Manager - Manufacturing Engineering & Technology

Blue Origin; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) with company match

Stock options

Paid time off and holidays

Job summary

Blue Origin in Huntsville, AL seeks a Manager of Manufacturing Engineering to lead a team of engineers translating designs into flight-ready hardware. You will define manufacturing strategy, drive DFMA and PFMEA, and oversee cost, quality, schedule across the full lifecycle.

You will champion continuous improvement, manage staffing, partner with design, operations, and program leadership, and ensure traceability and robust disposal pathways for non-conforming parts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• 8+ years of progressive manufacturing and manufacturing engineering experience.
• 2+ years of direct people management or formal technical leadership experience.
• Experience leading RCA investigations and deploying corrective actions.
• Experience developing and executing DFMA, PFMEA, and process improvement programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead people development, coaching, and performance reviews for manufacturing engineers.
• Define and own the manufacturing engineering strategy across product areas.
• Drive DFMA and PFMEA across teams to ensure robust feedback between design, build, and test.
• Oversee cost, quality, schedule, and build sequence across manufacturing lifecycle.
• Champion CI using Lean, Six Sigma, and data-driven methods to eliminate waste.

Skills

People leadership

RCA investigations

PFMEA

DFMA

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Schedule recovery

Cross-functional collaboration

Data-driven problem solving

Education

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Aerospace Engineering, or related field

