Blue Origin
Vice President, Avionics - New Glenn
role at
Blue Origin
Application Close Date: Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.
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. New Glenn will fly dozens of missions per year. As VP of Avionics, you'll make it possible—leading the scale‑up of integrated avionics systems from prototype to production, establishing the technical baseline, organizational capability, and supplier ecosystem needed to support the most aggressive launch cadence in commercial space. This is your opportunity to build the avionics organization that will define the future of reusable orbital spaceflight.
The Challenge New Glenn is Blue Origin's orbital heavy‑lift rocket, designed to fundamentally change the economics of space access. Your mission: architect and execute the avionics strategy that delivers integrated hardware, software, and ground control systems at scale—from autonomous flight computers to RF communications—all while maintaining the uncompromising quality and reliability standards that spaceflight demands. You'll own the entire New Glenn avionics vertical, serving as an executive leader with technical authority and business accountability. You'll lead interdisciplinary teams across hardware, software, and systems engineering to establish the processes, culture, and strategic roadmap needed for unprecedented production rates in the launch vehicle industry.
What You'll Do Define Technical Vision & Strategy
Own and control the technical baseline for all New Glenn avionics subsystems: electrical power systems, guidance/navigation/control, RF communications, command & data handling, telemetry, and vehicle networks
Architect the long‑term avionics roadmap that balances performance, cost, schedule, and risk across the full vehicle lifecycle
Establish integrated design principles across hardware, software, and test systems that deliver mission reliability while meeting aerospace quality and regulatory standards
Provide high‑caliber technical direction that ensures engineering outputs meet mission objectives while enabling production scalability
Lead Full Lifecycle Execution
Oversee the complete lifecycle of avionics products from requirement definition through design, development, integration, verification, validation, qualification, production, and flight operations
Manage P&L accountability for New Glenn avionics, including budget development, resource allocation, and cost control
Lead major technical and programmatic reviews with internal and external stakeholders, including executive leadership, customers, and regulatory bodies
Ensure compliance with aerospace standards while driving schedule acceleration and cost reduction
Drive Operational Excellence & Scale
Establish avionics production architecture that transitions from engineering builds to high‑volume manufacturing
Deploy continuous improvement methodologies, data‑driven quality systems, and automation tools to maximize throughput and first‑pass yield
Manage external procurements and internal hardware dependencies across multi‑site operations
Implement risk management frameworks and proactive mitigation strategies at the program level
Lead at Executive Scale
Build, mentor, and inspire large avionics organizations across hardware engineering, embedded software, electrical design, and manufacturing
Provide leadership development, performance management, and succession planning for senior managers and functional leaders
Foster a culture of innovation, quality, and psychological safety that attracts and retains top technical talent
Champion organizational change initiatives and export avionics best practices across Blue Origin programs
Drive Cross‑Functional Integration
Serve as the avionics voice on New Glenn executive leadership team—influencing technical and business decisions at the program level
Partner with Manufacturing, Propulsion, Structures, Mission Operations, Supply Chain, and Ground Systems to solve complex integration challenges
Define system‑level requirements in collaboration with Product, Systems Engineering, and Mission Assurance teams
Support launch operations and lead real‑time anomaly resolution with executive‑level technical authority
Deliver Results
Execute strategic and tactical initiatives that drive measurable gains in performance, reliability, cost, and velocity
Balance competing priorities across cost, schedule, technical performance, and risk with mature business judgment
This position will directly impact the history of space exploration and will require your dedicated commitment and detailed attention towards safe and repeatable spaceflight
What You Bring Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related technical field
15+ years of progressive leadership experience in avionics, complex electrical systems, or analogous high‑reliability electronics (aerospace, defense, automotive, industrial, medical devices), including:
Executive or senior leadership roles with P&L and budget management responsibility
Managing large technical organizations and leading cross‑functional teams at scale
Full product lifecycle from requirements through production and operations
Deep understanding of integrated electronics systems architecture: power systems, control systems, communications, embedded computing, and system integration
Demonstrated ability to make high‑stakes technical and business decisions, balancing cost, schedule, performance, and risk
Proven track record leading complex, multi‑year programs with significant business impact and scale‑up challenges
Strong executive presence with excellent communication skills—ability to influence and align stakeholders at all organizational levels
Experience managing supplier ecosystems, procurement strategy, and external dependencies
Strategic thinker with bias for action and operational execution excellence
Preferred Qualifications
20+ years in aerospace, defense, or high‑reliability electronics industries
Master's degree or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field
Executive leadership experience at VP or equivalent level in technology‑driven companies
Experience scaling electronics systems from development to high‑volume production
Experience with safety‑critical systems development and aerospace quality standards
Knowledge of program management methodologies and risk management frameworks
Experience with manufacturing operations for complex electronics assemblies
Background in embedded systems, flight software, or real‑time control systems
Existing relationships with suppliers and industry partners in aerospace or adjacent markets
Experience with launch vehicle, spacecraft, aircraft, or autonomous vehicle systems
Compensation Range (Base Salary) For WA applicants is $318,750.00 - $431,250.00 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 workforce. 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.
Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin’s affirmative action plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us at EEOCompliance@blueorigin.com. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.
California Applicant Privacy Notice If you are a California resident, please reference the CA Applicant Privacy Notice here.
Seniority level
Executive
Employment type
Full‑time
Job function
Engineering and Information Technology
Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Blue Origin by 2x
Get notified about new Head of Electrical Engineering jobs in
Seattle, WA .
