Manager - Manufacturing Operations & Assembly

Manufacturing Operations Leader

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 will lead manufacturing operations for our spacecraft dispenser production line.

As part of a small, passionate and accomplished team of experts, you will process and program large and small structural components supporting assembly, of flight hardware for various spaceflight systems. You will share in the team's impact on all aspects of transforming the way rockets are made and operated. If you share our passions and vision, thrive in a dynamic startup environment, excel on integrated cross-functional teams, are experienced and skilled in several relevant technologies (even if perhaps not in the aerospace industry), continuously seek out opportunities to learn and improve, enjoy occasional travel, and do not allow title or job description to limit the depth or breadth of your contributions, then we would love to hear from you. This position will directly impact the history of space exploration and will require your dedicated commitment and detailed attention towards safe and repeatable spaceflight.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Safety, Quality, and Compliance
• Own the safety culture on the factory floor; ensure adherence to EHS standards and stop-work authority.
• Ensure assembly processes meet configuration, quality, and cleanliness requirements (e.g., FOD control, torque, fastener, and contamination controls).
• Partner with Quality and Safety to close audit findings and implement preventive actions.
• Delivery, Schedule, and Cost Performance
• Own build/repair schedule adherence for your area (cells, lines, or work centers) and escalate risks early.
• Translate program demand (MPS/MRP) into executable daily/weekly production plans.
• Manage labor and overtime to hit cost targets while protecting schedule and quality.
• Coordinate with Supply Chain, Planning, and Engineering to remove material and technical blockers.
• Team Leadership and Development
• Directly manage manufacturing/assembly technicians and often front-line leads or supervisors.
• Set daily priorities, run tiered stand-ups, and ensure clear communication of goals and constraints.
• Develop talent: hiring, onboarding, coaching, performance management, and succession planning.
• Model and reinforce Blue's leadership principles (e.g., Passion for the Mission, Ownership, Embrace Team Blue) in day-to-day operations.
• Process Ownership and Continuous Improvement
• Own execution of defined build processes; provide feedback to Manufacturing Engineering on work instructions, tooling, and routings.
• Drive throughput improvements (reduced WIP, changeover, takt, touch-labor) using lean methods (5S, standard work, visual management).
• Implement and track key operations metrics for your area: safety, quality, on-time delivery, WIP/queue, productivity, rework/defects, and overtime.
• Participate in or lead RCCA efforts on quality escapes, test failures, and schedule misses.
• Cross-Functional Program Support
• Represent Manufacturing Ops/Assembly in program and IPT forums (build readiness reviews, RCCAs, risk reviews).
• Support industrialization and ramp (new lines, new tooling, new facilities) and readiness for higher-rate production.
• Contribute input to capital and headcount planning for your factory area.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 5+ years in a direct supervision/leadership position, working on aerospace development programs or production facilities.
• Ability to interpret engineering models, drawings, specifications, written work instructions, and test procedures.
• Ability to work effectively with a strong work ethic and close attention to detail in a fast-paced dynamic team environment with rapidly changing roles and responsibilities
• Computer skills such as Windows, Microsoft Office, etc.
• Must be able to set a high hiring bar while evaluating and hiring top talent
• Extremely customer focused with strong verbal and written communication skills
• A demonstrated ability to work cooperatively with teams of skills across large geographic distances
• A continuous improvement mindset. Our job is never complete; we are always optimizing.
• Work off-shift, extended hours, overtime, and weekends if/when necessary
• Intense curiosity for understanding the details of our business and how to optimize it
• Exceptional organizational and analytical skills and a proven ability to drive complex projects with minimal oversight

Preferred Qualifications:

• Aerospace Assembly Experience
• New production line startup
• Experience managing & operating a clean room

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 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