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 Enterprise Program Management (EPM), where we provide technical standards, tools, processes, training, and subject matter expertise for product engineering and manufacturing. EPM allows all Blue Origin business units to benefit from commonly used capabilities, hardware, and software and assists business units in identifying, selecting, and training engineers from both inside and outside the organization.

As part of a passionate and accomplished team of experts, you will be responsible for supervising a research and development laboratory team in Kent Washington. In this role you will lead a group of skilled technicians in the day-to-day testing and evaluation of materials used in all Blue Origin space products.This position is responsible for Safety, Quality, Cost, Schedule, and Morale of the team.

This hands-on position requires versatile leadership, effective communication, and strong project management skills. In this hands-on leadership role, you will work to meet schedule and delight internal customers requesting investigation new materials, conducting first-article qualification evaluations, investigating post-test products returned from a customer, or a never-before-seen material condition, just to name a few.

We are looking for someone to apply their technical expertise, leadership skills, and commitment to quality to positively impact reaching Blue Origins goals. Passion for our mission and vision is required!

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Thermal Protection Systems (TPS) laboratory and Composites/Structures laboratory teams and associated equipment and facilities.
• Develop and maintain an operating budget.
• Develop and maintain a capital budget that supports customer needs.
• Develop and support the career growth of individuals within this team.
• Provide mentoring, training, and skills development for team members.
• Promote and inspire teamwork and employee morale.
• Foster and ensure workplace safety.
• Work with the Lab Coordinator to monitor department metrics (Safety, Quality, Cost, Schedule, OEE)
• Work with the Lab Coordinator to ensure internal delivery targets are met.
• Perform critical administrative activities including recruiting, performance reviews, coaching, resource planning, and budget management.
• Collaborate with team members to address capacity and scheduling conflicts.
• Drive process improvements to reduce setup times, processing times, and testing times.
• Establish, maintain, and improve workplace 5S, FOD controls, and Safety.
• *Provide status updates on priorities at a daily meeting.
• Ensure all tools and equipment are maintained and calibrated.
• Complete and approve timecards for the teams.

Qualifications

• 5 years of previous leadership experience as a department lead or supervisor.
• Experience with setup and operation of specialty metallurgical, mechanical, chemical, and/or thermal test equipment or similar systems.
• Excellent communication skills with a strong customer focus.
• Proven ability to motivate a team of skilled technicians.
• Demonstrated experience in continuous improvement.
• Proficiency in business/office computing software.
• Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to a culture of inclusion.
• Must 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 asylum.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience with recruiting and training a new workforce.
• Previous experience in aerospace development test lab environment.
• Previous experience with carbon-fiber composites
• Demonstrated experience in planning, forecasting, and capital equipment procurement and upgrades.
• Knowledge of metrology.
• Knowledge of AS9100
• Knowledge of MIL-STD-810.
• Demonstrated experience working with teams of diverse skill levels.

Compensation range for on site WA applicants is $46,08-$64.51

Other site ranges may differ

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.

California Applicant Privacy Notice

If you are a California resident, please reference the CA Applicant Privacy Notice here.