Lunar | Shift Leader - Manufacturing, Ops & Assembly | A shift

Blue Origin; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 113,000 - 158,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation provided

Shift: Monday–Thursday (A shift)

Job summary

Blue Origin in Washington state seeks an experienced operations leader for Lunar ZBO HEX production. You will oversee technicians in a clean room, enforce standards, mentor staff, and align schedules with production goals for tight tolerance assembly.

The role emphasizes safety, continuous improvement, and collaboration across Kent operations, preparing Lunar program products for full-rate production with a focus on manufacturability and defect reduction.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree or 5 years experience in rocket engine/aerospace manufacturing or similar manufacturing environment.
• Minimum of 2 years in a leadership position leading a team of 5+ people.
• Lean manufacturing experience.
• Ability to read and interpret controlled documentation and processes such as: mechanical drawings, welding/assembly/cleaning procedures / work instructions, schematics, engineering drawings, and parts lists.
• Proficient with computers, the ability to use MS Office, shop floor management software (ERP) and related programs.
• 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

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and steer the collective efforts of all Lunar ops technicians.
• Enforce clean room standards and operational protocols (includes annual reviews, regular mentoring and disciplinary action).
• Interface with area leadership from across Kent operations and prioritize work based on production schedule and organizational goals for Lunar programs.
• Schedule risk identification and mitigation for precision clean room assembly processes.
• Coordinate support organization efforts to minimize production interruptions in ISO-rated environments.
• Ensure product quality and conformance to specifications for clean work assembly and precision fabrication.
• Disposition non-conforming hardware to efficiently return them to conforming state and normal product flow within tight tolerance requirements.
• Improve area safety and efficiency through regular auditing and continuous improvement of clean production processes.
• Establish and analyze area metrics for trend extrapolation to drive the following:
• Personnel training and development in specialized clean room and precision manufacturing techniques.
• Development and implementation of efficiency improvement projects for ZBO/HEx related activities.
• Optimization of product flow through clean production environments.
• Root cause analysis and the implementation of corresponding corrective action plans for failure analysis.
• Identification and elimination of defects within the clean manufacturing value stream.
• Reduction of downtime for product and personnel in controlled environment production.
• Lead efforts to transition Lunar program products from engineering development to full rate production.
• Drive manufacturability, provide constructive feedback to engineering/design community on tight tolerance stack-up analysis and final mechanical processing requirements.

Skills

Leadership

Lean manufacturing

Problem solving

Communication

Team coordination

Education

Associate's degree or 5 years aerospace manufacturing experience

Tools

MS Office

ERP software

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.

This role requires an exceptional technical professional to join our expert team, bringing comprehensive knowledge of clean work assembly, ISO-rated cleanroom operations, welding and laser welding techniques, precision machining and fabrication, and post-processing in controlled environments. The position oversees technicians supporting Lunar ZBO HEX production activities and demands proficiency in failure analysis, Lean manufacturing principles, project scheduling, and tight-tolerance stack-up analysis through final mechanical processing. Daily responsibilities include managing technician workflows, coordinating schedules, providing mentorship, and facilitating cross-functional collaboration to ensure successful production outcomes in our advanced manufacturing environment.

Special Mentions

• Relocation provided, if eligible


• Shift available: Monday – Thursday (A shift)

Responsibilities Include But Are Not Limited To

• Coordinate and steer the collective efforts of all Lunar ops technicians.


• Enforce clean room standards and operational protocols (includes annual reviews, regular mentoring and disciplinary action).


• Interface with area leadership from across Kent operations and prioritize work based on production schedule and organizational goals for Lunar programs.


• Schedule risk identification and mitigation for precision clean room assembly processes.


• Coordinate support organization efforts to minimize production interruptions in ISO-rated environments.


• Ensure product quality and conformance to specifications for clean work assembly and precision fabrication.


• Disposition non-conforming hardware to efficiently return them to conforming state and normal product flow within tight tolerance requirements.


• Improve area safety and efficiency through regular auditing and continuous improvement of clean production processes.


• Establish and analyze area metrics for trend extrapolation to drive the following:


• Personnel training and development in specialized clean room and precision manufacturing techniques.


• Development and implementation of efficiency improvement projects for ZBO/HEx related activities.


• Optimization of product flow through clean production environments.


• Root cause analysis and the implementation of corresponding corrective action plans for failure analysis.


• Identification and elimination of defects within the clean manufacturing value stream.


• Reduction of downtime for product and personnel in controlled environment production.


• Lead efforts to transition Lunar program products from engineering development to full rate production.


• Drive manufacturability, provide constructive feedback to engineering/design community on tight tolerance stack-up analysis and final mechanical processing requirements.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate's degree or 5 years experience in rocket engine/aerospace manufacturing or similar manufacturing environment.


• Minimum of 2 years in a leadership position leading a team of 5+ people.


• Lean manufacturing experience.


• Demonstrated ability to read and interpret controlled documentation and processes such as: mechanical drawings, welding/assembly/cleaning procedures / work instructions, schematics, engineering drawings, and parts lists.


• Able to adapt to constant changing work assignments and fast paced work environment.


• Proficient with computers, the ability to use MS Office, shop floor management software (ERP) and related programs.


• Ability to distinguish colors is required.


• Must be available to work extended hours and weekends as needed.


• Must be able to lift 35 lbs. unassisted, stoop, bend, crawl, and maneuver in tight spaces.


• Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to a culture of inclusion


• 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

• Experience monitoring, tracking and continually improving total cost equation.


• Familiarity with Design for Manufacturability, Kaizen, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Failure Mode Effects Analysis.


• Experience preferred in fast-paced production environment with flight quality hardware.


• Six Sigma experience.


• Able to travel for short and extended trips as needed. Up to 10% travel

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.

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 Aff…? 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.