Senior Manager, Test Operations

About the role

The Sr. Manager, Test Operations role is responsible for leading the XEEx engine test stand near Van Horn, Texas. This role involves leading a diverse and passionate team of engineers and technicians who perform testing on our LNG and LOX engines and thruster series and their respective subcomponents. The Sr. Manager works closely with all Blue Origin business units to develop tests for developing and qualifying in-space fluid and engine systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead the team at the eXtreme Engine Experiment (XEEx) test stand to include recruiting, training, coaching, mentoring, developing, and retaining talent by following and developing performance management processes.
• Promote teamwork, employee engagement, and good employee morale.
• Be an exemplar of Blue Leadership Principles, focusing on demonstrating operational excellence.
• Maintain employee training and development records.
• Prepare quantitative strategic plans to ensure the targets are met, and leverage team skills and capabilities to implement and supervise progress against the plans.
• Lead capital, overhead, and labor budget planning and execution.
• Establish the technical direction for the XEEx test engineering team.
• Develop and implement test plans and procedures; perform subsequent data reduction and reviews.
• Lead the team in the design, planning, fabrication, installation, and operation of test facilities to the unique requirements from business unit customers.
• Direct technician work and coordinate with internal customers.
• Understand and solve issues in fluid and instrumentation systems.
• Perform root cause analysis and failure investigations, lead implementation of corrective actions or continuous improvement projects.
• Perform process hazard analyses (PHA).
• Perform schedule and cost estimation and management.
• Find opportunities for safety improvements and cost savings.
• Align with and improve processes for test stand configuration management.

Qualifications

• BS degree in engineering or related field.
• 3+ years as a manager or lead of a technical team.
• 12+ years in an operations environment in large industry, petrochemical, or aerospace facilities.
• Strong background in fluid dynamics and thermodynamics.
• Strong project management, and team leadership.
• Outstanding technical and non-technical writing and verbal skills.
• Demonstrated leadership in establishing a high performing safety culture.
• Demonstrated habitual drive to correct errors at their root and not pass them downstream.
• Demonstrated experience in setting high standards of performance and holding teams accountable.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in implementing continuous improvement to improve processes, methods and practices.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in conflict-resolution and an ability to bring a group to a decision.
• 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.

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

• 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.

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.