Sr. Manager - Technical Program Manager

BLUE ORIGIN • West Melbourne, FL

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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. The Technical Program Senior Manager is responsible for building a data-driven operations system that improves throughput, reduces product cost, and increases reliability. This role will design and implement a comprehensive KPI metrics suite, define and institutionalize standard operating expectations (including daily stand-ups, GEMBA walks, communication and reporting expectations), and lead cross-functional improvement projects that optimize operations processes and standards (outside of product design). The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader who can convert an anecdote-driven culture into a data-first mindset across the organization. The GS2 program needs a Technical Program Senior Manager to establish the operational backbone required to meet realistic delivery and rate expectations. As part of a hardworking, passionate, and accomplished team of experts, you will be responsible for the GS2 fabrication workflow from tank development to final integration in Merritt Island, Florida. This includes building and leading a skilled, interdisciplinary technical team focused on various components, processes, and programs directed at improving the tactical and strategic operations through a data driven metrics suite and structured program and improvement project execution plans. This is a hands-on position that requires the ability to communicate the vision, strategy and tactical application of cost-effective strategies and key deliverables that will direct effect manufacturing cycle time, product cost, and year-over-year improvements driven by data and the continued development of at-rate operations programs. We are looking for someone to apply their leadership skills, technical expertise, and commitment to safety and quality to positively impact safe human spaceflight. Passion for our mission and vision is required!

Requirements

• Proven knowledge in building or transforming successful production operation organizations and leading large-scale change management initiatives that influence culture, define tools & processes and improve competencies.
• B.S. in an aerospace, mechanical, or systems engineering-related field, with 6+ years of complex product development experience.
• Strong knowledge and applied experiences in Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma.
• Experience leading, growing and developing large technical teams in a multi-business unit integrated organization.
• Advanced knowledge in designing and building successful delivery of manufacturing, production, assembly, procurement, and logistics in a low volume high complexity environment.
• Strong business insight.
• Demonstrated experience challenging the status quo, inspiring change, and teaching and motivating individuals to develop and implement new ways of thinking and doing business.
• Understands how to create and manage work cell standard work and track deviation from that standard work.
• Experience managing capital improvements and layout.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with team, customers, and suppliers to prioritize teamwork and customer satisfaction.
• An attitude of world-class mission assurance, quality, attention to detail, and dedication.

Responsibilities

• Design and maintain a tiered KPI suite for GS2 (e.g., cycle time, WIP, on-time delivery, productivity, labor planning, yield, rework, cost per unit), with clear definitions, data sources, ownership, and dashboards that enable transparent performance management.
• Establish regular metrics reviews (daily/weekly/monthly) that drive decisions, actions, and accountability.
• Define and deploy a standard operating cadence, including daily tiered stand-ups and regular GEMBA walks focused on SQDCP, and create standard work for core activities and management routines across all shifts and sites.
• Lead continuous improvement projects that reduce cycle time, WIP, and product cost through operational changes (layout, work methods, staffing, scheduling, material flow), using Lean, Six Sigma, and industrial engineering tools.
• Partner with Manufacturing/Operations, Industrial Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Finance to prioritize initiatives and track realized benefits (hours saved, capacity created, cost reduction, delivery performance).
• Drive a shift from anecdotal to data-first operations by coaching leaders and front-line teams on KPI use, root-cause problem solving (5 Whys, A3, DMAIC), and effective daily management.
• Lead and develop an operations team, provide clear updates to senior leadership, and champion safety, quality, and compliance.
• Oversee the development and implementation of data driven systems with a lean approach with a focus on delivering results.
• Champion safety always and first-time quality across all functions while growing and developing your team at all levels.
• Technical and Programmatic Leadership - Provide technical and programmatic leadership by offering engineering insight, supporting technical reviews, and advising leadership as well as the team on recommended paths forward.
• Collaborate with Program partners to improve design through DFx initiatives reducing cost, cycle time, and lead time.
• Direct initiatives and strategies that deliver cost effective, high quality, and operational excellence.
• Improve production efficiency by optimizing factory flow, increasing throughput, enhancing first pass yield, output, learning curve, and supplier delivery.
• Disseminate key operational takeaways and standard processes to drive improvement within Blue Operations.
• Evaluate processes at micro and macro levels, then implement impactful improvements for safety, quality, reduced costs, and faster deliveries.
• Apply Blue Origin’s Leadership Principles to develop a trusting, learning culture of leaders through continuous feedback, coaching and robust development opportunities.
• Encourage a "One Team Attitude".

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.
• Paid Time Off: Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.
• Dependent on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on the company's intent to reward individual contributions and enable them to share in the company's results, or other factors at the company's sole discretion.
• Bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and subject to change and cancellation.

What This Job Offers

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