Director of Manufacturing, Operations & Assembly

BLUE ORIGIN • Huntsville, AL

1d • $203,165 - $284,430

About The Position

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. We are looking for senior leaders 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. Blue Origin is actively building its senior manufacturing and operations leadership team across multiple sites. We are seeking experienced Directors and Senior Directors with a strong aerospace background to lead high-performing teams in support of rocket engine and spacecraft production programs. By expressing interest in this opportunity, you will be considered for current and future openings aligned to your experience and location preference. Roles span the following functional areas: Manufacturing, Test, Fabrication, and Integration.

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 communicator 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 driving manufacturing and operations execution across space and propulsion programs
• Champion a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement across all 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 initiatives including Lean Manufacturing and root cause analysis
• Collaborate with engineering teams to advance Design for Manufacturability principles and accelerate 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 levels of the organization

Benefits

• 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.
• Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week)
• Paid Time Off: Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director