Application close date:
Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.

Blue Origin is seeking a dynamic and innovative Director of Avionics to lead our avionics initiatives. This role is pivotal in driving both the development and production of avionics systems and processes, ensuring they meet and exceed customer requirements. This role is part of the Engines, In-Space Systems and Test Ops group and is based in Kent but supports 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. The Director will collaborate closely with various programs to implement process improvements and reduce cycle times, ultimately enhancing our ability to deliver superior products to our customers.

Key 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.

Base Pay Range for:
WA applicants is $203,165.00 - $284,430.30

Other site ranges may differ

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.

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.