Blue Origin

Builds rockets, engines and lunar spacecraft

Manager – Manufacturing Engineering & Technology

Engineering LeadershipConfirmed live in the last 24 hours

Full-timeHuntsville, AL, USANo salary listedIn-person

About the Job

Requirements

A Bachelor of Science in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related field from an accredited university is required.
At least 8 years of progressive manufacturing and manufacturing engineering experience following graduation is required.
At least 2 years of direct people management or formal technical leadership experience, including performance management and career development responsibilities, is required.
A track record of developing and implementing new manufacturing processes from concept through production is required.
Hands-on experience with hardware manufacturing processes, including fabrication, machining, welding, assembly, inspection, and testing, is required.
Experience leading root cause analysis investigations and deploying corrective actions that resulted in measurable, sustained quality improvements is required.
Experience developing and executing schedule recovery plans in a hardware development or production environment is required.
Experience developing non-conforming hardware disposition pathways, including rework, repair, and engineering disposition processes, is required.
Ability to manage competing priorities across cost, quality, and schedule in a fast-paced hardware development environment is required.
Strong analytical and structured problem-solving skills are required.
Written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to tailor messaging to technical and non-technical audiences, are required.
Ability to build positive professional relationships and contribute to a culture of inclusion is required.
Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident, lawfully admitted refugee, or granted asylum.
A Master of Science in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field is preferred, not required.

Responsibilities

Recruit, develop, mentor, and retain a team of manufacturing engineers across varying experience and seniority levels.
Set performance expectations, provide ongoing coaching and feedback, and conduct formal performance reviews.
Foster a psychologically safe, inclusive, and high-accountability team culture aligned with company values.
Identify team skills gaps and develop targeted training and development plans.
Manage headcount planning, capacity forecasting, and staffing decisions with program and operations leadership.
Define and own manufacturing engineering strategy for the product area, aligning it with program goals and company objectives.
Lead the identification, development, and deployment of advanced rocket manufacturing processes to improve quality, reduce cost, and optimize build sequences and schedules.
Champion Design for Manufacturability and Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis across the team, maintaining feedback between design, build, and test.
Establish and maintain a roadmap for manufacturing process maturation from development through production.
Drive make-versus-buy analysis and provide manufacturing engineering input to program and supply chain decisions.
Be accountable for hardware cost, quality, build sequence, and schedule performance throughout the manufacturing lifecycle.
Oversee development and continuous improvement of manufacturing work instructions for receiving inspection, fabrication, assembly, test, integration, and refurbishment.
Ensure rigorous engineering drawing reviews and appropriate technical oversight for final manufacturing approvals.
Lead and govern process control measures, evaluating and improving them through statistical analysis.
Oversee design, procurement, installation, and commissioning of custom manufacturing equipment.
Direct material handling and packaging standards to protect hardware during build and test operations.
Establish a structured, organization-wide root cause analysis program with consistent methodology, cadence, and accountability across hardware areas and production teams.
Lead and facilitate root cause analysis investigations for high-priority non-conformances, production escapes, and systemic quality issues; ensure findings are documented and translated into lasting corrective and preventive actions.
Own and drive a continuous improvement program across manufacturing engineering, using Lean, Six Sigma, and data-driven methods to eliminate waste, reduce variation, and improve process capability.
Establish continuous improvement project pipelines with defined scope, owners, metrics, and milestones; regularly track and communicate progress to leadership.
Identify and prioritize improvement opportunities using key performance indicator trend analysis, Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis reviews, process audits, and floor observation.
Lead schedule recovery planning and execution when hardware programs fall behind because of non-conformances, process failures, equipment issues, or supplier delays.
Develop and implement recovery plans defining critical-path actions, resource reallocation, and accelerated build sequences.
Partner with program management and operations leadership to communicate recovery status, risks, and mitigation strategies.
Drive accountability across engineering, quality, and production teams to meet recovery milestones.
Develop and own hardware recovery pathways for non-conforming parts and assemblies.
Establish structured disposition workflows for use-as-is, rework, repair, and scrap, with technical and quality approval gates.
Create and maintain pre-approved repair and rework procedures for rapid, repeatable responses to common non-conformance types.
Partner with design engineering to develop engineering dispositions that restore non-conforming hardware to an acceptable, documented flight or test configuration.
Maintain full traceability and configuration pedigree throughout hardware recovery activities.
Analyze non-conformance trends to identify systemic root causes and prevent recurring hardware escapes from affecting schedule or mission.
Serve as the primary manufacturing engineering contact for engineering design teams, program management, quality, and operations leadership.
Partner with supply chain and procurement to work with external suppliers and manufacturing partners, ensuring hardware and equipment are manufactured, processed, packaged, and delivered to specification, on time, and within budget.
Represent manufacturing engineering in design reviews, program reviews, and gate reviews.
Provide hardware configuration oversight and maintain pedigree throughout the build and test process.

