Manufacturing Operations Manager, Blue Castings

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.

We are Innovators accelerating and perfecting world-class castings, paving the road to space . This position will require your commitment and detailed attention towards safe and repeatable operations 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 part of a hardworking, passionate, and accomplished team, you will be responsible for leading the Manufacturing Operations team at Blue Castings in Arlington Washington. You will manage project execution, ensuring scrappy and cost-effective execution while maintaining a tight grip on all project deliverables needed to meet company objectives and delivery requirements.

This is a hands-on position that requires the ability to communicate the vision, strategy and tactical actions required to rapidly increase production rate and thruput while simultaneously leveraging cost-effective strategies to achieve key deliverables.  This role will have the opportunity to build and scale a team and implement a robust management operating system driving business results.

You will report directly to the Director of Operations site leader.

We are looking for someone to apply their leadership skills, technical expertise, implementing our Blue Origin Production system, Lean manufacturing principles and demonstrating commitment to safety and quality to positively impact safe human spaceflight. Passion for our mission and vision is required!

• Relocation available
• Shift:
  • Monday thru Friday 7 am to 3:30 pm with additional overtime as needed weekday and/or weekend
     

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Lead the Operations teams

• Lead the development and implementation of operational strategies that support business goals

• Establish and mature weekly/monthly/quarterly reviews, KPIs/dashboards, status reporting, risk/issue management

• Analyze existing business processes and workflows to identify opportunities for improvement and efficiency

• Track performance metrics, and prepare regular reports for leadership

• Coordinate cross-functional projects and initiatives to drive operational excellence

• Proactively remove roadblocks and escalate risks to maintain and increase deliverable quality while improving overall performance.

• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures and best practices

• Collaborate with department heads to ensure alignment of operational activities with business objectives

• Oversee facility management and logistics operations as needed

• Identify and implement technological solutions to enhance operational performance

• Lead and develop a team of operations staff, providing mentorship and guidance

• Hire, onboard, coach, and mentor a team; set clear goals and cultivate a safety-first, high-ownership culture.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Operations Management, or related field

• 5+ years of experience in operations management or similar role with a record of process improvement and efficiency

• Proven track record of implementing process improvements and driving operational efficiency

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with data-driven decision-making abilities

• Excellent project management skills and ability to manage multiple priorities

• Experience with operational management software and ERP systems

• Knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, or other process improvement methodologies

• Exceptional written and verbal communication; ability to build trust across levels and functions.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in aerospace, advanced manufacturing, or complex hardware production.

• Demonstrated change management experience

• New Production Implementation leadership and operations experience.

• Background in the Investment Casting Industry

 

Compensation Range for:

WA applicants is $115,509.00-$161,712.60

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 (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

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.

• 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 Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us at [email protected]. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.

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