Senior Manager, Test Operations

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 team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight! 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. Blue Origin is seeking a Senior Manager to lead the Hypergol Thruster Experiment (HyTEX) Test Operations team at our Van Horn, TX facility. This leader will build and lead a high-performing test operations and emergency management team responsible for safe and repeatable testing of rocket engines and systems using hypergolic propellants. You will be responsible for coordinating all aspects of test preparation, implementation, and emergency response capabilities while ensuring the highest standards of safety, quality, and mission success. This role requires outstanding technical expertise in leading hazardous substances activities. It also demands shown people leadership and skills to build systems and processes enabling elite test operations. You will directly impact the history of space exploration and will require your dedication and detailed attention towards safe and repeatable space flight. We are a diverse team of collaborators, doers, and problem-solvers who are relentlessly committed to an environment dedicated to safety.

Responsibilities

• Lead, develop, and mentor a team of test engineers and technicians supporting hypergolic propellant test operations
• Set goals for team members that align with organizational objectives and individual career aspirations
• Foster a culture of safety, continuous improvement, and operational excellence
• Lead all aspects of test planning, execution, and post-test analysis for hypergolic rocket engine and component testing
• Ensure compliance with all safety protocols, procedures, and regulatory requirements for hazardous materials operations
• Lead emergency response planning and team readiness for HAZMAT incidents
• Develop and lead budgets, schedules, and resource allocation for test operations
• Make sound decisions on technical approaches, risk trade-offs, and resource investments
• Serve as a member of the site HAZMAT emergency response and rescue leadership team
• Perform work while wearing self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and other required PPE
• Successfully complete annual medical examination and annual physical fitness/job-related capability assessment
• Perform physically demanding tasks including lifting or pulling up to 200 pounds crawling, bending, running, kneeling, and climbing on and off equipment
• Perform strenuous work under conditions that may include fire, heat, smoke, variable weather, confined spaces, heights, loud noise, and other hazardous situations
• Subject to random drug testing due to the safety-critical nature of the position

Qualifications

• B.S. degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Chemical Engineering, or related technical field from an accredited university
• 10+ years of experience in test operations, propulsion systems, or a similar area
• 5+ years of people management experience leading technical teams
• Deep technical knowledge of rocket propulsion systems and test operations
• Demonstrated experience with the coordination of hazardous material activities and safety management
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Consistent track record of building high-performing teams and getting results
• Experience making sound decisions under pressure and managing contending priorities
• Ability to make quick, sound decisions in emergency situations while maintaining emotional stability and composure under stress
• Ability to pass a pre-employment medical physical and physical ability/fitness assessment
• Ability to obtain Hazardous Materials Technician certification within 3 months of hire (meets OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120(q) Technician level training requirements)
• 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
• Desired M.S. or Ph.D. in engineering or related field
• 15+ years of experience in rocket propulsion test operations
• Experience with hypergolic propellants (NTO, MMH, hydrazine, or similar)
• Experience managing emergency response teams or serving as incident commander
• 5+ years of experience in emergency response (fire, HAZMAT, industrial emergency response, or equivalent)
• Demonstrated knowledge of and proficiency with SCBA and supplied-air respirator (SAR) systems
• Completion of 40-hour HAZWOPER training
• Current Hazardous Materials Technician certification (24 hr HAZWOPER)
• Completion of FEMA/NIMS courses: IS-700, IS-800, ICs-100, ICs-200
• Experience with Process Safety Management (PSM) and covered commodities
• Knowledge of ASME B31.3 and other relevant codes and standards
• Experience with test facility development, construction, and activation

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.

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

Blue’s Standard Background Check Required for Certain Job Profiles: Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) 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 (obtained before onboarding), Road Test, Hours of Service, Drug and Alcohol Testing, vehicle inspection requirements, CDL requirements (if applicable) and hazardous materials transportation/shipping training. Required for certain Job Profiles: Ability to obtain and maintain Merchant Mariner Credential, which includes pre‑employment and random drug testing as well as DOT physical.

Benefits

• 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.

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 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. 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, sex, 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 “Know Your Rights,” please see here. Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin’sAffirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us at View email address on click.appcast.io. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request. We’re committed to building the road to space so our children can build the future. We are a mission‑driven company focused on ideas and innovation, and encourage fresh perspectives from bold voices. At Blue, our team is building the future as their unique selves.

Thank you for your interest in working at Blue Origin! Blue Origin was founded with a vision to enable a future where millions of people are living and working in space to benefit Earth. In order to preserve Earth, Blue Origin believes in the need to enable humanity to expand, explore, find new energy and material resources, and move industries that stress Earth into space. Blue Origin believes it has an important role in building a road to space and lowering the cost of getting there. At Blue Origin, we’re working on this today by developing fully reusable launch vehicles and systems that are safe, reliable and affordable. Every launch vehicle is designed for human spaceflight from the beginning and able to ferry payloads to space.

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