Shift Lead - Lunar Structures

BLUE ORIGIN•West Melbourne, FL

13d•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. Job Summary As a Structures Shift Leader at Blue Origin, you will lead a team of Structures Technicians responsible for the fabrication, drilling, assembly, fixturing, alignment, and integration of aerospace structures supporting flight and non-flight hardware. You will provide day-to-day leadership on the production floor, ensuring safe execution, exceptional quality, schedule attainment, and continuous improvement while developing a high-performing technical workforce. Working closely with Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Production Control, and Program Management, you will remove production barriers, drive standardized work, and ensure every structure is built to the highest standards of precision, reliability, and mission readiness.

Requirements

8+ years of experience in aerospace manufacturing, structures assembly, integration, or a related manufacturing environment.
2+ years of experience leading production teams, manufacturing cells, or shift operations.
Demonstrated ability to interpret engineering drawings, work instructions, and manufacturing specifications.
Working knowledge of structural drilling, precision assembly, fixturing, alignment, fastening, and aerospace manufacturing processes.
Experience with precision measurement equipment including torque wrenches, micrometers, calipers, and inspection tools.
Experience coordinating work across Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Planning, and Supply Chain organizations.
Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills in a fast-paced production environment.
Ability to work at heights, lift up to 50 lbs, and work in confined spaces when required.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and manufacturing execution systems.
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

Demonstrated leadership in aerospace structural assembly, launch vehicle manufacturing, or aircraft production.
Experience leading production teams building flight hardware.
Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, 5S, Standardized Work, Visual Management, and Daily Management Systems.
Experience managing KPIs including First Pass Yield, labor efficiency, schedule attainment, nonconformance reduction, and productivity.
Working knowledge of drilling systems including power feed drills, track drills, Jiffy/E-Tech tools, drill jigs, and precision hole preparation.
Understanding of aerospace materials including aluminum, titanium, Inconel, composites, bonded structures, and sealing operations.
Experience supporting MRB, NCR resolution, RCCA, and corrective action implementation.
Experience supporting new product introduction, prototype manufacturing, or production ramp activities.
Ability to coach technicians, develop technical talent, and build high-performing teams.
Trade school certification, technical degree, or equivalent aerospace manufacturing experience.
Demonstrated record of improving manufacturing performance through continuous improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

Lead and supervise a team of Structures Technicians in the fabrication, drilling, assembly, alignment, and integration of aerospace structures.
Promote and enforce an uncompromising culture of safety, quality, accountability, and operational excellence throughout every shift.
Execute the daily production plan while balancing safety, quality, delivery, and labor efficiency objectives.
Conduct shift startup meetings, communicate production priorities, identify risks, and coordinate recovery plans to maintain schedule.
Ensure technicians execute work in accordance with engineering drawings, manufacturing instructions, specifications, and approved standard work.
Monitor work center performance and proactively remove production bottlenecks through effective coordination with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Production Control.
Provide technical guidance and hands-on support for structural assembly, precision drilling, fixturing, alignment, and installation activities involving aluminum, titanium, Inconel, composite, and bonded assemblies.
Ensure proper utilization and calibration of tooling, fixtures, torque equipment, precision measuring devices, and specialized aerospace assembly equipment.
Drive First Pass Yield, defect prevention, and nonconformance reduction through disciplined process execution and root cause problem solving.
Lead troubleshooting efforts during production issues while escalating technical risks appropriately.
Develop technician capability through coaching, mentorship, cross-training, skills qualification, and standardized work.
Own shift metrics including Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, Labor Efficiency, First Pass Yield, Rework, and Schedule Adherence.
Champion Lean Manufacturing principles by leading daily continuous improvement activities, waste reduction initiatives, 5S audits, and standardized work improvements.
Support new product introduction, prototype builds, process validation activities, and production readiness initiatives.
Ensure accurate production reporting, shift handoffs, labor charging, issue documentation, and communication with cross-functional stakeholders.
Support hiring, onboarding, performance management, and career development of manufacturing personnel.