PA AFP Composites/NDT Production Manager

Blue Origin • Space Coast, FL

5d • Onsite

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. Production Operations Manager — AFP & NDT I’m looking for a Production Operations Manager to oversee day-to-day production operations for Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) and Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) at Blue Origin. This leader will be responsible for a team consisting of approximately 6 supervisors and 120 technicians , with a strong focus on safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and continuous improvement. The ideal candidate will provide strategic and hands-on leadership across both AFP and NDT operations, ensuring production goals are met while maintaining high standards for quality, compliance, and operational excellence.

Requirements

• Proven experience leading manufacturing or production operations in a complex technical environment.
• Demonstrated experience managing large teams, including supervisors and front-line technicians.
• Strong leadership, communication, coaching, and people-development skills.
• Ability to establish priorities and make sound decisions in a fast-paced production environment.
• Strong understanding of production planning, scheduling, capacity management, and resource allocation.
• Experience driving safety, quality, productivity, and on-time delivery performance.
• Strong problem-solving and root-cause analysis skills.
• Ability to effectively use data and KPIs to identify issues and drive improvements.
• Experience working cross-functionally with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Maintenance, and other organizations.
• Strong understanding of continuous improvement and lean manufacturing principles.
• Ability to hold teams and leaders accountable while maintaining a positive and collaborative culture.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with AFP, NDT, composites, aerospace manufacturing, or other advanced manufacturing processes.
• Experience working in a highly regulated or aerospace production environment.
• Experience leading organizations of 100+ employees.
• Experience developing and mentoring supervisors and other front-line leaders.
• Strong knowledge of composite manufacturing processes and associated production challenges.
• Familiarity with NDT methods, inspection requirements, and quality systems.
• Experience with production systems, MES, ERP, or other manufacturing management tools.
• Experience implementing Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, 5S, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Demonstrated ability to lead organizational change and scale production operations.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, Business, or a related field.
• Advanced degree, Lean/Six Sigma certification, or relevant technical certifications.
• Aerospace, defense, or other high-reliability manufacturing experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of 6 supervisors and approximately 120 technicians.
• Oversee daily AFP and NDT production activities, staffing, capacity, and workflow.
• Establish and drive production goals aligned with organizational priorities.
• Ensure adherence to safety, quality, and operational requirements.
• Partner closely with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Maintenance, and other cross-functional organizations.
• Identify and remove production constraints and improve throughput.
• Drive continuous improvement, standardization, and lean manufacturing initiatives.
• Develop supervisors and front-line leaders through coaching, accountability, and performance management.
• Monitor key performance indicators and use data to drive operational decisions.
• Support workforce planning, scheduling, hiring, and organizational development.
• Build a culture of ownership, accountability, teamwork, and operational excellence.

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: Manager