Aerospace Quality Leader — Spaceflight Operations

blueorigin; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 196,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation provided

Shift: Monday - Friday

Job summary

Blue Origin in Seattle, WA is seeking a seasoned Quality Engineering Manager to lead a team of inspectors, specialists, and engineers in daily manufacturing quality operations. You will mentor staff, drive performance, and ensure adherence to AS9100 standards across our production activities.

The role requires deep experience with nonconformance processes, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement using DMAIC, Kaizen, and 8D methods.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive quality engineering or management experience in aerospace/defense/advanced manufacturing.
• 3+ years of direct people management experience.
• Working knowledge of AS9100 Quality Management Systems and ability to lead audits.
• Experience managing nonconformance processes, corrective action systems, and AS9102 First Article Inspections.
• Proven ability to lead root cause analysis investigations (8D, Fishbone, FMEA) and drive sustainable corrective actions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to present quality data to senior leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and mentor a team of Quality Engineers and Specialists to execute daily manufacturing quality operations.
• Conduct regular performance reviews, set objectives, and identify development opportunities for direct reports.
• Foster a team culture anchored in accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement.
• Champion adherence to AS9100 across manufacturing operations; lead internal audit activities.
• Identify, prioritize, and lead continuous improvement initiatives using DMAIC, Kaizen, and 8D.
• Develop and track quality metrics and KPIs; prepare variance analyses and initiate corrective actions.
• Support preparation and management of the QA operating budget and cost-reduction opportunities.
• Partner with Manufacturing, Design, Supply Chain, and Test teams to embed quality at every stage.
• Serve as the primary Quality representative during hardware acceptance reviews and customer audits.
• Support the Supplier Quality team in addressing supplier nonconformances that impact manufacturing.
• Interface with regulatory agencies (FAA, NASA) and customers as required.

Skills

Quality leadership

People management

Root cause analysis

Communication

Job description

Blue Origin in Seattle, WA is seeking a seasoned Quality Engineering Manager to lead a team of inspectors, specialists, and engineers in daily manufacturing quality operations. You will mentor staff, drive performance, and ensure adherence to AS9100 standards across our production activities.

The role requires deep experience with nonconformance processes, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement using DMAIC, Kaizen, and 8D methods.