Data System And Controls Engineering Manager

Data Systems And Controls Engineering Manager

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.

We are a team of collaborators, doers, and problem-solvers who are relentlessly committed to a culture of safety. 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.

We are seeking an experienced Data Systems and Controls Engineering Manager to lead our passionate and accomplished team supporting the development, construction, operation, and maintenance of liquid rocket engine test facilities. This role will provide technical leadership and people management for engineers and technicians focused on instrumentation, data acquisition systems, and control hardware across various liquid rocket engine propulsion systems. This position will directly impact the history of space exploration and will require your dedication and detailed attention towards safe and repeatable test operations and spaceflight! This position is based in Van Horn, TX.

Van Horn Specific information:

Being at the heart of Blue Origin operations, the West Texas Site in Van Horn, TX offers eligible employee's additional attractive financial incentives to supplement their competitive base earnings, including a living allowance and relocation assistance. Eligibility for these additional benefits is based on the employee's ability to permanently relocate to Van Horn, TX, or travel to Van Horn from another Blue location a minimum of 50% of the time.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and develop a team of engineers and technicians responsible for data systems and controls engineering, fostering a culture of safety, collaboration, and continuous growth
• Manage the maintenance and upgrade of test stand data acquisition systems, including overseeing hardware configurations, validation processes, and troubleshooting of DAQ hardware issues
• Direct technical support for instrumentation on test stands; review and approve drawings of harnesses/interfaces, electrical power, and data/control systems; provide mentorship and training to engineers and technicians
• Oversee the planning and execution of instrumentation, data, and controls system integration activities at test stands, including design reviews, installation planning, and functional verification of wire harnesses, components, and instrumentation
• Ensure proper creation and maintenance of software configuration files, test scripts, test procedures, and relevant rocket engine test documentation
• Coordinate data review during test operations and provide strategic input to the team regarding test sequences, test article and stand operations, and readiness for critical test phases
• Establish and enforce standards for verifying instrumentation health and performance on test stands and test articles, including hot fire test data review and reporting
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives to promote workplace safety, meet fast-paced schedules, and secure cost savings
• Manage budgets, headcount, and project timelines across multiple simultaneous instrumentation and control system efforts
• Represent the data systems and controls team in cross-functional engineering reviews and leadership discussions

Qualifications:

• B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field; M.S. preferred
• 7+ years of experience in data systems, controls engineering, or a related technical field
• 2+ years of people management experience leading technical engineering teams
• Experience with electrical schematic and panel layout design using CAD (preferably AutoCAD Electrical)
• Strong knowledge of PLC programming and system architecture (Allen Bradley experience a plus)
• Demonstrated understanding of instrumentation integration with data acquisition hardware
• Ability to guide and develop team members in the use of electrical diagnostic equipment
• Expert knowledge of industrial sensors and actuators: pressure, temperature, LVDT, accelerometers, motor controllers, flow meters, relays, strain gauges, valves, and pumps
• Excellent technical and non-technical writing and verbal communication skills
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, drive ownership, and deliver results

Desired:

• Experience leading teams within the aerospace industry working at test facilities with cryogenic fluid systems, specifically LH2, LOx, LNG, and LN2
• Knowledge of video monitoring systems (webcam, 3G-SDI, high speed, infrared, etc.)
• Understanding of network configuration and IT infrastructure requirements for test facilities
• Experience overseeing software development for PLC, Arduino, Raspberry Pi, or Opto22 controllers and for LabVIEW or MATLAB applications
• Familiarity with NI hardware or Bustec hardware
• Knowledge of calibration principles (uncertainty calculation, total error ratios, etc.) and industry calibration standards (ISO/IEC 17025, ANSI NCSL Z540.3)
• Experience guiding teams in noise reduction, shielding, grounding techniques, termination, and analog/digital filtering to provide high-fidelity measurements
• Ability to specify instrumentation wiring needed for various data system and sensor interfaces
• Experience managing instrumentation and control systems in hazardous areas (NFPA 70 Section 500 installations); Class 1, Division 1 and Division 2 environments
• Understanding of programming languages (LabVIEW, Java, HTML, C++, and/or Python)
• Previous experience at a rocket propulsion development or test facility

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 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 (CDL drivers only), 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

• 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.
• 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/