This role is part of Blue Origin Operations, which is comprised of Integrated Supply Chain, Facilities, and Security. This includes Manufacturing and Supply Chain support across all Blue Origin facilities.

As part of a hardworking team of diverse specialists, technicians, and engineers, you will Supervise the production operations team overseeing all functions of planning, scheduling, demands, assembly, and operations. Implements strategies meant to improve the organization's financial performance and competitive positioning through continuous improvement of production-related processes. Identifies manufacturing processes or procedures that could benefit from process improvement or efficiency optimization, and approves the implementation of changes.

As part of a small, passionate, and accomplished team of experts, you should have an excellent technical understanding of complex assemblies and production environments building human-rated vehicles. This role will involve the management of technicians and specialists on the production floor specializing in sub-orbital human and payload launch vehicles supporting the New Shepard program.

Special Mentions 

• Relocation provided
• Travel expected up to 0-25 % of the time as needed
• Shifts available: B-Shift 4 10 hour days Swing shift 
• Interviews will include a technical assessment

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Coordinate and steer the collective efforts of Crew Capsule integration and production technicians.
• Enforce area standards and operational rules (includes annual reviews, regular mentoring, and disciplinary action).
• Interface with area leadership from around the factory and prioritize work based on production schedule and organizational goals.
• Schedule risk identification and mitigation.
• Coordinate support organization efforts to minimize production interruptions.
• Ensure product quality and conformance to specifications.
• Improve area safety and efficiency through regular auditing and continuous improvement.
• Establish and analyze area metrics for trend extrapolation to drive the following:
  • Personnel training and development.
  • Development and implementation of efficiency improvement projects.
  • Optimization of product flow through the factory.
  • Root cause analysis and the implementation of corresponding corrective action plans.
  • Identification and elimination of defects within the area value stream.
  • Reduction of downtime for product and personnel.
• Lead efforts to transition product from engineering development to full-rate production.
• Review drawings and technical data packages for manufacturability, and provide constructive feedback to the engineering/design community.
• Participate in and lead daily production standup meetings as well as facilitate seamless transition between shifts.
• Operate on an off-shift (Evenings) managing day to day activities with minimal oversight and support.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 5 years experience in aerospace vehicle manufacturing environment.
• Minimum of 3 years in a leadership position leading a team of 15 people.
• Lean manufacturing training and experience.
• Experience monitoring, tracking and continually improving total cost equation.
• Experience with applying lean manufacturing principles, and efficiency methods required.
• Demonstrated ability to read and interpret controlled documentation and processes such as mechanical drawings, GD&T, assembly procedures/work instructions, schematics, engineering drawings, and parts lists.
• Must be able to set a high hiring bar while evaluating and hiring top talent.
• Familiarity with Design for Manufacturability, Kaizen, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Failure Mode Effects Analysis.
• Experience with composite fabrication, structure assembly, and/or avionic systems integration.
• Experience preferred in a fast-paced production environment with flight-quality hardware.
• Able to adapt to constantly changing work assignments and fast-paced work environments.
• Proficient with computers, the ability to use MS Office, shop floor management software (ERP), and related programs.
• Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to a culture of inclusion.
• A continuous improvement mindset. Our job is never complete; we are always optimizing.
• Intense curiosity for understanding the details of our business and how to optimize it.
• Exceptional organizational and analytical skills and a proven ability to drive complex projects with minimal oversight.
• 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:

• Minimum of a B.S. degree in aerospace, mechanical, industrial, or manufacturing engineering; or other major requiring engineering or manufacturing core courses.
• 10 years’ experience working on aerospace development programs or production lines in both leadership and hands-on roles; experience on commercial development programs a plus.
• Green Belt or higher Six Sigma Certification.
• Experience managing leaders and large teams of direct and indirect staff; both exempt and non-exempt.
• Experience with assembly and integration of launch vehicles across a range of launch vehicle subsystems including avionics, fluids, and mechanical.
• Extremely customer-focused with strong communication skills.
• A demonstrated ability to work cooperatively with teams of diverse skills across large geographic distances.