Application close date:
Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.
Role Overview:Are you ready to lead a team that will directly impact the history of space exploration and America's strategic advantage in space? Blue Origin National Security is seeking a
Sr. Manager of Assembly, Integration & Test (AI&T) with deep expertise in
environmental test and
people leadership to join our growing team in
Huntsville, Alabama. 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.
As part of Blue Origin National Security's mission to deliver resilient, mission-critical space capabilities to U.S. government and defense customers, you will lead a hardworking team of diverse specialists, technicians, and engineers responsible for the
assembly, integration, and testing of national security spacecraft systems in Huntsville, AL. In this influential role, you will drive the full AI&T lifecycle - from mechanical and electrical integration through rigorous environmental test campaigns - while building and mentoring a high-performing, inclusive team that upholds Blue Origin's relentless commitment to safety, quality, and mission success. 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.
Special Mentions:- Relocation provided
- Travel expected up to 25% of the time
Responsibilities Include but Are Not Limited To:- Lead and manage the complete integration and test effort for national security spacecraft systems; plan and sequence all assembly, integration, and environmental testing activities across the full AI&T lifecycle
- Direct and coordinate mechanical, electrical, radio frequency, propulsion, harness, and quality assurance resources and activities in support of program milestones
- Own and manage comprehensive environmental test campaigns including thermal vacuum (TVAC), vibration, acoustic, shock, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), and mass properties testing for flight hardware
- Coordinate across Blue Origin sites and with external government and commercial test facilities to plan, schedule, and execute environmental qualification and acceptance testing
- Serve as the Cost Account Manager (CAM) for all AI&T activities on assigned national security programs; maintain program budgets, schedules, and earned value metrics
- Perform short- and long-term planning and schedule maintenance across all AI&T activities; proactively identify and mitigate schedule and technical risks
- Collaborate with government customers, program offices, prime contractors, and launch vehicle providers to align AI&T plans with mission requirements and delivery commitments
- Review and approve engineering products, assembly procedures, test plans, and test reports to ensure manufacturability, safety, and compliance
- Support all review boards, tiger teams, RCCA investigations, deep dives, and pre-milestone reviews
- Lead and participate in program MRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, and FRR as required; provide AI&T and environmental test inputs to formal design and readiness reviews
- Provide problem-solving expertise and mentor the team in structured problem-solving skills and continuous improvement methodologies
- Develop and maintain metrics for quality, schedule, cost, and efficiency across the test area; drive continuous process improvement initiatives
- Recruit, hire, manage, and mentor a diverse, equitable, and inclusive team of engineers and technicians in support of national security space programs
- Manage direct reports' professional development including performance reviews, compensation and promotion management, and routine one-on-one development conversations
- Coach team members on performance, career growth, and technical skill development; foster a culture of psychological safety, inclusion, and accountability
- Champion and enforce Blue Origin's culture of safety across all AI&T operations and environmental test activities
- Interface with government customers and security personnel to maintain compliance with all applicable national security, ITAR, and classified program requirements
Basic Qualifications:- Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or closely related technical discipline
- 12+ years of spacecraft AI&T experience with demonstrated depth in environmental test planning and execution (TVAC, vibration, acoustic, shock, EMC)
- Minimum 2+ years of proven, demonstrated people leadership with the ability to build, manage, and develop diverse, high-performing teams in a fast-paced aerospace environment
- Experience working within multi-disciplinary organizations across mechanical, electrical, propulsion, software, and quality disciplines
- Familiarity and experience with Cost Account Manager (CAM) roles and responsibilities including earned value management (EVM)
- Experience with industry-standard AI&T processes, test documentation, and configuration management practices
- Working knowledge of environmental test standards applicable to spacecraft and defense hardware (MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-1540, GEVS, AFOTEC, NASA-STD-7002, SMC-S-016,etc.)
- Excellent written and oral communication skills with demonstrated technical presentation experience to senior leadership and government customers
- Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and actively contribute to a culture of inclusion and belonging
- U.S. Citizenship required (position subject to ITAR and U.S. Government contract requirements)
- Active U.S. Secret Security Clearance, or ability to obtain and maintain one
Preferred Qualifications:- Active Top Secret / SCI clearance
- Extensive hands-on experience within spacecraft integration and test organizations supporting DoD or national security space programs
- Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional organizations across engineering, manufacturing, quality, and test disciplines
- Experience managing AI&T operations at external government or commercial environmental test facilities (e.g., NASA MSFC, Arnold Engineering Development Complex, NTS, Quanta Labs)
- Familiarity with classified spacecraft integration and test environments and associated security protocols
- Demonstrated experience with ERP systems, Lean Manufacturing, and/or 5S type programs
- Experience with Windchill, SAP, JIRA, or equivalent PLM/ERP/program management tools
- Background in propulsion system integration and associated hazardous operations safety protocols
- Prior experience as a program or project lead for AI&T activities on national security space programs
- Master's degree in a relevant engineering discipline
Culture StatementDon'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
- Relocation assistance provided
- 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.