Manufacturing Systems Engineer III - Factory Layout & Optimization

Blue Origin • Huntsville, AL

3d

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. This role is part of Blue Origin Operations, providing manufacturing engineering and factory planning support for new and expanding production facilities. To support Blue Origin's ambitious vision of millions of people living and working in space, we are seeking a Manufacturing Engineer with strong factory layout, simulation, and AI-enabled optimization skills to lead the stand-up of a new high-complexity manufacturing facility. This role will have a direct impact on multiple Blue Origin initiatives. You will design efficient factory layouts, build simulation models to optimize flow and throughput, and apply data-driven and AI methods to maximize production performance. 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.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial, or Aerospace Engineering (other relevant fields may apply) from an accredited university
• 5+ years of Manufacturing or Industrial Engineering experience, with demonstrated facility or workcenter layout work
• Demonstrated experience supporting the build-out of manufacturing facilities and workcenters
• Proficiency using AutoCAD for workcenter layouts
• Competence with the Microsoft Software Suite (in particular, MS Project and Excel)
• Proficiency or willingness to learn discrete event simulation

Nice To Haves

• Experience with discrete event simulation and factory flow modeling
• Data analysis skills (Python, SQL) for process and layout optimization
• Familiarity with AI/ML applications in manufacturing (layout optimization, predictive maintenance, quality inspection, scheduling)
• Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or higher)
• Experience with Systematic Layout Planning (SLP), line balancing, and value stream mapping
• Experience in the full lifecycle of workcenter-readiness projects, from requirements gathering to turnover for operations
• Experience supporting the transition from low-volume development to high-volume production
• Experience in aerospace, defense, or other high-sensitivity environments
• Understanding of engineering fundamentals for mechanical design and manufacturing, including working knowledge of GD&T
• Experience making the business case for and managing capital budgets
• Strong project management and presentation skills (Gantt charting, Jira, MS Project, Confluence, or similar)
• Proficiency with Siemens, AutoCAD, Revit, Bluebeam, or similar software
• Project Management Certification (PMP or other)

Responsibilities

• Lead factory layout design and optimization for a new, high-complexity greenfield manufacturing facility
• Own and maintain the process for allocating floor space to workcenters
• Lead workcenter programming and sizing efforts, often working with external architects and engineering design firms
• Create flexible workcenter layouts that minimize capital expenditure and support manufacturing rate requirements
• Build and maintain discrete event simulation models (FlexSim, AnyLogic, or Plant Simulation) to optimize layout, throughput, material flow, and bottleneck identification
• Apply Systematic Layout Planning (SLP), line balancing, and flow analysis methods to drive layout decisions
• Apply data-driven and AI-enabled methods to layout optimization, predictive maintenance, quality, and scheduling
• Translate engineering requirements into robust, repeatable manufacturing processes
• Develop and maintain manufacturing documentation, including work instructions, process flow diagrams, and tool designs
• Evaluate and implement new manufacturing technologies and methods (precision machining, welding, brazing, additive manufacturing, advanced assembly)
• Support the transition from low-volume development to high-volume production
• Participate in process FMEAs, risk assessments, and validation of new production lines and equipment
• Support construction cost estimates and business case justifications for capital projects
• Report out to leadership on status of factory standup and layout milestones
• Continuously improve processes and procedures through iteration

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: Senior