#J-18808-Ljbffr
role at
Blue Origin
Application Close Date: Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.
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. New Glenn will fly dozens of missions per year. As VP of Avionics, you'll make it possible—leading the scale‑up of integrated avionics systems from prototype to production, establishing the technical baseline, organizational capability, and supplier ecosystem needed to support the most aggressive launch cadence in commercial space. This is your opportunity to build the avionics organization that will define the future of reusable orbital spaceflight.
The Challenge New Glenn is Blue Origin's orbital heavy‑lift rocket, designed to fundamentally change the economics of space access. Your mission: architect and execute the avionics strategy that delivers integrated hardware, software, and ground control systems at scale—from autonomous flight computers to RF communications—all while maintaining the uncompromising quality and reliability standards that spaceflight demands. You'll own the entire New Glenn avionics vertical, serving as an executive leader with technical authority and business accountability. You'll lead interdisciplinary teams across hardware, software, and systems engineering to establish the processes, culture, and strategic roadmap needed for unprecedented production rates in the launch vehicle industry.
What You'll Do Define Technical Vision & Strategy
Own and control the technical baseline for all New Glenn avionics subsystems: electrical power systems, guidance/navigation/control, RF communications, command & data handling, telemetry, and vehicle networks
Architect the long‑term avionics roadmap that balances performance, cost, schedule, and risk across the full vehicle lifecycle
Establish integrated design principles across hardware, software, and test systems that deliver mission reliability while meeting aerospace quality and regulatory standards
Provide high‑caliber technical direction that ensures engineering outputs meet mission objectives while enabling production scalability
Lead Full Lifecycle Execution
Oversee the complete lifecycle of avionics products from requirement definition through design, development, integration, verification, validation, qualification, production, and flight operations
Manage P&L accountability for New Glenn avionics, including budget development, resource allocation, and cost control
Lead major technical and programmatic reviews with internal and external stakeholders, including executive leadership, customers, and regulatory bodies
Ensure compliance with aerospace standards while driving schedule acceleration and cost reduction
Drive Operational Excellence & Scale
Establish avionics production architecture that transitions from engineering builds to high‑volume manufacturing
Deploy continuous improvement methodologies, data‑driven quality systems, and automation tools to maximize throughput and first‑pass yield
Manage external procurements and internal hardware dependencies across multi‑site operations
Implement risk management frameworks and proactive mitigation strategies at the program level
Lead at Executive Scale
Build, mentor, and inspire large avionics organizations across hardware engineering, embedded software, electrical design, and manufacturing
Provide leadership development, performance management, and succession planning for senior managers and functional leaders
Foster a culture of innovation, quality, and psychological safety that attracts and retains top technical talent
Champion organizational change initiatives and export avionics best practices across Blue Origin programs
Drive Cross‑Functional Integration
Serve as the avionics voice on New Glenn executive leadership team—influencing technical and business decisions at the program level
Partner with Manufacturing, Propulsion, Structures, Mission Operations, Supply Chain, and Ground Systems to solve complex integration challenges
Define system‑level requirements in collaboration with Product, Systems Engineering, and Mission Assurance teams
Support launch operations and lead real‑time anomaly resolution with executive‑level technical authority
Deliver Results
Execute strategic and tactical initiatives that drive measurable gains in performance, reliability, cost, and velocity
Balance competing priorities across cost, schedule, technical performance, and risk with mature business judgment
This position will directly impact the history of space exploration and will require your dedicated commitment and detailed attention towards safe and repeatable spaceflight
What You Bring Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related technical field
15+ years of progressive leadership experience in avionics, complex electrical systems, or analogous high‑reliability electronics (aerospace, defense, automotive, industrial, medical devices), including:
Executive or senior leadership roles with P&L and budget management responsibility
Managing large technical organizations and leading cross‑functional teams at scale
Full product lifecycle from requirements through production and operations
Deep understanding of integrated electronics systems architecture: power systems, control systems, communications, embedded computing, and system integration
Demonstrated ability to make high‑stakes technical and business decisions, balancing cost, schedule, performance, and risk
Proven track record leading complex, multi‑year programs with significant business impact and scale‑up challenges
Strong executive presence with excellent communication skills—ability to influence and align stakeholders at all organizational levels
Experience managing supplier ecosystems, procurement strategy, and external dependencies
Strategic thinker with bias for action and operational execution excellence
Preferred Qualifications
20+ years in aerospace, defense, or high‑reliability electronics industries
Master's degree or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field
Executive leadership experience at VP or equivalent level in technology‑driven companies
Experience scaling electronics systems from development to high‑volume production
Experience with safety‑critical systems development and aerospace quality standards
Knowledge of program management methodologies and risk management frameworks
Experience with manufacturing operations for complex electronics assemblies
Background in embedded systems, flight software, or real‑time control systems
Existing relationships with suppliers and industry partners in aerospace or adjacent markets
Experience with launch vehicle, spacecraft, aircraft, or autonomous vehicle systems
Compensation Range (Base Salary) For WA applicants is $318,750.00 - $431,250.00 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 workforce. 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.
Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin’s affirmative action plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us at EEOCompliance@blueorigin.com. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.
California Applicant Privacy Notice If you are a California resident, please reference the CA Applicant Privacy Notice here.
Seniority level
Executive
Employment type
Full‑time
Job function
Engineering and Information Technology
Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Blue Origin by 2x
Get notified about new Head of Electrical Engineering jobs in
Seattle, WA .
#J-18808-Ljbffr