Director of New Glenn Manufacturing- Vehicle Sub-Assembly Shop

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 diverse 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, Facilities, and Security. This includes Manufacturing and Supply Chain support across all Blue Origin facilities.

As part of a hardworking, passionate, and accomplished team of experts, you will be responsible for operation execution of the team charged with the building/assembling vehicle sub-assemblies to support final integration into the New Glenn Heavy Launch Vehicle. The team and this role are based on Florida's Space Coast at the Rocket Park Facility on Merritt Island, FL. You will lead a skilled, interdisciplinary team, responsible for manufacturing, assembly and integration of vehicle sub-assemblies, fluid panels, and test panels to support final vehicle integration and testing while ensuring on-time delivery, cost, and quality, with a strong focus on safety and efficiency. This leader will have the ground floor opportunity to transform the sub-assembly team to adapt to the art of the possible to improve both technical adequacy, cost, quality and through put as we prepare to ramp production rates while consolidating sub-assembly manufacturing to single location in orderto support the mission of New Glenn. This is a hands-on leadership position that requires the ability to communicate the vision, strategy and tactical application of cost-effective strategies and key deliverables.

You will report directly to the Vice President of Manufacturing Operations at the Rocket Park Facility. This position will directly impact the history of space exploration and will require your dedicated commitment and detailed attention towards safe and repeatable spaceflight.

We are looking for someone to apply their technical expertise, leadership skills, and commitment to quality to positively impact safe human spaceflight. Passion for our mission and vision is required!

Special Mentions

• Relocation provided
• Travel expected up to 10% of the time

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Lead, build, and run a production team specifically focused on vehicle sub-assembly build, integration and test, including developing resource plans, authorizing job descriptions, conducting interviews, making hiring recommendations, assigning tasks, and conducting performance reviews.
• Champion safety always and first-time quality across all functions while growing and developing your team at all levels.
• Oversee assembly and final acceptance testing to ensure compliance with delivery schedules, cost standards, and quality control procedures, all while prioritizing safety and efficiency.
• Lead through New Product Introduction and production transitions from other sites into the Rocket Park Manufacturing complex while developing and implementing a transition plan to an increasing production Rate.
• Lead and develop the deployment of new technologies and processes to ensure the achievement of required production rate while improving efficiency on the line to deliver better quality at a lower cost for our customers.
• Through Blue's Continuous Improvement Methodology, lead the implementation of methods and processes aimed at enhancing efficiency, safety, and quality in the sub-assembly manufacturing area.
• Propagate key operational learnings and best practices to support improvement across the Operations Team at Rocket Park and the Blue enterprise.
• Oversee the development and implementation of data driven systems with a lean approach with a focus on delivering results.
• Analyze processes and operations at the micro and macro levels followed by implementing high impact improvements for safety and quality that reduces unit cost and accelerates throughput.
• Leverage Blue Origin's Leadership Principles to cultivate a trusting, learning culture of leaders through continuous feedback, coaching and robust development opportunities. Foster a "One Team Mindset".

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in a direct supervision/leadership role, with a proven track record of working on aerospace development programs or production lines heavily focused on sub-assembly manufacturing methods and techniques, in both leadership and hands-on roles.
• BS degree in related Engineering discipline (Mechanical or Aerospace) with a focus on Manufacturing/Operation Management
• Validated knowledge in building or transforming successful production operation organizations and leading large-scale change management initiatives that influence culture, define tools & processes, and improve competencies.
• Strong knowledge and applied experiences in Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma.
• Experience in a 5S and FOD controlled environment in a fluid manufacturing context.
• Approachable demeanor, open to rapidly changing requirements, and the ability to effectively resolve conflict in high-pressure situations.
• Ability to interpret engineering models, drawings, specifications, written work instructions, and test procedures related to fluids manufacturing.
• Proficient with resource-loaded schedules using Primavera (P6), Open Plan, MS Project, or other software in a fluids-specific context.
• Experience leading, growing and developing large teams in a multi-business unit integrated supply chain organization.
• Advanced knowledge in designing and building successful delivery of manufacturing, production, assembly, procurement, and logistics in a low volume high complexity environment.
• Strong business acumen. Demonstrated experience challenging the status quo, driving change, and teaching and motivating individuals to develop and implement new ways of thinking and doing business.
• Successful experience in hiring and developing great people with diverse skill sets.
• Understands how to create and manage work cell standard work and track deviation from that standard work.
• Highly effective and professional verbal and written communication skills with team, internal customers and suppliers that includes a strong focus on teamwork and internal/external customer satisfaction.
• An attitude of extraordinary mission assurance, quality, attention to detail, and dedication.
• Ability to maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to a culture of trust, respect, inclusion and integrity.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident, or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Preferred Qualifications

• 15+ years manufacturing experience in aerospace building Line Replaceable Units and/or build sub-assemblies. Master's degree in engineering, operation, or business is a plus.
• Experience in multiple manufacturing processes and technologies to include fluids, aero structures, welding, and harness fabrication.
• Earned Value Management (EVM) experience.
• Experience with Manufacturing Execution System and Product Lifecycle Manufacturing systems a plus.
• In-depth experience in a team-based Lean Manufacturing environment, including implementations, with a particular emphasis on fluid manufacturing methodologies.

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

Inclusivity 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 a diverse, inclusive, and 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.

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.

Discretionary bonus: Bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results.

Eligibility for benefits varies by role type, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role.

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, diverse, 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, in which all employees recognize and appreciate the diversity of individual team members. 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, gender, 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 "EEO Is the Law," 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 atEEOCompliance@blueorigin.com.

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