Test Engineer Manager

Application close date:

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 diverse team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight!  

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 a member of the Blue Origin family of companies, Honeybee Robotics has been at the forefront of robotics for over 40 years. Our Colorado location specializes in creating advanced motion control solutions for NASA, defense, and commercial space programs. Our work has played a critical role in thousands of projects, spanning from conceptual design studies to flight missions, including NASA's Artemis I Mission and the Roman Space Telescope. We are seeking technically brilliant individuals who are passionate about their work, thrive in collaborative environments, and have a laser focus on the details that drive excellence.

As part of a hardworking team of technicians and engineers, you will manage and help develop test engineering personnel and processes for various spaceflight control systems. 

As both a manager and an individual contributor, you will identify, develop and deploy methods to improve quality, reduce cost and optimize test campaigns.  Your leadership will strengthen the feedback loop with design and manufacturing to accelerate the pace of deliveries to meet the needs of both our internal and external customers.  The permanent location of this position is Longmont, CO.

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

Special Mentions:

• Relocation provided
• Travel expected up to 5% of the time

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Manage the daily functions of the Test Engineering Team, as well as related equipment and procedures.
• Develop and implement automated test solutions to improve efficiency while ensuring the highest levels of product quality
• Attract and nurture talent for the Longmont, Co Test Engineering division.
• Offer mentorship, education, and chances for skill enhancement to team members.
• Foster a culture of collaboration and boost team morale.
• Work with electrical, mechanical, and systems engineering teams to ensure test requirements are clearly defined thereby ensuring design for testability considerations are implemented
• Advocate for and uphold a safe working environment.
• Create and track department performance metrics, including safety, quality, cost, schedule, and overall efficiency.
• Conduct essential administrative tasks such as hiring, evaluating performance, guiding development, planning resources, and overseeing budgets.
• Organize team schedules to meet internal deadlines effectively.
• Work with colleagues to resolve capacity and scheduling challenges.
• Implement strategies to enhance efficiency by minimizing setup, processing, and machining durations.
• Develop, sustain, and refine workplace organization and cleanliness standards, such as 5S and FOD controls.
• Provide regular updates on hardware delivery progress during daily meetings.
• Support proposal efforts for test execution and test NRE
• Ensure the regular maintenance and calibration of all tools and equipment.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Aerospace Engineering (or other relevant fields) from an accredited university
• 8 to 15 years of experience in testing and test engineering, with 5 years specifically in aerospace or related industries such as launch vehicles or aircraft.
• Expertise in managing personnel and projects, with the ability to lead effectively in uncertain environments.
• Proven track record in initiating new testing processes and continual improvement initiatives.
• Excellent communication skills and proficiency in both written and software applications, including office and technical software (e.g., CAD, ERP).
• Ability to design industry-compliant processes, such as those adhering to AS9100 quality standards.
• Experience with pressurized test equipment or equivalent systems, including setup and operation.
• Familiarity with nonconformance, Manufacturing Execution, and MRP systems, along with signature authority on aerospace drawings.
• Capable of adapting to multiple shifts and fostering an inclusive and trustworthy workplace environment.
• Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to a culture of inclusion 
• 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:

• Master’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Aerospace Engineering (or other relevant fields) from an accredited university
• Experience with Python and LabVIEW.
• Software – hardware/ test equipment integration experience. 
• Desired automation experience for manual/ labor intensive test processes including gearbox, motor, and actuator assembly testing

Compensation Range for:

Other site ranges may differ

Inclusivity 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 a diverse, inclusive, and 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 (DIBDS) 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, 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.

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.

• Paid Time Off:  Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.

• Discretionary bonus: Bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results.

• Eligibility for benefits varies by role type, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role.

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, diverse, 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, in which all employees recognize and appreciate the diversity of individual team members. 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, gender, 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 “EEO Is the Law,” 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.

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Salary : $124,877 - $174,827