Director - Manufacturing, Ops & Assembly

Socket.dev; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Education Support Program

Job summary

Blue Origin in Huntsville, AL, is seeking a senior manufacturing leader to oversee high‑volume fabrication teams supporting orbital launch vehicle production at the Explorer Facility. You will guide cross‑functional teams across machining, avionic fabrication, coatings, TPS, COPV, and support functions, driving safety, quality, and cost‑effective performance.

A BA/BS in operations or manufacturing engineering and 10+ years of leadership in manufacturing are required; advanced degrees and

Qualifications

• Proven track record transforming production organizations and leading large teams.
• 10+ years in manufacturing leadership roles, with low-volume/high-complexity environments.
• Experience in capital improvements and facility layout planning.
• Strong business acumen and change-management experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead high-volume manufacturing operations across multiple fabrication areas at the Huntsville facility.
• Drive cost-effective, high-quality performance for orbital launch vehicle development.
• Implement methods to increase throughput and first-pass yield.
• Foster safety, quality, and team development across all levels.
• Develop data-driven systems with a lean approach and measurable results.
• Mentor and develop talent, promoting a One Team Mindset.

Skills

Manufacturing leadership

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Cost management

Cross-functional leadership

Team development

Communication skills

Continuous improvement

Data-driven decision making

Operations management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Operations Management or Manufacturing Engineering

Master's degree in Engineering/Operations/Business

Tools

MES

PLM

Job description

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.

We are a diverse 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 towards 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 part of a hardworking, passionate, and accomplished team of experts, you will be responsible for the financial and operational execution for our New Glenn high volume fabrication teams at the Explorer Facility in Huntsville, Alabama. This includes leading a skilled, interdisciplinary team responsible for Machining, Fluids Systems Fabrication (Tube and Weld Shops, Subassemblies, Precision Cleaning and Pressure Vessels), Avionics Fabrication (Avionics Processing and Cable Harnesses), Coatings, Thermal Protection Systems (TPS), and Composite Overwrap Pressure Vessels (COPV) in support of orbital launch vehicle production. This is a hands‑on leadership position that requires the ability to communicate vision, strategy, and the tactical application of cost‑effective practices and key deliverables. You will report directly to the BE-3U Sr. Director of Operations at the Explorer Facility.

We are looking for someone to apply their leadership skills, technical expertise, and unwavering commitment to safety and quality to positively impact safe human spaceflight. Passion for our mission and vision is required!

Responsibilities

• Lead high-volume manufacturing operations encompassing quality, engineering, supply chain, and production across all fabrication areas and work centers at the Explorer Facility in Huntsville.
• Direct initiatives and strategies that deliver cost-effective, high-quality operational performance in support of orbital launch vehicle development for payload and human spaceflight.
• Implement methods to increase production efficiency and productivity, including factory flow optimization, higher throughput within existing floor space, improved first-pass yield, increased output, accelerated learning curves, and supplier on-time delivery.
• Propagate key operational learnings and best practices to drive continuous improvement across Explorer Facility operations and the broader Blue Origin enterprise.
• Champion safety and first-time quality across all functions while actively growing and developing your team at all levels.
• Analyze processes and operations at both micro and macro levels, implementing high-impact improvements for safety and quality that reduce unit cost and accelerate throughput.
• Oversee the development and implementation of data-driven systems with a lean approach, maintaining a sharp focus on delivering measurable results.
• Leverage Blue Origin's Leadership Principles to cultivate a trusting, learning culture through continuous feedback, coaching, and robust development opportunities — fostering a "One Team Mindset" across the Huntsville site and partner organizations.

Basic Qualifications

• Proven track record of building or transforming successful production organizations and leading large-scale change management initiatives that shape culture, define tools and processes, and improve competencies.
• Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) or equivalent experience with an emphasis in Operations Management or Manufacturing Engineering, with a history of progressive responsibility.
• 10+ years of manufacturing leadership experience.
• Prior experience in a Factory or Plant leadership role required.
• Strong working knowledge and applied experience in Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Experience leading, growing, and developing large teams within a multi-business unit, integrated supply chain organization.
• Advanced knowledge in designing and building manufacturing, production, assembly, procurement, and logistics systems in a low-volume, high-complexity environment.
• Strong business acumen with demonstrated experience challenging the status quo, driving change, and motivating individuals to develop and implement innovative approaches.
• Proven success in hiring and developing high-performing teams with diverse skill sets.
• Ability to create and manage work cell standard work and effectively track deviations from established standards.
• Experience managing capital improvements and facility layout planning.
• Highly effective verbal and written communication skills with a strong emphasis on teamwork and internal/external customer satisfaction.
• A world-class attitude toward mission assurance, quality, attention to detail, and dedication.
• Ability to maintain positive, professional relationships and actively contribute to a culture of trust, respect, inclusion, and integrity.
• 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.

Desired Qualifications

• 15+ years of manufacturing experience in aerospace industries such as launch vehicles, aircraft, or rotorcraft.
• Master's degree in Engineering, Operations, or Business.
• Experience across multiple manufacturing processes and technologies, including metal machining, composites, aerostructures, welding, and harness fabrication.
• Earned Value Management (EVM) experience.
• Familiarity with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems.

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 Affiantive Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us at [e-mail]. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.