Kevin Kelleher

Senior Manager, Technical Design, Blue Origin

Currently a senior manager for a technical design team at Blue Origin, Kevin provides technical design and CAD support for the development of transportation and handling equipment (launch systems) for the New Glenn rocket, a heavy-lift reusable launch vehicle capable of carrying people and payloads routinely to Earth orbit and beyond. Kevin and his team prepare and release PDD for these advanced systems.

Kevin is no stranger to the space industry. Prior to Blue Origin, Kevin held a CAD manager role at Kennedy Space Center for 13 years, leading a large team supporting NASA's ground support equipment division responsible for multiple ground/launch systems for the Space Launch System, or SLS (a Space Shuttle derived heavy launch vehicle being designed by NASA that recently launched for the first time on Pad 39B).

Previously he worked as a senior CAD designer and manager for Liberty Aerospace assisting in the design and FAA certification of the 2-seat, single engine aircraft, the Liberty XL2. Kevin also worked as a CAD specialist designing products including Bose sound systems, space station fuel lines, lunar habitat protection concepts, production machinery for Gillette, industrial-sized Fryers, specialized tooling, launch pads, roller coasters, and more. He brings a “whatever it takes” attitude to everything he faces and has gained a reputation of professionalism along the way. He has been awarded NASA’s “achievement award” in recognition for his excellence and dedication in developing and implementing a global NASA Interoperability Standard and, for years has been leading internal NASA and Blue Origin weekly CAD Users Group sessions.

Risking his life as a volunteer firefighter for seven years of dedicated service and a happy father of five, Kevin continues to challenge himself while enjoying his passions outside of work. He enjoys playing ice hockey, working out, spending quality time with his wife, playing with his kids and enjoying life in Florida!