Director of Avionics Manufacturing - New Glenn

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. This role is part of Blue Origin Operations, which includes Integrated Supply Chain, Test Operations, Safety, Quality, and Mission Assurance, supporting Manufacturing and Supply Chain across all Blue Origin facilities. We are a team of collaborators, doers, and problem-solvers committed to a culture of safety.

About the role

This position will directly impact the history of space exploration and require your commitment and detailed attention toward safe and repeatable space flight. As Director of Avionics, you will lead our avionics initiatives, driving both development and production of avionics systems and processes to meet and exceed customer requirements. This role is part of the Engines, In-Space Systems and Test Ops group, based in Kent but supporting 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. You will collaborate closely with various programs to implement process improvements and reduce cycle times, enhancing our ability to deliver superior products.

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.

Pay

Base Pay Range for WA applicants is $203,165.00 - $284,430.30. Other site ranges may differ.

Benefits

• 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%.
• 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 additional 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.

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.