Spacecraft Service Operations Manager – Blue Ring (TS/SCI Required) in Reston, Virginia at Blue Origin

Title: Spacecraft Service Operations Manager – Blue Ring (TS/SCI Required)

Location: Reston, VA

Position Type: Full time

Requisition ID: R64370

Description:

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! 

The role is part of the In-Space Systems business unit, which is focused on addressing two of the most compelling challenges in spaceflight today: space infrastructure and increasing mobility on-orbit.

Spacecraft Service Operations Manager – Blue Ring (TS/SCI Required)

This role is part of the Blue National Security business unit, which is pioneering the development, manufacturing, and operation of Blue Ring, a groundbreaking space-mobility platform that unlocks unparalleled access to any orbit and the freedom to maneuver between orbits at will. With Blue Ring, our customers are empowered to go anywhere in cislunar or Earth orbit domains, redefine mission flexibility, and pursue bold new concepts that were once beyond reach. If you’re energized by the idea of working with a platform capable of enabling missions without compromise, this is your moment to make history with us.
 
As the Spacecraft Service Operations Manager, you will own the end-to-end daily sustainment and performance of the Blue Ring fleet post-commissioning. You will build, lead, and develop a compact, highly-skilled spacecraft service team to deliver nimble, data-optimized, and innovative operations for a diverse set of customers and mission types. You will drive operational excellence, extract every possible insight and value from downlinked data, champion AI-powered analysis and automation, and ensure the reliability and agility of our orbiting assets.

If you are energized by solving dynamic challenges, maximizing operational value, and using next-generation analytics to redefine spacecraft operations, this is your opportunity to make history.

Special Mentions:

• Based at Reston, VA offices. Relocation provided.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Recruit, manage, and develop a skilled spacecraft service operations team
• Manage daily operations and long-term performance of the Blue Ring fleet, ensuring reliability and agility.
• Leverage AI and data analytics to enhance efficiency, detect trends, and maximize value from spacecraft data.
• Provide timely, actionable performance reports to stakeholders.
• Develop and refine procedures, scripts, and dashboards for efficient, error-free operations.
• Track telemetry, maintain configurations, and implement predictive maintenance for fleet health.
• Rapidly escalate and resolve on-orbit anomalies using advanced tools and cross-team collaboration.
• Collaborate with engineering, payload, and customer teams to optimize operations for varied missions.
• Uphold excellence in data integrity, operational standards, and regulatory compliance.
• Drive continuous improvement in operations and ground system performance (including automation) and mentor team members for future growth.

Minimum Qualifications:

• B.S. in Aerospace, Computer Science, Systems, or related fields
• 10+ years of experience in spacecraft operations development and/or execution
• 3+ years of experience leading technical teams, including real-time support for sustained on-orbit operations in a leadership role.
• Development or maintenance of spacecraft operations products, including procedures, telemetry displays, scripts, and other technical documents.
• Experienced in configuration and product data management.
• Exceptional ability to design, articulate, and enforce processes that drive continuous improvement across all operational success metrics.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills, including the ability to make persuasive presentations to external customers at significant achievements reviews.
• Active TS/SCI Security Clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

• M.S. in Space Systems, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, or related fields.
• Experience operating and sustaining multi-payload or multi-manifest satellite fleets, including hosted and separable payloads.
• Proficient in command-and-control scripting (e.g., Python, SPELL, STOL, JAS) to automate and streamline operations.
• Hands-on experience with virtualized ground software environments (e.g., Command & Control, Mission Planning, Flight Dynamics, Electronic Procedures, Software Simulators).
• Knowledgeable with AI/ML and data analytics applications for operations insight, predictive maintenance, trend analysis, and automation.
• Skilled with mission and contact planning tools for dynamic, multi-orbit missions.
• Proficiency in mission analysis, flight planning, and timeline development using modern tools.
• Expertise in developing, executing, and validating operational readiness testing with hardware-in-the-loop and software-in-the-loop simulators.
• Strong track record resolving operational faults and anomalies in live space operations.

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.

• 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 EEOCompliance@blueorigin.com. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.