8+ years of progressive manufacturing and manufacturing engineering experience

2+ years of direct people management or formal technical leadership experience

Tools

SAP

Solumina

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.About the RoleWe 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 toward 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 Manager of Manufacturing Engineering, you will lead a high-performing team of manufacturing engineers dedicated to translating engineering intent into flight-ready hardware. You will set the strategic direction for manufacturing processes, champion a culture of continuous improvement, and serve as the critical bridge between engineering design, operations, and program leadership. This is a highly visible leadership role that requires equal parts technical depth, people leadership, and operational execution. If you are energized by building strong teams, solving hard problems, and making a direct contribution to human spaceflight, we want to hear from you.What You'll DoPeople Leadership & Team DevelopmentRecruit, develop, mentor, and retain a team of manufacturing engineers across varying levels of experience and senioritySet clear performance expectations, provide ongoing coaching and feedback, and conduct formal performance reviewsFoster a psychologically safe, inclusive, and high-accountability team culture aligned with Blue Origin's core valuesIdentify skills gaps within the team and develop targeted training and development plans to close themManage headcount planning, capacity forecasting, and staffing decisions in partnership with program and operations leadershipStrategic Manufacturing DirectionDefine and own the manufacturing engineering strategy for your product area, aligning with broader program goals and company objectivesLead the identification, development, and deployment of advanced rocket manufacturing processes that improve quality, reduce cost, and optimize build sequences and schedulesChampion Design for Manufacturability (DFMA) and Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA) across your team, ensuring a robust feedback loop between design, build, and testEstablish and maintain a roadmap for manufacturing process maturation from development through productionDrive make-versus-buy analysis and provide manufacturing engineering inputs to program and supply chain decisionsOperational Execution & OversightHold accountability for cost, quality, build sequence, and schedule performance of hardware across the full manufacturing lifecycleOversee the development and continuous improvement of manufacturing work instructions covering receiving inspection, fabrication, assembly, test, integration, and refurbishmentEnsure engineering drawing reviews are completed rigorously and that final manufacturing approvals are granted with appropriate technical oversightLead and govern process control measures, driving evaluation and improvement through statistical analysisOversee the design, procurement, installation, and commissioning of custom manufacturing equipmentDirect proper material handling and packaging standards to protect hardware throughout build and test operationsQuality, Risk & Continuous ImprovementChampion a structured, organization-wide Root Cause Analysis (RCA) program , establishing consistent methodology, cadence, and accountability across all hardware areas and production teamsLead and facilitate RCA investigations for high-priority non-conformances, production escapes, and systemic quality issues — ensuring findings are thorough, well-documented, and translated into lasting corrective and preventive actionsOwn and drive a continuous improvement (CI) program across the manufacturing engineering team, leveraging Lean, Six Sigma, and data-driven methodologies to systematically eliminate waste, reduce variation, and improve process capabilityEstablish CI project pipelines with defined scope, owners, metrics, and completion milestones; track and communicate progress to leadership on a regular cadenceIdentify and prioritize improvement opportunities through KPI trend analysis, PFMEA reviews, process audits, and direct floor observationLead schedule recovery planning and execution when hardware programs fall behind due to non-conformances, process failures, equipment issues, or supplier delaysDevelop and implement recovery plans that define critical path actions, resource reallocation, and accelerated build sequencesPartner with program management and operations leadership to communicate recovery status, risks, and mitigation strategies in a clear and timely mannerDrive accountability across engineering, quality, and production teams to ensure recovery milestones are metDevelop and own hardware recovery pathways for non-conforming parts and assemblies , including:Establishing structured disposition workflows (use-as-is, rework, repair, scrap) with clear technical and quality approval gatesCreating and maintaining a library of pre-approved repair and rework procedures to enable rapid, repeatable response to common non-conformance typesPartnering with design engineering to develop fit-for-purpose engineering dispositions that restore non-conforming hardware to an acceptable and documented flight or test configurationEnsuring all hardware recovery activities maintain full traceability and configuration pedigree throughout the disposition processAnalyzing non-conformance trends to identify systemic root causes and proactively eliminate recurring hardware escapes before they impact schedule or missionCross-Functional & Supplier EngagementServe as the primary manufacturing engineering point of contact for engineering design teams, program management, quality, and operations leadershipPartner with supply chain and procurement to interface with external suppliers and manufacturing partners, ensuring hardware and equipment is manufactured, processed, packaged, and delivered to specification, on time, and within budgetRepresent manufacturing engineering in design reviews, program reviews, and gate reviewsProvide hardware configuration oversight and ensure pedigree is maintained throughout the entire build and test processMinimum QualificationsGenuine passion for Blue Origin's mission: Millions of people living and working in spaceBachelor of Science in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related field from an accredited university8+ years of progressive manufacturing and manufacturing engineering experience following graduation2+ years of direct people management or formal technical leadership experience, including performance management and career development responsibilitiesDemonstrated track record of successfully developing and implementing new manufacturing processes from concept through productionBroad hands-on experience with hardware manufacturing processes, including fabrication, machining, welding, assembly, inspection, and testingDemonstrated experience leading RCA investigations and deploying corrective actions that resulted in measurable, sustained quality improvementsProven experience developing and executing schedule recovery plans in a hardware development or production environmentExperience developing non-conforming hardware disposition pathways , including rework, repair, and engineering disposition processesProven ability to manage competing priorities across cost, quality, and schedule in a fast-paced hardware development environmentStrong analytical and structured problem-solving skillsExcellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging to technical and non-technical audiencesAbility to earn trust, build positive professional relationships, and actively contribute to a culture of inclusionMust 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 asylumPreferred QualificationsMaster of Science in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Aerospace Engineering, or a related fieldExperience in rocket engine, propulsion system, or aerospace vehicle hardware manufacturingBackground leading manufacturing engineering teams in a development-to-production transition environmentFamiliarity with AS9100 quality management systems or equivalent aerospace quality frameworksExperience with ERP/MES platforms such as SAP, Solumina, or equivalentProficiency in statistical process control (SPC), Lean Manufacturing, or Six Sigma methodologies (Green Belt or Black Belt certification a plus)Formal training or certification in structured problem-solving methodologies such as 8D, DMAIC, or ShaininExperience managing supplier relationships and performing supplier development activitiesPrior exposure to NPI (New Product Introduction) processes and manufacturing readiness level (MRL) assessmentsCulture StatementDon’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 RegulationsApplicants 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 CheckRequired for all positions: Blue’s Standard Background CheckRequired for Certain Job Profiles: Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installationRequired 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 physicalBenefitsBenefits 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 OpportunityBlue 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.Affirmative Action and Disability AccommodationApplicants 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] . Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.