Desired Qualifications

Experience manufacturing rocket engine, propulsion system, or aerospace vehicle hardware.
Experience leading manufacturing engineering teams through development-to-production transitions.
Familiarity with AS9100 quality management systems or equivalent aerospace quality frameworks.
Experience with enterprise resource planning or manufacturing execution system platforms such as SAP or Solumina, or equivalent.
Proficiency in statistical process control, Lean Manufacturing, or Six Sigma methodologies; Green Belt or Black Belt certification is a plus.
Formal training or certification in structured problem-solving methodologies such as 8D, DMAIC, or Shainin.
Experience managing supplier relationships and performing supplier development activities.
Prior exposure to New Product Introduction processes and manufacturing readiness level assessments.

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

About the Role

We are a team of collaborators, doers, and problem-solvers who are relentlessly committed to a culture of safety. This position will directly impact the history of space exploration and will require your commitment and detailed attention toward safe and repeatable spaceflight. Join us in lowering the cost of access to space and enabling Blue Origin's vision of millions of people living and working in space to benefit Earth.

As Manager of Manufacturing Engineering, you will lead a high-performing team of manufacturing engineers dedicated to translating engineering intent into flight-ready hardware. You will set the strategic direction for manufacturing processes, champion a culture of continuous improvement, and serve as the critical bridge between engineering design, operations, and program leadership. This is a highly visible leadership role that requires equal parts technical depth, people leadership, and operational execution. If you are energized by building strong teams, solving hard problems, and making a direct contribution to human spaceflight, we want to hear from you.

What You'll Do

People Leadership & Team Development

Recruit, develop, mentor, and retain a team of manufacturing engineers across varying levels of experience and seniority
Set clear performance expectations, provide ongoing coaching and feedback, and conduct formal performance reviews
Foster a psychologically safe, inclusive, and high-accountability team culture aligned with Blue Origin's core values
Identify skills gaps within the team and develop targeted training and development plans to close them
Manage headcount planning, capacity forecasting, and staffing decisions in partnership with program and operations leadership

Strategic Manufacturing Direction

Define and own the manufacturing engineering strategy for your product area, aligning with broader program goals and company objectives
Lead the identification, development, and deployment of advanced rocket manufacturing processes that improve quality, reduce cost, and optimize build sequences and schedules
Champion Design for Manufacturability (DFMA) and Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA) across your team, ensuring a robust feedback loop between design, build, and test
Establish and maintain a roadmap for manufacturing process maturation from development through production
Drive make-versus-buy analysis and provide manufacturing engineering inputs to program and supply chain decisions

Operational Execution & Oversight

Hold accountability for cost, quality, build sequence, and schedule performance of hardware across the full manufacturing lifecycle
Oversee the development and continuous improvement of manufacturing work instructions covering receiving inspection, fabrication, assembly, test, integration, and refurbishment
Ensure engineering drawing reviews are completed rigorously and that final manufacturing approvals are granted with appropriate technical oversight
Lead and govern process control measures, driving evaluation and improvement through statistical analysis
Oversee the design, procurement, installation, and commissioning of custom manufacturing equipment
Direct proper material handling and packaging standards to protect hardware throughout build and test operations

