ROV (Remote Operated Vehicle) Leader - Project Design Engineer, Level III or higher

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. Blue Origin is seeking a technically exceptional and results-driven leader to own the end-to-end design, development, and delivery of the ROV (Remote Operated Vehicle) supporting New Glenn launch operations at the pad. The ROV is a critical piece of GSE (Ground Support Equipment) enabling safe execution of hazardous operations — removing personnel from harm's way while maintaining the precision and reliability that New Glenn demands. This is a high-visibility, high-accountability role that requires deep technical expertise across mechanical, fluids, robotics, end effector systems, controls hardware, and software — combined with the leadership courage to drive decisions at speed, cross organizational boundaries, and deliver on commitments. The leader will have singular accountability for this program from requirements definition through commissioning and turnover to the New Glenn launch operations team. You will operate with a high degree of autonomy, lead a multidisciplinary engineering team, and interface directly with senior leadership on program status, budget, and schedule. This is not a role for a passenger — it requires an owner. Responsibilities: Responsibilities include but are not limited to: Serve as the single accountable owner for all aspects of the ROV program — requirements, design, fabrication, testing, commissioning, and turnover to the New Glenn launch operations team Provide forward path, program status, and anomaly resolution updates to senior leadership with clarity and confidence Lead the full design lifecycle of the ROV system, including mechanical structures, fluid systems, robotics, end effectors, control systems, and communication architecture Develop and manage system-level requirements derived from New Glenn launch operations, pad safety constraints, and mission objectives Drive trade studies and design decisions that optimize performance, reliability, maintainability, and operational safety Oversee development of the ROV's remote operation capabilities, sensor suites, manipulator systems, and communication architecture Establish and maintain a rigorous design verification and validation (V&V) strategy through all phases of development Plan and conduct design reviews at each technical milestone — including PDR, CDR, and TRR — to ensure technical readiness and alignment with program requirements Partner closely with Launch Operations, Pad Engineering, Safety & Mission Assurance, Software Engineering, and Systems Engineering to ensure the ROV design meets all operational and safety requirements Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, Systems Engineering, or a related technical field 10+ years of progressive engineering experience with demonstrated leadership of complex technical programs Proven experience leading the design and development of robotic systems, remote operated vehicles, or autonomous ground equipment Demonstrated ability to own a program end-to-end with accountability for technical performance, cost, and schedule Experience driving hardware from concept through manufacturing, test, and operational deployment Exceptional communication skills Demonstrated ability to lead high-performing engineering teams Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance if required Preferred Qualifications: Master's degree or PhD in a relevant engineering discipline Experience in launch vehicle ground support equipment or aerospace launch operations Background in hazardous operations robotics (e.g., nuclear, oil & gas, defense, subsea) Familiarity with ROS (Robot Operating System), real-time control systems, or autonomous vehicle frameworks Experience with hydraulic and pneumatic actuation systems Knowledge of NFPA, MIL-STD, or NASA safety standards applicable to launch pad operations Prior experience as a Single Threaded Leader, Program Manager, or Chief Engineer with full lifecycle accountability Passion for space exploration and a personal drive to enable humanity's future in space 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/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.