Lunar Continuous Improvement Engineer Verified today

About the Role

As a Continuous Improvement Engineer at Blue Origin, you will be responsible for driving operational excellence across production and integration operations through the systematic identification, development, and implementation of process improvements. Working across all manufacturing areas, you will analyze performance metrics, identify improvement opportunities, and lead cross-functional teams through structured problem-solving methodologies to achieve measurable gains in safety, quality, delivery, and cost. Your deep expertise in lean manufacturing principles, data-driven analysis, and change management will enable sustainable performance improvements across complex, high-mix/low-volume aerospace production environments where technical rigor and cultural transformation must advance in parallel.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify, scope, and lead continuous improvement projects across vehicle integration, fabrication, and assembly operations targeting measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery performance, and cost reduction
• Facilitate kaizen events, value stream mapping sessions, and rapid improvement workshops with cross-functional teams to eliminate waste, reduce cycle time, and improve flow
• Develop and maintain operational performance metrics and dashboards; conduct regular Gemba walks and data analysis to identify trends, root causes, and improvement opportunities
• Apply lean manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies (5S, visual management, standard work, SMED, poka-yoke, DMAIC) to drive process optimization and defect reduction
• Coach and mentor manufacturing engineers, technicians, and leadership teams on continuous improvement tools, methodologies, and mindset
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective action efforts for recurring quality issues, safety incidents, and production disruptions; ensure sustainable countermeasures are implemented and validated
• Partner with Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, and Operations teams to design and implement process improvements during Production Readiness Reviews and new product introductions
• Track and report improvement project status, benefits realization, and key performance indicators (KPIs) in Weekly Business Reviews and leadership forums
• Benchmark internal and external best practices; translate lessons learned into actionable improvements and standard methodologies for deployment across the organization
• Support the development and execution of the site's operational excellence roadmap and strategic improvement priorities in alignment with Blue Origin's mission objectives
• Develop standard work documentation, visual controls, and training materials to sustain process improvements and ensure knowledge transfer across shifts and teams
• Collaborate with all support organizations, engineering disciplines, and leadership to align priorities, remove barriers, and scale improvement initiatives across the enterprise

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience
• 10+ years as Senior Manufacturing Engineer
• 5+ years of experience in continuous improvement, manufacturing engineering, quality or operations excellence within an aerospace, defense, or comparably complex manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated experience leading successful continuous improvement projects with measurable results in safety, quality, delivery, or cost performance
• Proficiency in lean manufacturing principles and tools (value stream mapping, 5S, kaizen, standard work, visual management)
• Proven ability to analyze data, identify root causes, and develop sustainable corrective actions using structured problem-solving methodologies
• Strong facilitation, coaching, and change management skills with a demonstrated ability to lead and influence cross-functional teams without direct authority

Preferred Qualifications

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification
• Hands-on experience implementing continuous improvement programs in aerospace vehicle manufacturing, integration, or assembly operations
• