Director - Materials & Processes (M&P), Kent/HSV

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 Advanced Concepts and Enterprise Engineering (ACE), supporting Blue Origin’s mission of millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. The team fosters innovation and drives engineering workflows of the future, shared solutions and standards, simplicity and lower costs, and manufacturable design.

At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We're developing reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety and collaboration. Join our team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight!

The Director of Materials & Processes (M&P) will lead teams of engineers, technicians, and people leaders within the Advanced Concepts and Enterprise Engineering business unit. This leader will drive excellence across 10+ materials and manufacturing process laboratories at multiple sites, while overseeing automation and AI initiatives to improve laboratory operations and customer experience. As a key stakeholder for enterprise initiatives, you will help establish standards and tools for M&P engineers across the company.

Special Mentions:

• Relocation provided
• This position is based at our facility in Kent, WA
• Relocation assistance is provided
• Travel expectations: 15% travel, including visiting team members at multiple Blue

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Lead and develop teams of engineers, technicians, and people leaders across multiple sites
• Drive excellence across 10+ materials and manufacturing process laboratories
• Oversee automation and AI initiatives to improve laboratory operations and customer experience
• Serve as a key stakeholder for enterprise initiatives on standards and tools for M&P engineers
• Develop succession plans for key technical roles within the materials and processes organization
• Foster a culture of continuous learning and knowledge sharing across the materials engineering teams
• Drive cross-functional collaboration to resolve complex materials engineering challenges
• Implement advanced materials testing and qualification programs for space applications
• Lead failure investigations related to materials and processes issues
• Build trust through transparent communication and consistent follow-through on commitments
• Represent the Materials & Processes organization in technical reviews and program milestones
• Drive innovation in materials science to enable next-generation space technologies
• Ensure compliance with applicable standards, regulations, and safety requirements
• Develop and manage department budget and resource allocation

Minimum Qualifications:

• B.S. in engineering
• Minimum of 10 years of people management experience, including budget authority of at least $1M annually
• Proven track record of delivering results for internal customer teams
• Experience working across the product lifecycle in materials and manufacturing engineering
• Knowledge in advanced manufacturing and materials characterization and testing
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategic initiatives that drive organizational performance
• Track record of developing talent and building high-performing technical teams
• Experience creating and maintaining technical standards across multiple business units
• Excellent communication and leadership skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
• 15+ years of experience in aerospace materials engineering
• Experience with advanced materials development and qualification
• Knowledge of additive manufacturing and advanced manufacturing processes
• Experience with materials database management systems
• Background in failure analysis and root cause investigation
• Experience with contamination control in spacecraft systems
• Knowledge of cryogenic systems and materials
• Experience with radiation effects on materials
• Experience leading organizational change initiatives
• Demonstrate