Director - Manufacturing, Ops & Assembly

Blue Origin, LLC; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

Blue Origin’s Explorer Facility in Huntsville seeks a Director of Manufacturing, Ops & Assembly to lead high‑volume fabrication, machining, and integration for BE‑4 engines. You will drive safety, quality, and cost‑effective production across multiple shops, with a strong emphasis on Lean and Six Sigma.

The role requires a veteran leader with 10+ years in manufacturing, a BA/BS in a related field, and the ability to develop teams, implement data‑driven systems, and partner across quality,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management or Manufacturing Engineering with a history of progressive responsibility.
• 10+ years of manufacturing leadership experience.
• Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma expertise.
• Experience leading large teams within a multi-business unit and integrated supply chain.

Responsibilities

• Lead high-volume manufacturing operations across all fabrication areas at the Explorer Facility in Huntsville.
• Direct initiatives that deliver cost-effective, high-quality operational performance for orbital launch vehicle development.
• Implement methods to increase production efficiency and productivity across floor space.
• Propagate key operational learnings to drive continuous improvement across Explorer Facility operations.
• Champion safety and first-time quality and develop your team at all levels.
• Analyze processes at micro and macro levels to reduce unit cost and accelerate throughput.
• Oversee data-driven systems with a lean approach to deliver measurable results.
• Leverage Leadership Principles to foster a One Team Mindset across sites and partners.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Leadership

Cross-functional

Operations Management

Education

BA/BS in Operations Management

Tools

MES

PLM

Job description

Director - Manufacturing, Ops & Assembly### Director - Manufacturing, Ops & AssemblyApply: Huntsville, AL: Full time: Posted Today: R74527Application 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 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 own the financial and operational execution for our BE-4 Engines high-volume fabrication teams at the Explorer Facility in Huntsville, Alabama. You will lead a skilled, interdisciplinary team responsible for Machining including 5-axis machining at scale, lathe, and related metal-cutting operations, Fluids Systems Fabrication (Tube and Weld Shops with both robotic and manual welding, Subassemblies, Precision Cleaning, and Pressure Vessels), Avionics Fabrication (Avionics Processing and Cable Harnesses), Coatings, and Thermal Protection Systems (TPS) in support of orbital launch vehicle engine production. This is a hands-on leadership role that demands deep fabrication-process expertise and the ability to communicate vision and strategy while driving the tactical application of cost-effective practices and key deliverables. Success depends on strong cross-functional leadership and collaboration across quality, engineering, supply chain, and production. You will report directly to the Sr. Director of Operations for BE-4 Engines 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.