Director of Launch Site Development – Vandenberg

BLUE ORIGIN

. Lead the design, development, construction, and activation of Blue Origin launch facilities at Vandenberg Space Force Base .

Posted 11/10/2026full-timeVandenberg • California • United StatesLead💰 $218,262 - $305,567 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates extensive experience in program management and engineering leadership, particularly in launch facility design and construction. Proficient in stakeholder engagement, compliance navigation, and risk management within aerospace infrastructure projects.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Program ManagementEngineering LeadershipStakeholder EngagementRegulatory ComplianceRisk Management

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Engineering DegreeProgram-Level OwnershipDesign and Construction ManagementGround Support Equipment IntegrationLaunch Vehicle Ground Systems IntegrationActivation PlanningBudget AccountabilitySchedule ManagementHeavy Infrastructure DeliveryField Work Capability

Soft Skills

Communication Across LeadershipTeam BuildingCross-Functional LeadershipRelationship ManagementProblem Solving

Tools & Technologies

Construction Management SoftwareProject Scheduling ToolsRisk Management ToolsCompliance Tracking SystemsEngineering Design Software

Certifications & Qualifications

Professional Engineer (PE) LicenseProject Management Professional (PMP)MS or MBA

Industry Keywords

Launch FacilitiesSpace ForceFAA RegulationsNEPA ComplianceCalifornia Environmental RegulationsHeavy InfrastructureAerospace IndustryGovernment StakeholdersVandenberg Space Force BaseMarine and Port Infrastructure

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

PMP

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead the design, development, construction, and activation of Blue Origin launch facilities at Vandenberg Space Force Base
Serve as Blue Origin's primary point of contact with Space Launch Delta 30 and other government stakeholders
Build and maintain stakeholder relationships throughout the program
Manage the integrated master schedule, budget, and program performance metrics
Identify, mitigate, and drive closure of technical, regulatory, supply-chain, and schedule risks
Lead a cross-functional team of engineers, construction managers, planners, and technicians
Hire, develop, hold standards, and build the team that will operate the site in steady state
Navigate federal, state, and local compliance, including NEPA, FAA commercial launch licensing, Space Force range requirements, California environmental and coastal regulations, and local permitting
Provide substantive status reports to executive leadership on schedule, budget, risk, and operational readiness
Oversee integration of ground support equipment, propellant and fluids systems, and facility infrastructure
Transition the complex from construction to operations by developing the activation plan and standing up the operating team
Lead the site in steady-state launch operations
Participate in design reviews, technical team work, agency meetings, and executive engagements
Represent Blue Origin with the Space Force and other partners

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical discipline
12+ years of relevant engineering, program management, or operations leadership experience
5+ years of people-leadership experience managing cross-functional engineering or construction teams
Demonstrated program-level ownership of launch, test, or heavy infrastructure delivery, including schedule and budget accountability
Experience leading engagement with federal agencies such as Space Force, FAA, NASA, or DoD on permitting, range coordination, and program execution
Experience managing design and construction contractors as the owner's representative
Ability to communicate across executive leadership, agency flag officers, A&E principals, field superintendents, and technicians
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (current Green Card holder)
Ability to obtain and maintain badging at government installations (Vandenberg SFB)
Ability to perform hands-on field work in heat, cold, rain, tight quarters, or at heights
Preferred: Direct experience with VSFB, Western Range operations, or SLD 30 coordination
Preferred: Prior ownership of a launch, test, or major aerospace infrastructure program from concept through activation
Preferred: Experience activating a launch or test complex
Preferred: Working knowledge of launch vehicle ground systems integration, including GSE, propellant and fluids systems, command and control, and facility interfaces
Preferred: Experience with marine and port infrastructure
Preferred: Familiarity with FAA commercial launch regulations (14 CFR Part 420/450) and NEPA
Preferred: Familiarity with hazardous operations siting, ESQD arcs, and operational safety clearance planning
Preferred: Experience with California environmental and coastal regulatory frameworks
Preferred: Professional Engineer (PE) license and/or PMP
Preferred: MS or MBA

Benefits

Comp & perks

Relocation is provided
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Basic and supplemental life insurance
Paid parental leave
Short- and long-term disability
401(k) with a company match of up to 5%
Education Support Program
Stock options for all regular employees working at least 20 hours/week
Up to four weeks of paid time off per year based on weekly scheduled hours
Up to 14 company-paid holidays
Potential bonuses and other benefits based on role type, job level, and individual contributions
Up to 15% travel