Sr. Manufacturing Technology & Vendor Management DFX Engineer
About The Position
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. Blue Origin's Emerging Systems business unit is building TeraWave, a satellite communications constellation powered by the most advanced optical communications architecture ever attempted: thousands of optically interconnected satellites delivering symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps anywhere on Earth, providing enterprise and hyperscale customers with resilient, scalable connectivity for critical operations where terrestrial infrastructure cannot reach. As a Senior Manufacturing Technology & Vendor Management DFX Engineer, you will own the end-to-end manufacturing technology evaluation and supplier/vendor integration for TeraWave production — bridging emerging manufacturing technologies, external supplier capabilities, and volume production readiness. As a foundational element of TeraWave operations, hardware must leverage manufacturing technologies and supplier partnerships architected not only for capability but for manufacturability, testability, reliability, and serviceability at constellation scale. This is a hands-on role for an engineer who has evaluated, qualified, and scaled manufacturing technologies and managed supplier relationships in fast-moving, high-volume manufacturing environments and wants to apply that experience to hardware operating at orbital scale.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical discipline
- 10+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, process engineering, or related discipline within aerospace, defense, or advanced manufacturing industries
- Demonstrated experience with technology transfer processes in a manufacturing environment
- Proficiency in DFX methodologies (DFM, DFA, DFMA, DFI, DFC)
- Experience with project management tools and methodologies (e.g., MS Project, Smartsheet, Agile, or equivalent)
- Familiarity with aerospace manufacturing processes such as machining, welding, additive manufacturing, composite fabrication, or precision assembly
- Strong understanding of GD&T (ASME Y14.5), technical drawings, and engineering data packages
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and standards
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to interface effectively across all organizational levels
- Willingness and ability to travel up to 30% for vendor site visits and program support
- Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (required for work on export-controlled technology)
Nice To Haves
- Master's degree in Engineering or Business Administration (MBA)
- PMP (Project Management Professional) certification or equivalent
- Experience with AS9100 / aerospace quality management systems
- Background in supplier quality engineering or supplier development
- Hands-on experience with propulsion, structures, or avionics manufacturing systems
- Knowledge of ITAR/EAR export control regulations as they apply to technology transfer
- Familiarity with APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning) and production part approval processes (PPAP)
- Experience using PLM/PDM systems (e.g., Windchill, Teamcenter) and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle)
- Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification
Responsibilities
- Lead and facilitate technology transfer activities to and from internal subsystem team and external vendors, ensuring manufacturing processes, tooling, fixtures, and technical data packages are accurately and completely communicated and implemented
- Apply DFX (Design for Manufacturability, Assembly, Inspection, Cost, and Reliability) principles throughout the product lifecycle to optimize designs for internal and external manufacturing environments
- Conduct DFX reviews with cross-functional teams including Design Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Vendors to identify and resolve producibility risks early in the design cycle
- Develop and maintain manufacturing process documentation, work instructions, and technical specifications to support technology transfer activities
- Evaluate vendor manufacturing capabilities and provide guidance to ensure processes meet Blue Origin's technical and quality requirements
- Support new process introduction and qualification activities at vendor sites, including process validation, First Article Inspection (FAI), and production readiness reviews
- Own and manage technology transfer project plans, including scope, schedule, milestones, risk mitigation, and resource allocation for both internal and external manufacturing efforts
- Track and report program status, risks, and issues to leadership and cross-functional stakeholders with clarity and regularity
- Drive execution of deliverables across multiple concurrent projects, maintaining alignment between engineering, supply chain, quality, and operations teams
- Lead structured problem-solving efforts to resolve technical and production challenges at vendors and internal facilities, utilizing tools such as 8D, A3, FMEA, and root cause analysis
- Coordinate Design/Manufacturing/Process Reviews with internal teams and suppliers to ensure milestone readiness
- Serve as the primary technical point of contact for assigned vendors on manufacturing technology, process capability, and DFX-related topics
- Conduct regular vendor site assessments to evaluate manufacturing readiness, process controls, and compliance with Blue Origin engineering and quality requirements
- Collaborate with Supply Chain and Procurement teams to establish supplier selection criteria based on technical capability and capacity
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives with vendors to enhance quality, cost, lead time, and manufacturing maturity
- Support supplier development programs to elevate vendor capabilities in alignment with Blue Origin's evolving technology roadmap
- Manage vendor non-conformance resolution in coordination with Quality Engineering, ensuring timely corrective actions and lessons learned are implemented
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%
- 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
- Up to 14 company-paid holidays
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
