Shift Leader, Test Ops

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.

This role is a part of the Test Operations team, providing centralized support to business units with a focus on the design, build, and maintenance of the ground systems, test, and launch facilities across multiple locations.

Being at the heart of Blue Origin operations, the West Texas Site in Van Horn, TX offers eligible employee’s additional attractive financial incentives to supplement their competitive base earnings, including a living allowance and relocation assistance.  Eligibility for these additional benefits is based on the employee’s ability to permanently relocate to Van Horn, TX.

As part of a small, passionate, and accomplished team, you will oversee and supervise the people who maintain, repair, and operate a west Texas Test Site for our various launch vehicle systems. By leading a team of mechanical and instrumentation technicians at the Extreme Engine Experiment (XEEx) test stand, this position will directly influence the history of space exploration and will require your dedicated commitment and detailed attention towards safe and repeatable rocket engine testing.

We are looking for someone to apply their technical expertise, leadership skills, and commitment to quality to positively impact safe human spaceflight & rocket engine test activities. Passion for our mission and vision is required!

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Work with Test Stand Manager to plan the daily schedule given the two-week forecast.
• Attend the pre-shift briefing, provide inputs, and align skills to complete daily tasks.
• Re-schedule or plan for recovery of items not completed in the daily assignment.
• Delegate the daily tasks to technicians given their experience and technical levels.
• Ensure test stand is staffed for daily operations.
• Perform beginning, middle, and end of shift stand walk-downs.
• Monitor FOD and Tool Control at the test stand. Work to keep the test stand clean, organized, and presentable.
• Provide guidance to technicians on the test facility construction, activation, and its safe operation.
• Administrative duties will include approval of timecards, tracking of time, and personnel scheduling.
• Complete performance evaluations of technicians and attend interviews of prospective employees.
• Support and provide continued training and skills development for team members.
• Work with engineers for improvements and enhanced test methods and development.
• Safely work around cryogens, hazardous chemicals, and high-pressure systems.
• Ensure safe I&C operations at the test facility.
• Other duties as assigned or otherwise beneficial to fulfill test and operations.
• Monitor team purchases for budget management.

Minimum Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience with the ability to oversee and work directly with engineers and technicians.
• 7+ years of experience with rocket engine testing, aerospace test facility operations, or launch vehicle operations.
• 2+ years in a supervisory or lead role.
• Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to the test team’s culture.
• Highly proficient in instrumentation and controls and/or mechanical fluid systems including low, medium, or high-pressure gaseous and cryogenic applications.
• Sound working knowledge of test stands and developmental aerospace article testing.
• Experience in build, fabrication, or alterations of test stands and defining needed tooling and components.
• Ability to closely follow P&ID drawings and with placing components.
• Ability to work in adverse weather conditions and on outdoor industrial installations.
• Proficient computer skills and MS Office.
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 15+ years’ experience in propulsion test facilities and/or oil and gas operations.
• 5+ years as a lead person or supervisor.
• Exceptional organizational, communication, and analytical skills.
• Broad scheduling and planning skillset.
• Proven track record to drive complex projects with minimal oversight.
• Two year technical or AS degree.
• A continuous improvement mentality with the ability to recommend solutions to help develop effective maintenance, integration, and testing procedures.

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 (CDL drivers only), 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 EEOCompliance@blueorigin.com. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.