Quality, Risk & Continuous Improvement

Champion a structured, organization-wide Root Cause Analysis (RCA) program, establishing consistent methodology, cadence, and accountability across all hardware areas and production teams
Lead and facilitate RCA investigations for high-priority non-conformances, production escapes, and systemic quality issues — ensuring findings are thorough, well-documented, and translated into lasting corrective and preventive actions
Own and drive a continuous improvement (CI) programacross the manufacturing engineering team, leveraging Lean, Six Sigma, and data-driven methodologies to systematically eliminate waste, reduce variation, and improve process capability
Establish CI project pipelines with defined scope, owners, metrics, and completion milestones; track and communicate progress to leadership on a regular cadence
Identify and prioritize improvement opportunities through KPI trend analysis, PFMEA reviews, process audits, and direct floor observation
Lead schedule recovery planning and executionwhen hardware programs fall behind due to non-conformances, process failures, equipment issues, or supplier delays
- Develop and implement recovery plans that define critical path actions, resource reallocation, and accelerated build sequences
- Partner with program management and operations leadership to communicate recovery status, risks, and mitigation strategies in a clear and timely manner
- Drive accountability across engineering, quality, and production teams to ensure recovery milestones are met
Develop and own hardware recovery pathways for non-conforming parts and assemblies, including:
- Establishing structured disposition workflows (use-as-is, rework, repair, scrap) with clear technical and quality approval gates
- Creating and maintaining a library of pre-approved repair and rework procedures to enable rapid, repeatable response to common non-conformance types
- Partnering with design engineering to develop fit-for-purpose engineering dispositions that restore non-conforming hardware to an acceptable and documented flight or test configuration
- Ensuring all hardware recovery activities maintain full traceability and configuration pedigree throughout the disposition process
- Analyzing non-conformance trends to identify systemic root causes and proactively eliminate recurring hardware escapes before they impact schedule or mission

Cross-Functional & Supplier Engagement

Serve as the primary manufacturing engineering point of contact for engineering design teams, program management, quality, and operations leadership
Partner with supply chain and procurement to interface with external suppliers and manufacturing partners, ensuring hardware and equipment is manufactured, processed, packaged, and delivered to specification, on time, and within budget
Represent manufacturing engineering in design reviews, program reviews, and gate reviews
Provide hardware configuration oversight and ensure pedigree is maintained throughout the entire build and test process

Minimum Qualifications

Genuine passionfor Blue Origin's mission:Millions of people living and working in space
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related field from an accredited university
8+ yearsof progressive manufacturing and manufacturing engineering experience following graduation
2+ yearsof direct people management or formal technical leadership experience, including performance management and career development responsibilities
Demonstrated track record of successfully developing and implementing new manufacturing processes from concept through production
Broad hands-on experience with hardware manufacturing processes, including fabrication, machining, welding, assembly, inspection, and testing
Demonstrated experience leading RCA investigations and deploying corrective actionsthat resulted in measurable, sustained quality improvements
Proven experience developing and executing schedule recovery plansin a hardware development or production environment
Experience developing non-conforming hardware disposition pathways, including rework, repair, and engineering disposition processes
Proven ability to manage competing priorities across cost, quality, and schedule in a fast-paced hardware development environment
Strong analytical and structured problem-solving skills
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging to technical and non-technical audiences
Ability to earn trust, build positive professional relationships, and actively contribute to a culture of inclusion
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

Preferred Qualifications

Master of Science in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
Experience in rocket engine, propulsion system, or aerospace vehicle hardware manufacturing
Background leading manufacturing engineering teams in a development-to-production transition environment
Familiarity with AS9100 quality management systems or equivalent aerospace quality frameworks
Experience with ERP/MES platforms such as SAP, Solumina, or equivalent
Proficiency in statistical process control (SPC), Lean Manufacturing, or Six Sigma methodologies(Green Belt or Black Belt certification a plus)
Formal training or certification in structured problem-solving methodologies such as 8D, DMAIC, or Shainin
Experience managing supplier relationships and performing supplier development activities
Prior exposure to NPI (New Product Introduction) processes and manufacturing readiness level (MRL) assessments

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 (obtained before onboarding), Road Test, Hours of Service, Drug and Alcohol Testing, vehicle inspection requirements, CDL requirements (if applicable) and hazardous materials transportation/shipping training.
Required for certain Job Profiles: Ability to obtain and maintain Merchant Mariner Credential, which includes pre-employment and random drug testing as well as DOT physical

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.
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.
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. Please check with your recruiter for more details.

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 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. 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, sex, 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 “Know Your Rights,” 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]. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.

About the Company

Blue Origin

Builds rockets, engines and lunar spacecraft

Blue Origin builds rockets, engines and spacecraft for commercial satellite operators and government space programs. Its New Glenn orbital rocket uses a reusable first stage, while Blue Moon landers are designed to transport cargo and astronauts to the lunar surface. The company designs and manufactures liquid-fueled propulsion systems, and its New Shepard vehicle is built for short suborbital trips carrying people and research payloads. Customers pay for launch services and engines, and government development contracts fund work on systems for exploration beyond Earth orbit. Founded by Jeff Bezos in 2000, Blue Origin is headquartered in Kent, Washington.

Company size: 10,001+
Company stage: Late Stage VC
Total funding: $10.1B
Headquarters: Kent, WA
Founded: 2000

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