Application close date:

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.

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, Facilities, and Security, and Safety, Quality, and Mission Assurance. This includes Manufacturing and Supply Chain support across all Blue Origin facilities.

The Senior Director of Manufacturing Engineering will lead multiple leaders in the engineering organization and will also provide technical leadership and guidance to the entire Operations team.  The person in this role will ensure that sufficient technical resources are deployed to the various production areas in the facility. This leader will be responsible for championing efforts to identify, develop, and deploy methods to improve quality, reduce cost, and optimize build sequence and schedules. The person in this role will lead and/or participate in the development, standardization and improvement of manufacturing processes and systems in Kent, WA and other Blue Origin operating sites. As an integral member of the team, you will guide the team in driving studies to strengthen the feedback loop between design, build, and test and accelerate the pace of rocket engine development.

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!

Additional responsibilities include:

Provide technical and personal leadership to the management and engineering teams
Partner with Talent Acquisition to recruit and grow the Kent Manufacturing Engineering and Test organization
Collaborate with peer groups across sites to identify, develop, and improve manufacturing processes
Manage, lead and status multiple projects concurrently
Ensure timely release of engineering documentation and related technical processes in support of engine and vehicle assembly, test, integration, and refurbishment
Manage workflow and balance engineering and production priorities across the Kent factory
Work closely with factory leadership and program managers to meet design, build, and test milestones for various programs
Ensure teams apply robust, consistent, and reliable engineering fundamentals and processes to ensure product integrity and process capability
Work closely with direct reports to develop team goals and promote professional development
Manage roles, responsibilities, and accountability across the team
Manage resources to support new advanced rocket engine manufacturing processes
Participate in and/or lead causal analyses related to engine production and test
Manage department budgets, staffing levels and capital equipment needs
Ensure safety remains a primary focus across all of the functional teams

Qualifications:

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial or Aerospace Engineering (other relevant fields may apply) from an accredited university
15+ years of relevant engineering and manufacturing support experience
Experience managing multi-functional engineering teams in a production environment
Experience in developing and managing to department financial targets
In-depth understanding of manufacturing engineering and test engineering principles
Advanced experience with Manufacturing Execution Systems/Software
Previous experience and success in developing/starting new manufacturing processes
Strong personnel and project management skills
Ability to operate, make decisions, lead, and make forward progress in ambiguous environments
Understanding of product lifecycle management and associated gate reviews
Proficiency in business and engineering software (i.e. MSOffice, Windchill, PLM, etc)
Ability to communicate effectively at all levels of the organization
Ability to earn trust and maintain positive professional relationships
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

Desired:

Master of Science in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial or Aerospace Engineering (other relevant fields may apply) from an accredited university
Advanced experience in complex hardware manufacturing (i.e. castings, forgings, additively manufactured components, welding, machining, cleaning, non-destructive testing methods, complex assembly and acceptance testing )
Previous engineering leadership in an aerospace environment with space hardware, aircraft or similar, mission critical high value components
Previous experience leading an engineering team during a facility activation or product line transition.

Culture Statement

Don’t meet all desired requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At Blue Origin, we are dedicated to building an authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every desired qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Export Control Regulations

Applicants for employment at Blue Origin must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Background Check

Required for all positions: Blue’s Standard Background Check
Required for Certain Job Profiles: Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installation
Required for Certain Job Profiles: Drivers who operate Commercial Motor Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or combination of power unit and trailer that meets or exceeds 10,001 lbs. and/or transports placardable amounts of hazardous materials by ground in any vehicle on a public road while in commerce, may be subject to additional Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations including: Driver Qualification Files, Medical Certification, Road Test, Hours of Service, Drug and Alcohol Testing (CDL drivers only), vehicle inspection requirements, CDL requirements (if applicable) and hazardous materials transportation/shipping training.

Benefits

Benefits include: 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.
Discretionary bonus: Bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results.
Eligibility for benefits varies by role type, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Blue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified, diverse, and dedicated work force. Blue Origin hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork, in which all employees recognize and appreciate the diversity of individual team members. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Blue Origin will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Washington Fair Chance Act, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws. For more information on “EEO Is the Law,” please see here.

Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation

Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin’s Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us at [email protected].

California Applicant Privacy Notice

If you are a California resident, please reference the CA Applicant Privacy Notice here.

Senior Director of Manufacturing Engineering

Blue Origin

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