Director of Manufacturing - MKLander

Director of Manufacturing - MK1 Lander

Blue Origin invites applicants for the Director of Manufacturing - MK1 Lander role.

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, comprising Integrated Supply Chain, Test Operations, Safety, Quality, and Mission Assurance, including Manufacturing and Supply Chain support across all facilities. You will be responsible for financial and manufacturing operations in Merritt Island, leading a skilled interdisciplinary team for Structural Module builds and integration of subsystems. The position requires communicating vision, strategy and tactics, collaborating through the design life cycle, improving manufacturability and assembly while reducing cost and lead time.

You will report directly to the Vice President of Lunar Manufacturing Operations.

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.

• Champion safety and first‑time quality across all functions while growing and developing your team at all levels.
• Lead manufacturing operations, including engineering, quality, tooling, supply chain and production across assembly and integration areas and work centers at the assigned facility.
• Collaborate with program partners to improve design through DFx initiatives, reducing cost, cycle time and lead time.
• Direct initiatives and strategies that deliver cost‑effective, high‑quality operational performance for orbital launch vehicle development.
• Build leadership team and create organizational architecture to scale Lunar manufacturing operations rapidly.
• Improve production efficiency by optimizing factory flow, increasing throughput, enhancing first‑pass yield, output, learning curve and supplier delivery.
• Disseminate key operational takeaways and standard processes to drive improvement within Blue Operations.
• Evaluate processes at micro and macro levels and implement impactful improvements for safety, quality, reduced costs and faster deliveries.
• Oversee development and implementation of data‑driven systems with a lean approach focused on delivering results.
• Apply Blue Origin’s Leadership Principles to develop a trusting, learning culture of leaders through continuous feedback, coaching and robust development opportunities. Encourage a "One Team Attitude."

• Proven knowledge in building or transforming successful production operations and leading large‑scale change management initiatives that influence culture, define tools & processes and improve competencies.
• BA or BS degree or equivalent experience with emphasis in Operations Management or Manufacturing Engineering and progressive responsibility increases.
• 10+ years of manufacturing leadership experience.
• Strong knowledge and applied experience in Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma.
• Experience leading, growing and developing large teams in a multi‑business‑unit integrated supply chain organization.
• Advanced knowledge in designing and delivering manufacturing, production, assembly, procurement and logistics in a low‑volume high‑complexity environment.
• Strong business insight and demonstrated experience challenging the status quo, inspiring change, and teaching and motivating individuals to develop and implement new ways of thinking and doing business.
• Understands how to create and manage work‑cell standard work and track deviation from that standard.
• Experience managing capital improvements and layout.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with team, customers and suppliers to prioritize teamwork and customer satisfaction.
• Attitude of world‑class mission assurance, quality, attention to detail and dedication.

• 15+ years manufacturing experience in aerospace such as launch vehicles, aircraft and helicopters.
• Master’s degree or equivalent experience in engineering, operations or business is a plus.
• Experience in multiple…