Manager - Instrumentation & Controls (I&C)

About this role

Application close date: 11/30/2026 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 supports the development and operations of New Glenn, a single-configuration, heavy-lift orbital launch vehicle capable of routinely carrying people and payloads to low-Earth orbit, geostationary transfer orbit, cislunar, and beyond. Its first stage is fully reusable, and the vehicle was designed from the beginning to be human-capable.

The Ground System Development organization is responsible for delivering reliable, high performance ground systems, electrical systems, and Instrumentation and Controls (I&C) infrastructure that enable safe and continuous spaceflight operations. This position supports that mission by contributing to the design, build, integration, and sustainment of ground systems, test assets, and launch facilities across multiple sites. As part of a highly skilled team of technicians and engineers, you will manage and lead the I&C team efforts of install, troubleshoot, and commission instrumentation and control systems that support critical launch and test operations. Your leadership will directly influence system readiness, facility reliability, and the overall success of launch site execution.

Key Responsibilities: • Lead technicians in day-to-day activities associated with instrumentation and control system build, installation, test and troubleshoot, with a strong focus on safety, quality, and schedule. • Plan, assign, and monitor work (shift coverage, work center assignments, overtime, and backup coverage). • Ensure work is performed per approved procedures, work instructions, drawings, and safety/quality requirements.  • Provide hands on technical support for integration, checkout, test, and operations of ground systems as needed.  • Conduct regular performance check ins, annual and mid-year reviews; coach, develop, and mentor team members.  • Lead the team growth and support through Interviewing and hiring, onboarding, training, and recognition for your team.  • Review and sign timecards. • Communicate work status, issues, and risks clearly to leadership and partner teams (engineering, planning, logistics, safety, quality).  • Support workforce planning, budget inputs, and resource forecasting for the I&C technician team. • Drive a strong safety culture; identify hazards, support incident investigations, and implement corrective actions.  • Identify and implement continuous improvements to increase safety, quality, efficiency, and repeatability.  • Maintain clean, organized, compliant work areas (e.g., 5S, “clean as you go,” tool/FOD control). 

Minimum Qualifications: • High school diploma or equivalent.  • 5+ years of hands-on experience in mission/flight operations, launch/test operations, aerospace/industrial systems, or a closely related operational environment.  • 3+ year of frontline leadership (supervisor, lead, crew chief, or equivalent) directing technicians or operators.  • Experience performing work on complex or hazardous systems (e.g., cryogenic, pneumatic, hydraulic, high pressure, high voltage, propellants, or similar).  • Ability to read and follow technical documentation (procedures, work instructions, drawings, schematics, manuals).  • Proven ability to plan and prioritize daily work for a team while meeting safety, quality, and schedule commitments.  • Basic proficiency with digital tools (email, spreadsheets, maintenance/operations systems) and ability to learn new tools quickly.  • Willing and able to support nonstandard hours (nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime), work in field/industrial environments (outdoors, PPE, heights/ladders, hazardous or restricted areas as required), and travel occasionally to other Blue Origin sites or test/launch locations. 

Preferred Qualifications: • 7+ years of relevant operations experience (e.g., aerospace, launch vehicles, test facilities, industrial automation/controls, oil & gas, or similar), including 3+ years as a frontline supervisor/lead, preferably in domains such as launch pad/test stand instrumentation and control system build, installation, test and troubleshoot. • Proficiency interpreting engineering drawings, models, specifications, and test procedures.  • Experience with Lean/continuous improvement (e.g., 5S, Kaizen) and implementing process and safety improvements.  • Experience with assembly, integration, and handling of large or complex control systems handling process and mechanical systems.  • Formal technical training or an associate degree in a relevant field (e.g., electronics, mechanics, industrial technology, instrumentation, mechatronics).  • Knowledge of UL508A standards, NEC70, AFSPC 91-710, Installation requirements for Hazardous Locations • Experience installing cable tray, wire basket, conduit, cable routing • Experience with Mil spec and industrial connectors such as 38999, 5015, M8, M12 and others

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 for all positions: Blue’s Standard Background Check • Required for Certain

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