VP of Strategic Capabilities

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!  

VP of Strategic Capabilities - New Glenn

This leadership role is focused on next generation launch infrastructure strategy, architecture, and development for New Glenn. This is a key area for Blue as we quickly ramp up and expand our launch rates. This role will lead all aspects of the following areas within New Glenn:

• Launch Systems Strategy and Operational Performance, which focuses on New Glenn’s launch infrastructure strategy, operational performance, and cost per flight.

• Launch Infrastructure Development, which owns the infrastructure design and development for New Glenn, and

• Systems Architecture and Integration, which is responsible for New Glenn’s launch operations systems architecture and integration.

Responsibilities:

• Drive a culture of high-cadence mission operations with a strong safety culture.

• As Mission Operations lead and operational executive, take data from strategic objectives, critical landmarks, operational and performance functions, and convert to decisional information for key partners.

• Own the team developing centralized Mission Operations functions and services, including strategy and implementation for mission control capabilities; a consistent and standardized approach to ground control enterprise services; a robust operational training and certification program across mission operations; flight and mission director services; and mission execution functions, including mission management, scheduling, and command and control enterprise services

• Develop and lead the strategic roadmap for centralized mission operations, including the future in spaceflight operations.

• Drive consistency across all mission operations processes and procedures

• Optimize process, procedures, and resources to drive high-rate operations.

• Lead organizational initiatives to build a strong culture of employee engagement.

• Represent New Glenn interests to external launch and flight operations partners including US Space Force, NASA, and the Federal Aviation Administration.

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

Minimum Qualifications:

• 15+ years senior (executive) leadership experience in space systems and/or space launch

• Demonstrated experience leading a large team in a fast paced, high consequence environment

• Recent and significant experience in rapid launch or reusable launch systems, engine test operations, or recurring on-orbit mission operations

• Highly self-motivated, organized, and capable of planning and guiding sophisticated technical work

• Demonstrated experience in project management including financial management and sophisticated schedule management

• Outstanding soft skill attributes including effective communication, teamwork, influence, and team building

• Possess expert judgment and decision-making skills related to risk assessment and mitigations

• Strong bias for action and a consistent track record delivering results

• Solid understanding of launch vehicle and spacecraft hazards including cryogenic propellants and high-pressure systems

• Experience with hazardous operations and design for system safety

• BS degree in engineering, or equivalent

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

• 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:

• Knowledge of spaceflight and mission operations requirements and operating constraints

• Knowledge of systems safety and systems engineering standard processes

• Ability to think and act both strategically and tactically, deal with ambiguity, handle changing priorities and influence others.

• Analytical and quantitative skills and ability to use hard data and metrics to back up assumptions and develop business cases, as well as the ability to clearly communicate insights to others

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.

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.

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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