Blue Origin

Dir, Automation Integration Design

Blue Origin$233K — $327K *
Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • M.S. or higher in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Mechatronics, Electrical, Controls, Computer Science, or related field.
  • 10+ years of experience in manufacturing automation or controls.
  • Proven track record in executing automation strategies yielding measurable improvements.
  • Strong knowledge of PLCs, robotics, SCADA, IoT and AI/ML applications in manufacturing.
  • 5+ years of senior leadership experience in managing automation teams.

Responsibilities

  • Define and own the automation strategy and roadmap for manufacturing.
  • Lead and develop a multidisciplinary team of automation and AI professionals.
  • Oversee delivery of automation programs from design to support.
  • Champion the adoption of AI technologies like predictive maintenance and autonomous inspection.
  • Collaborate with data teams to integrate predictive analytics into manufacturing systems.
  • Develop standard SCADA and IoT platforms for factory connectivity.
  • Establish engineering standards and best practices within the team.
  • Manage the automation budget and ensure maximum ROI.
  • Report on performance metrics demonstrating business impact.
  • Mentor and develop future automation leaders within the organization.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short/long-term disability.
  • 401(k) plan with company match up to 5%.
  • Up to four weeks of paid time off plus 14 holidays.
  • Stock options available for all employees working a minimum of 20 hours/week.
  • Support for education through the Education Support Program.
Full Job Description
Application close date:
Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.

This role is part of Blue Origin Operations, which is comprised of Integrated Supply Chain, Test Operations, Safety, Quality, and Mission Assurance. This includes Manufacturing and Supply Chain support across all Blue Origin facilities.

As part of the Operation organization for known project, you will define, plan, and drive the automation strategy, roadmap, and execution of AI-powered product level automation solutions for product development ad FATP. You will lead a multidisciplinary team responsible for designing, deploying, and continuously improving the AI based automation at the product level with capability to simplify end to end integration of a complex product. You will manage the cost reduction of systems we manufacturing by incorporating low cost precision automation while driving measurable improvements in safety, quality, throughput, and efficiency. You will bring together controls engineering, intelligent robotics, machine learning, and IoT technologies to modernize and scale how we manufacture, while partnering closely with senior leaders across Manufacturing, Engineering, Data Science, and Operations to align automation investments with production programs and business goals.

Special Mentions
  • Relocation provided
  • Travel expected up to 70% of the time
  • Interviews will include a technical assessment


Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
  • Define and own the automation strategy and multi-year roadmap for Blue Origin's manufacturing environment, aligning with production programs, quality goals, and operational priorities
  • Build, lead, and develop a multidisciplinary team of automation engineers, controls engineers, robotics specialists, and AI/data integration professionals supporting manufacturing operations
  • Oversee the end-to-end delivery of automation programs across the manufacturing environment - from concept and business case through design, implementation, commissioning, and ongoing support
  • Champion the adoption of AI and Industry 4.0 technologies, including machine learning, computer vision, predictive maintenance, closed-loop process control, and autonomous inspection systems
  • Collaborate with data science and AI teams to integrate machine learning and predictive analytics into manufacturing systems, enabling data-driven and closed-loop process optimization
  • Drive the development and standardization of SCADA and IoT platforms (Ignition, Kepware, AWS IoT, etc.) to ensure seamless connectivity between the factory floor and AI/analytics layers
  • Establish and enforce engineering standards, best practices, and governance frameworks across the automation and controls team
  • Own the automation team's budget, resource allocation, and capital investment planning, ensuring maximum ROI on automation initiatives
  • Track and report on key performance metrics - including automation uptime, quality improvements, cycle time reductions, and cost savings - to demonstrate business impact
  • Mentor and grow senior technical talent, building the next generation of automation leaders within Blue Origin's manufacturing organization


Minimum Qualifications:
  • M.S. degree or higher in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Mechatronics, Electrical, Controls, Computer Science, or a related engineering field
  • 10+ years of progressive engineering experience in manufacturing automation, controls, or a related discipline
  • Demonstrated experience defining and executing automation strategies and roadmaps that delivered measurable manufacturing improvements in safety, quality, or efficiency
  • Strong working knowledge of industrial automation systems, including PLCs, robotics, SCADA, IoT, and controls architectures, with proven understanding of AI/ML applications in manufacturing environments
  • 5+ years of senior leadership experience managing and scaling multidisciplinary automation teams in a manufacturing environment, including hiring, mentoring, and developing senior technical talent
  • 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:
  • M.S. or higher in a relevant engineering, computer science, or technical field
  • Experience leading digital transformation or Industry 4.0 initiatives in an aerospace, defense, or advanced manufacturing environment
  • Hands-on background in controls engineering, robotics, or automation, providing technical credibility and the ability to guide the team through complex manufacturing challenges
  • Experience with AI/ML integration in manufacturing systems, including computer vision, machine learning model deployment, and digital twin development
  • Familiarity with IoT architectures, cloud platforms (AWS, Azure), and data pipelines for manufacturing analytics
  • Knowledge of relevant manufacturing safety and controls standards (IEC 61131, ANSI B11, NFPA 79, RIA 15.06)
  • Experience with precision manufacturing processes, CNC machines, metrology systems, and quality inspection technologies


Base Pay Range for:
CA applicants is $233,934.00 - $327,506.55

Other site ranges may differ

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.
  • 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 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. Bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and subject to change and cancellation. Please check with your recruiter for more details.


About Blue Origin

Blue Origin is an aerospace company that develops rockets and spacecraft for commercial and government customers. The company's products include the New Shepard suborbital vehicle and the New Glenn orbital rocket. Blue Origin was founded in 2000 by Jeff Bezos and is headquartered in Kent, Washington.
Learn more about Blue Origin
Size
3,000 employees
Industry
Founded
2000

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