New Glenn Operations Integration, Director

This is a high-impact, high-visibility leadership position supporting New Glenn, Blue Origin's heavy-lift orbital launch vehicle, with additional support for our Lunar Lander programs. As the Director of New Glenn's Operations Integration, Systems Engineering, and Engineering Support Room, you will serve as the technical leader on all aspects of systems engineering, test, and launch operations.  

This role is a vital part of our team concurrently managing launch vehicle products in multiple life-cycle states including: requirements flow-down, preliminary and critical design, product realization, testing, verification, system integration, qualification, certification, delivery, and fielded launch operations. You will be involved in launch operations, system safety evaluations, anomaly investigation, operation staffing, risk management, test planning, technical performance measurement, problem resolution, and configuration and data management. As the Director of both first and second stages, you will lead the teams through a period of rapid growth, development, and unprecedented operational tempo. 

We need a proven leader who thrives in high-pressure, high-volume aerospace test and launch environments, while maintaining an unwavering commitment to safety. You'll report directly to the Vice President of New Glenn Cadence, support 24/7 test and launch operations, and lead a large group of engineers across both GS1 and GS2, including but not limited to: Cryogenic systems, Pneumatic systems, Hydraulic systems, Avionics systems, and Payload Accommodations.  

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Leadership & Organizational Management 

• Lead the Operations Integration and Systems Engineering teams across all elements of the integrated launch vehicle. 

• Align New Glenn Operations Integration, Systems Engineering, and Engineering Support Room initiatives with overall company goals and customer needs. 

• Establish operational structure, priorities, and goals for a rapidly scaling organization 

• Ensure your team has the equipment, resources, and support needed to execute safely and efficiently 

• Mentor and develop engineering talent in a fast-paced, high-consequence environment 
    

Testing & Operations Integration 

• Own the comprehensive system requirements and operational requirements for the New Glenn Reusable Launch Vehicle including pre-launch, boost, landing, and recovery phases 

• Lead engineering teams responsible for developing operational requirements, system redlines, timeline/CONOPS databooks, Launch Commit Criteria, and Required Equipment Lists 

• Provide real-time support to integrated tests and launch operations 

• Lead anomaly investigations and drive corrective actions to closure 

Technical & Safety Leadership 

• Serve as primary technical interface between the engineering teams and operations teams 

• Champion safety-first culture, ensuring we never compromise safety in pursuit of schedule 

• Review and approve operating requirements, procedures, scripts, and displays across all vehicle subsystems 

• Lead design integration trade studies considering operational impacts throughout the mission lifecycle 

• Manage technical risk and support chief engineer office with engineering change requests and design reviews 

Cross-Functional Integration 

• Work closely with Mission Operations to ensure operational readiness 

• Coordinate with multiple facilities and support teams to eliminate bottlenecks 

• Execute complex trades and analyses to support programmatic decision-making 

• Document and manage critical performance and requirements interfaces across the system 

• Establish need-dates and hold teams accountable to commitments 

Required Qualifications 

• 10+ years? of proven experience in systems engineering, analysis, operations, or testing on launch vehicles, spacecraft, or in other highly regulated industries 

• Demonstrated experience building and leading engineering teams, including hiring, performance management, and career development of individual contributors 

• Led sustaining engineering operations for a major product or program (owns “keep it flying”) 

• Highly knowledgeable of systems engineering practices, integration processes, and mission/safety critical systems 

• Track record of clearly communicating technical status, risks, and decisions to both technical peers and non-technical stakeholders at multiple organizational levels. 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills; strength in teaming and collaboration, self-starter 

• Experience with DOORS or other requirements management software 

• Experience in the development, execution and facilitation of project plans, managing risks and resolving blocking issues 

• Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to our inclusive culture. 
    

Preferred Qualifications 

• Proven ability to manage competing priorities across budget, schedule, and technical scope simultaneously. 

• Familiarity with launch vehicle or space vehicle design and operations 

• Hands-on experience maintaining/servicing launch vehicles or spacecraft 

• Experience with anomaly investigations 

• Ability to operate, make decisions, lead, and make forward progress in ambiguous environments 

• Familiarity with Primavera P6 or similar scheduling tools 

• Background supporting 24/7 operations in aerospace manufacturing or test environments 

• Experience in organizations undergoing rapid growth and scaling