Engine Valve Shift Leader - 1st Shift

Blue Origin LLC; Kent (WA); Hybrid; USD 113,000 - 158,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

401(k) match

Education support

Paid time off

Holidays

Job summary

Blue Origin LLC in Kent, WA is seeking a dynamic Shift Leader of Manufacturing Ops & Assembly to oversee the Engine Valve Work Center. You will lead the inspection, assembly, and testing of valve components, ensuring compliance with engineering specs and quality standards while driving safe, efficient production.

The role requires 3+ years of team management in aerospace manufacturing and 5+ years as an individual contributor, plus strong data analysis, communication, and Lean/Six Sigma

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience managing a team within a manufacturing or aerospace environment.
• 5+ years of experience as an individual contributor in manufacturing or aerospace.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for collaboration with teams and stakeholders.
• Ability to analyze data and metrics to drive decision-making and operational improvements.
• Ability to lift 50lbs and work at heights or in confined spaces.
• Proficiency with Windows and Microsoft Office applications.

Responsibilities

• Lead and optimize manufacturing operations to ensure efficiency and quality.
• Develop and execute production plans to meet delivery schedules.
• Mentor manufacturing teams and foster a positive, collaborative environment.
• Collaborate with engineering, quality, and supply chain to address manufacturing challenges.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance production processes and metrics.
• Monitor production performance and report to senior management.

Skills

Communication skills

Data analysis

MS Office

Physical ability

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field

Tools

CAD software

ERP systems

Job description

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, and includes Manufacturing and Supply Chain support across all Blue Origin facilities. We are seeking a dynamic shift leader of Manufacturing Ops & Assembly to oversee our aerospace component production processes. The pivotal role will lead teams in achieving operational excellence while collaborating with cross‑functional departments to continuously enhance manufacturing operations. The ideal candidate will be results‑driven, adept at resource management, and committed to maintaining high‑quality standards in a fast‑paced environment. We are looking for someone to apply their technical expertise, leadership skills, and commitment to quality to positively impact safe human spaceflight. Passion for our mission and vision is required!

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and optimize manufacturing operations to ensure efficiency and quality.
• Develop and execute production plans to meet delivery schedules.
• Mentor manufacturing teams, providing guidance and fostering a positive work environment, encouraging teamwork and openness, and sharing information to foster unity.
• Collaborate with engineering, quality, and supply chain teams to address manufacturing challenges, balancing day-to-day activities with strategic planning.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance production processes and metrics.
• Monitor production performance and provide regular updates to senior management, demonstrating sound judgment and understanding the impact of team actions on business drivers and adapting to industry changes.
• Ensure compliance with safety, regulatory, and company standards, and take initiative on opportunities and challenges with urgency and enthusiasm.
• Manage budget and resource allocation for manufacturing activities.
• Support new product introductions and scale up production capabilities.
• Evaluate inputs and criteria to make informed decisions with a focus on decision quality.

Team Focus & Domain Expertise

As a Shift Leader in the Engine Valve Work Center, you will oversee the inspection, assembly, and testing of valve components, ensuring adherence to engineering specifications and quality standards. You will monitor production processes to identify and mitigate potential issues while driving safe, efficient operations. Additionally, you will implement advanced manufacturing techniques and materials to improve valve performance, increase reliability, and reduce costs.

Shift: A (4x10s, 5AM-3:30PM)

Location: Kent, WA

Relocation: Available

Minimum Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience managing a team within a manufacturing or aerospace environment.
• 5+ years of experience in as an individual contributor within a manufacturing or aerospace environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with teams and stakeholders.
• Ability to analyze data and metrics to drive decision‑making and operational improvements.
• Ability to lift 50lbs and comfortable working at heights (work stands, ladders, lifts) and/or in confined spaces.
• Proficiency in digital tools, including Windows and Microsoft Office applications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Industry certification, trade school training and/or degree in related field.
• Experience in aerospace manufacturing, integration, or other relevant field.
• Experience working on fluid systems with applied chemistry fundamentals.
• Experience with advanced manufacturing technologies and tools (e.g., CAD software, ERP systems).
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Familiarity with regulatory compliance in aerospace manufacturing.
• Proven track record of successful team leadership and project management.
• Strong knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles and practices.
• Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma certification.
• Willingness to work overtime.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, manufacturing, aerospace, Military, or equivalent experience.

Benefits

• 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.
• 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.

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. Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin’s affirmative 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].

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

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 (CDL drivers only), 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.

Base Pay Range

Base Pay Range for: WA applicants is $113,158.00 - $158,420.85

Other site ranges may differ

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.

We’re committed to building the road to space so our children can build the future. We are a mission-driven company focused on ideas and innovation, and encourage fresh perspectives from bold voices. At Blue, our team is building the future as their unique selves.

Blue Origin was founded with a vision to enable a future where millions of people are living and working in space to benefit Earth. In order to preserve Earth, Blue Origin believes in the need to enable humanity to expand, explore, find new energy and material resources, and move industries that stress Earth into space. Blue Origin believes it has an important role in building a road to space and lowering the cost of getting there. At Blue Origin, we’re working on this today by developing fully reusable launch vehicles and systems that are safe, reliable and affordable. Every launch vehicle is designed for human spaceflight from the beginning and able to ferry payloads to space.