Sr. Manager - Factory Automation
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 30, 2026. First seen by Alion on Sep 2, 2026. Blue Origin scores A on the Alion truth index.
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 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.Our team is looking for an outstanding, highly motivated, senior automation development Director to lead our exceptional team of automation professionals. Our mission is to innovate and build scalable and robust hardware and software solutions in the manufacturing environment. These solutions drive delivery of Blue Origin rockets and systems. You will participate in, and guide the design, implementation, and deployment of pioneering automated systems and technologies to continuously improve the safety, quality and efficiency of our manufacturing processes. Functionally decompose sophisticated problems into simple, straight-forward solutions. Share knowledge in performance, scalability, enterprise system architecture, and engineering standard methodologies.
We are looking for someone to apply their expansive controls engineering knowledge, automation design expertise, leadership skills, and dedication to quality to scale and improve automated manufacturing at Blue. Passion for our mission and vision is required!
Responsibilities:
- Lead initiatives to improve the reliability and efficiency of manufacturing processes through automation; own and drive the technical architecture, roadmap and implementation
- Oversight of mechanical & electrical design of complete automation solutions, including both off-the-shelf component integration and novel hardware design & development
- Lead the design and modification of PLC and Robot programs
- Support the development of SCADA applications (Ignition, Kepware, AWS, etc.)
- Collaborate with data-science and artificial intelligence teams to pair control system development with IOT analytics and AI powered software, developing closed-loop data-driven enhancements to sophisticated manufacturing systems
Qualifications:
- B.S. degree or higher in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Mechatronics, Electrical, Controls, or other relevant engineering field
- 8+ years experience in engineering leadership of a multi-functional team of automation professionals
- 6+ years experience with common automation software development languages (ex. Ladder, ST, C/C++)
- 6+ years experience with controls and automation software development environments (ex. Siemens TIA Portal, Allen Bradley Control Logix)
- 3+ years experience with 'from scratch' automation layout design & cell configuration
- A demonstrated ability to interpret and review electrical and mechanical drawings
- Strong skills for design and process simplification
- Ability to communicate optimally, clearly, and with humility to partners
- An understanding of world-class quality, attention to detail, and dedication
Desired:
- M.S. degree or higher in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Mechatronics, Electrical, Controls, or other relevant engineering field
- Familiar with various control system and equipment safety standards such as IEC 61131, ANSI B11, NFPA 79, and RIA 15.06
- Extensive mechanical & electrical design experience, including automation simulation
- Experience with writing and developing software in a high-level language such as Python or C#.
- Experience with NC programming of automated systems such as G-code, TP, Karel
- Excellent technical writing, grammar, and presentation experience
- Experience with electrical verification of machines
- Experience in defining, implementing, and maintaining controls code from source control
- Hands on experience with multiple common manufacturing and assembly processes, CNC machines, metrology systems (laser tracking), and inspection
Base Pay Range for:
WA applicants is $197,004.00 - $275,805.60Other site ranges may differ
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, 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.
- 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.
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 [email protected]. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.