Director of Manufacturing

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 is part of Blue Origin Operations, which is comprised of Integrated Supply Chain, Test Operations, Safety, Quality, and Mission Assurance. This includes Manufacturing and Supply Chain support across all Blue Origin facilities. As part of a hardworking, passionate, and accomplished team of experts, you will be responsible for financial and manufacturing operations in Merritt Island. This includes building and leading a skilled, interdisciplinary team, responsible for Structural Module builds and integration of subsystems into the space vehicle. This is a hands‑on position that requires the ability to communicate the vision, strategy and tactical application of cost‑effective strategies and key deliverables. It requires you to collaborate through the design life cycle providing guidance to improve manufacturability and assembly while reducing cost and lead time. You will report directly to the Vice President of Lunar Manufacturing Operations. We are looking for someone to apply their leadership skills, technical expertise, and commitment to safety and quality to positively impact safe human spaceflight. Passion for our mission and vision is required Responsibilities: Champion safety always and first‑time quality across all functions while growing and developing your team at all levels. Lead manufacturing operations to include manufacturing engineering, quality, tooling engineering, supply chain, and production across the assembly and integration areas and work centers at the assigned facility. Collaborate with Program partners to improve design through DFx initiatives reducing cost, cycle time, and lead time. Direct initiatives and strategies that deliver cost‑effective, high quality, operational performance that produces the development of orbital launch vehicles for payload and human spaceflight. Building leadership team and creating the organizational architecture to scale the Lunar manufacturing operations team rapidly. Improve production efficiency by optimizing factory flow, increasing throughput, enhancing first pass yield, output, learning curve, and supplier delivery. Disseminate key operational takeaways and standard processes to drive improvement within Blue Operations. Evaluate processes at micro and macro levels, then implement impactful improvements for safety, quality, reduced costs, and faster deliveries. Oversee the development and implementation of data driven systems with a lean approach with a focus on delivering results. Apply Blue Origin’s Leadership Principles to develop a trusting, learning culture of leaders through continuous feedback, coaching and robust development opportunities. Encourage a “One Team Attitude”. Qualifications: 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. BA or BS degree or equivalent experience with emphasis in Operation Management or Manufacturing Engineering and progressive responsibility increases. 10+ years of manufacturing leadership experience. Strong knowledge and applied experiences in Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma. 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 insight. Demonstrated experience challenging the status quo, inspiring change, and teaching and motivating individuals to develop and implement new ways of thinking and doing business. Understands how to create and manage work cell standard work and track deviation from that standard work. Experience managing capital improvements and layout. Strong verbal and written communication skills with team, customers, and suppliers to prioritize teamwork and customer satisfaction. An attitude of world‑class mission assurance, quality, attention to detail, and dedication. Desired: 15+ years manufacturing experience in aerospace such as launch vehicles, aircraft and helicopters. Master’s degree or equivalent experience in engineering, operation, or business is a plus. Experience in multiple manufacturing processes and technologies to include metal machining, composites, aero structures, welding, and harness fabrication. Earned Value Management (EVM) experience. Experience with Manufacturing Execution System and Product Lifecycle Manufacturing systems a plus. 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 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. 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 Affirmitive 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr