Space-Flight Quality Manager: Lead Manufacturing Excellence

Blue Origin; Merritt Island (FL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Life insurance (basic & supplemental)

Paid parental leave

401(k) with company match up to 5%

Stock options

Paid time off & holidays

Job summary

Blue Origin is seeking an experienced Quality Leader to guide a team of Quality Engineers, Specialists, and Inspectors in day-to-day manufacturing quality operations for aerospace programs at Merritt Island, FL.

You will drive audits, nonconformance control, and continuous improvement using DMAIC/Kaizen, while partnering with Manufacturing Engineering, Design Engineering, and Supply Chain to embed quality throughout the product lifecycle. Strong communication to leadership is essential.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive quality engineering or quality management experience in aerospace, defense, or advanced manufacturing environments
• 3+ years of direct people management experience, with demonstrated ability to develop high-performing teams
• Working knowledge of AS9100 Quality Management Systems and the ability to lead internal and external audits
• Demonstrated experience managing nonconformance processes, corrective action systems, and First Article Inspections (AS9102)
• Proven ability to lead root cause analysis investigations (8D, Fishbone, FMEA, or equivalent) and drive sustainable corrective actions
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to present quality data and recommendations to senior leadership

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and mentor a team of Quality Engineers, Specialists, to execute daily manufacturing quality operations
• Conduct regular performance reviews, set objectives, and identify professional development opportunities for direct reports
• Foster a team culture anchored in accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement
• Champion adherence to the AS9100 Quality Management System across manufacturing operations; lead internal audit activities
• Identify, prioritize, and lead continuous improvement initiatives using structured methodologies (e.g., DMAIC, Kaizen, 8D)
• Develop and track quality metrics and KPIs; prepare variance analyses and initiate corrective actions to address adverse trends
• Support preparation and management of the Quality Assurance operating budget, identifying cost reduction opportunities without compromising safety
• Partner with Manufacturing Engineering, Design Engineering, Supply Chain, and Test teams to embed quality at every stage of the product lifecycle
• Serve as the primary Quality representative during hardware acceptance reviews, launch readiness reviews, and customer audits
• Support the Supplier Quality team in addressing supplier nonconformances that impact New Glenn manufacturing
• Interface with regulatory agencies (FAA, NASA) and customers as required to communicate quality status and corrective actions

Skills

Quality engineering

Quality management

People management

AS9100

Nonconformance

Root cause analysis

8D/FMEA

Communication

Job description

Blue Origin is seeking an experienced Quality Leader to guide a team of Quality Engineers, Specialists, and Inspectors in day-to-day manufacturing quality operations for aerospace programs at Merritt Island, FL.

You will drive audits, nonconformance control, and continuous improvement using DMAIC/Kaizen, while partnering with Manufacturing Engineering, Design Engineering, and Supply Chain to embed quality throughout the product lifecycle. Strong communication to leadership is essential.