Director of Manufacturing, Operations & Assembly
About The Position
Blue Origin is building its senior manufacturing and operations leadership team across multiple sites and is seeking experienced Directors and Senior Directors with aerospace backgrounds to lead high-performing teams supporting rocket engine and spacecraft production programs. Candidates expressing interest may be considered for current and future openings based on their experience and location preference. Functional areas include Manufacturing, Test, Fabrication, and Integration. These roles provide senior leadership for production, testing, fabrication, and hardware integration operations, with accountability for safe, efficient, high-quality execution and continuous improvement. Leaders contribute to production of space systems and propulsion hardware throughout the product lifecycle, supporting schedules, mission assurance requirements, and program milestones. The role requires a strong commitment to Blue Origin’s mission and to a culture of safety, collaboration, inclusion, and quality.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, Aerospace, or Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experience.
- 15 or more years of progressive experience in aerospace manufacturing or a closely related industry, such as launch vehicles, aircraft, spacecraft systems, or defense.
- 5 or more years in a senior leadership role managing managers and large, cross-functional teams.
- Demonstrated experience leading manufacturing and operations teams in fast-paced, complex environments.
- Proven ability to manage budgets, schedules, and capital projects at a department or program level.
- Strong quality mindset with expertise in root cause analysis and corrective action methodologies.
- Experience with process definition, development, deployment, measurement, and continuous improvement.
- Effective communication across all levels of an organization, including executive leadership.
- 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.
Nice To Haves
- Master's degree, MBA, or advanced degree in a relevant engineering or business field.
- Prior experience in aerospace environments supporting space hardware, rocket propulsion, or other mission-critical, high-value components.
- Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, the Toyota Production System, or Six Sigma; Black Belt certification preferred.
- Experience transitioning manufacturing capabilities from development and prototyping into full-rate production.
- Knowledge of fabrication processes including machining, welding, composites, additive manufacturing, cleaning, and non-destructive testing.
- Experience with facility activation, new production line startup, or multi-site manufacturing operations.
- Proficiency with MRP/ERP, PLM, and Manufacturing Execution Systems.
Responsibilities
- Lead and develop teams of Managers, Senior Managers, and Directors executing manufacturing and operations across space and propulsion programs.
- Champion safety, quality, and continuous improvement across functional teams.
- Own departmental KPIs, budgets, staffing plans, and capital project portfolios.
- Partner with Program Management, Site Leadership, and cross-functional stakeholders to meet production schedules and customer expectations.
- Drive process definition, development, deployment, and improvement, including Lean Manufacturing and root cause analysis.
- Collaborate with engineering teams on Design for Manufacturability and the transition from development to production.
- Implement and mature production frameworks that support world-class manufacturing capabilities.
- Communicate and enforce mission assurance and safety principles throughout the organization.
- Recruit, develop, coach, and mentor talent at all organizational levels.
- Depending on functional area, lead production operations such as assembly, machine shop, heat treat, welding, and component fabrication; engine, component, and system-level testing; fabrication processes such as machining, composites, additive manufacturing, cleaning, and post-processing; or integration of space systems, launch vehicles, and propulsion hardware.
Benefits
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Basic and supplemental life insurance
- Paid parental leave
- Short- and long-term disability
- 401(k) with company match of up to 5%
- Education Support Program
- Stock options for regular employees working at least 20 hours per week
- Paid time off, up to four weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours
- Up to 14 company-paid holidays
- Depending on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on individual contributions and company results.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
