicle electrical support equipment including power systems for vehicle battery charging/discharging, heater controls, and launch release systems
• Drive technical excellence in industrial automation solutions using Rockwell Automation and Siemens platforms
• Establish and maintain engineering standards, best practices, and procedures for control system design, implementation, and documentation
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure control systems meet operational requirements and integrate seamlessly with other systems
• Manage project schedules, resources, and budgets to ensure on-time delivery of control system solutions
• Identify and mitigate technical risks associated with control system development and implementation
• Foster innovation and continuous improvement in control system design and implementation methodologies
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to engineering team members
• Interface with internal stakeholders to understand requirements and ensure successful implementation of control systems
• Evaluate and implement new technologies and approaches to enhance control system capabilities and reliability
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and regulatory requirements in all control system designs

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Automation Engineering, or related technical field
• 5+ years of experience in industrial automation, PLC programming, and control system design
• 1+ years of experience in engineering management or team leadership
• Demonstrated experience with Rockwell Automation and/or Siemens PLC platforms and programming environments
• Experience with data acquisition systems (DAQ) and industrial control networks
• Knowledge of electrical support equipment design for complex systems
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting electrical schematics and technical drawings
• Experience managing technical projects from concept through implementation
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Proven track record to lead teams and mentor junior engineers
• Exhibit ability to adapt and excel in changing, growing environment
• Excellent communication with peers
• Meticulous attention to detail and configuration control

Desired:

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
• 10+ years of experience in industrial automation and control systems
• 5+ years of experience in engineering management or team leadership
• Experience in aerospace, defense, or other high-reliability industries
• Knowledge of custom circuit board design and implementation
• Experience with launch vehicle ground support equipment or similar mission-critical systems
• Familiarity with industrial heater control systems and power distribution systems
• Experience with Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT)
• Certification in relevant areas such as Rockwell Automation or Siemens PLC programming
• Experience with SCADA systems, HMI development, and industrial networking protocols
• Knowledge of safety instrumented systems and functional safety standards (e.g., IEC 61508/61511)

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.