Manager - Manufacturing Operations & Assembly

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.

This role will lead manufacturing operations for our spacecraft dispenser production line.

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.

As part of a small, passionate and accomplished team of experts, you will process and program large and small structural components supporting assembly, of flight hardware for various spaceflight systems. You will share in the team’s impact on all aspects of transforming the way rockets are made and operated. If you share our passions and vision, thrive in a dynamic startup environment, excel on integrated cross-functional teams, are experienced and skilled in several relevant technologies (even if perhaps not in the aerospace industry), continuously seek out opportunities to learn and improve, enjoy occasional travel, and do not allow title or job description to limit the depth or breadth of your contributions, then we would love to hear from you. This position will directly impact the history of space exploration and will require your dedicated commitment and detailed attention towards safe and repeatable spaceflight.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Safety, Quality, and Compliance

  • Own the safety culture on the factory floor; ensure adherence to EHS standards and stop‑work authority.
  • Ensure assembly processes meet configuration, quality, and cleanliness requirements (e.g., FOD control, torque, fastener, and contamination controls).
  • Partner with Quality and Safety to close audit findings and implement preventive actions.

• Delivery, Schedule, and Cost Performance

  • Own build/repair schedule adherence for your area (cells, lines, or work centers) and escalate risks early.
  • Translate program demand (MPS/MRP) into executable daily/weekly production plans.
  • Manage labor and overtime to hit cost targets while protecting schedule and quality.
  • Coordinate with Supply Chain, Planning, and Engineering to remove material and technical blockers.

• Team Leadership and Development

  • Directly manage manufacturing/assembly technicians and often front‑line leads or supervisors.
  • Set daily priorities, run tiered stand‑ups, and ensure clear communication of goals and constraints.
  • Develop talent: hiring, onboarding, coaching, performance management, and succession planning.
  • Model and reinforce Blue’s leadership principles (e.g., Passion for the Mission, Ownership, Embrace Team Blue) in day‑to‑day operations.

• Process Ownership and Continuous Improvement

  • Own execution of defined build processes; provide feedback to Manufacturing Engineering on work instructions, tooling, and routings.
  • Drive throughput improvements (reduced WIP, changeover, takt, touch‑labor) using lean methods (5S, standard work, visual management).
  • Implement and track key operations metrics for your area: safety, quality, on‑time delivery, WIP/queue, productivity, rework/defects, and overtime.
  • Participate in or lead RCCA efforts on quality escapes, test failures, and schedule misses.

• Cross‑Functional Program Support

  • Represent Manufacturing Ops/Assembly in program and IPT forums (build readiness reviews, RCCAs, risk reviews).
  • Support industrialization and ramp (new lines, new tooling, new facilities) and readiness for higher‑rate production.
  • Contribute input to capital and headcount planning for your factory area.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 5+ years in a direct supervision/leadership positi