Director of Surface Coatings- New Glenn Manufacturing

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 diverse 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, Facilities, and Security. This includes Manufacturing and Supply Chain support across all Blue Origin facilities.

As part of a diverse and hardworking team of experts, you will be responsible for operational execution of the team charged with leading our Surface Coatings team, with application of multiple insulation and thermal protection systems to flight hardware for various spaceflight systems (New Glenn, Lunar, etc). The team and this role are based on Florida’s Space Coast at the Rocket Park Facility on Merritt Island, FL. You will lead a skilled, interdisciplinary team, responsible for the application of both Spray On Insulation (SOFI), Pour On Insulation (POFI) Tubing Insulation, application of all Thermal protection systems for Blue vehicles and components produced at Rocket Park. This will include the application of surface coatings with expansion of automation capabilities while bringing as much of the insulation process inline with other manufacturing processes to implement one piece flow, all while ensuring on-time delivery, cost, and quality, with a strong focus on safety and efficiency. This leader will have the ground floor opportunity to transform the New Glenn production system to adapt to the art of the possible to improve both technical adequacy, cost, quality and throughput as we prepare to ramp production rates to support the mission of Blue. This is a hands-on leadership position that requires the ability to communicate the vision, strategy and tactical application of cost-effective strategies and key deliverables.

You will report directly to the Site Leader of Blue’s Rocket Park Facility. We are looking for someone to apply their technical expertise, leadership skills, and commitment to quality to positively impact safe human spaceflight. Passion for our mission and vision is required

• Lead, develop, build and manage the Surface Coatings team, including developing resource plans, conducting interviews, making hiring recommendations, and assisting in performance reviews.
• Champion safety always and first-time quality across all functions while growing and developing your team at all levels.
• Lead and guide a team of managers, supervisors, and technicians in Thermal Protection System and Insulation application, curing, inspection, trimming, repair, and integration processes.
• Oversee the operation, maintenance, and installation of large, and specialized equipment.
• Lead operations employing precision measuring tools and heavy machinery, such as forklifts and cranes.
• Direct initiatives and strategies that deliver cost effective, high quality, operational performance that produces the rate manufacturing of orbital launch vehicles for payload and human spaceflight.
• Though Blue’s Continuous Improvement Methodology lead the implementation of methods to increase production efficiency and productivity to include factory flow and higher throughput within existing floor space first pass yield, increased output, improved learning curve, and supplier on time delivery.
• Oversee the development and implementation of data driven systems with a lean approach with a focus on delivering results.
• Propagate key operational learnings and best practices to support improvement across the Operations Team at Rocket Park and the Blue enterprise.
• Analyze processes and operations at the micro and macro levels followed by implementing high impact improvements for safety and quality that reduces unit cost and accelerates throughput.
• Leverage Blue Origin’s Leadership Principles to cultivate a trusting, learning culture of leaders through continuous feedback, coaching and robust development opportunities. Foster a “One Team Mindset”.

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in a direct supervision/leadership role, with a proven track record of working on aerospace development programs or production lines heavily focused on Surface Coating Application and Thermal Protection System Installation methods and techniques, in both leadership and hands-on roles.
• BS degree in related Engineering discipline with a focus on Manufacturing/Operation Management.
• Proven knowledge in building or transforming successful production operation organizations and leading large-scale change management initiatives that influence culture, define tools & processes, and improve competencies.
• Strong knowledge and applied experiences in Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma.
• Experience in a 5S and FOD controlled environment in a composite manufacturing context.
• Approachable demeanor, open to rapidly changing requirements, and the ability to effectively resolve conflict in high-pressure situations.
• Ability to interpret engineering models, drawings, specifications, written work instructions, and test procedures related to Surface Coating Applications.
• Proficient with resource-loaded schedules using Primavera (P6), Open Plan, MS Project, or other software in a fluids-specific context.
• Experience leading, growing and developing large teams in a multi-business unit integrated supply chain organization.
• Advanced knowledge in designing and building successful delivery of manufacturing, production, assembly, procurement, and logistics in a low volume high complexity environment.
• Strong business acumen. Demonstrated experience challenging the status quo, driving change, and teaching and motivating individuals to develop and implement new ways of thinking and doing business.
• Successful experience in hiring and developing great people with diverse skill sets.
• Understands how to create and manage work cell standard work and track deviation from that standard work.
• An attitude of world-class mission assurance, quality, attention to detail, and dedication.
• Ability to maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to a culture of trust, respect, inclusion and integrity.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

• 15+ years manufacturing experience in aerospace such as launch vehicles, aircraft and helicopters. Master’s degree in engineering, operation, or business is a plus.
• Experience in multiple manufacturing processes and technologies to include composites, aero structures, welding, and harness fabrication.
• Earned Value Management (EVM) experience.
• Experience with Manufacturing Execution System and Product Lifecycle Manufacturing systems a plus.
• In-depth experience in a team-based Lean Manufacturing environment, including implementations, with a particular emphasis on Composite manufacturing methodologies.

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.

Inclusivity 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 a diverse, inclusive, and 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.

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.

Discretionary bonus: Bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results.

Eligibility for benefits varies by role type, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role.

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, diverse, and dedicated workforce. 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, in which all employees recognize and appreciate the diversity of individual team members. 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, gender, 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.

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

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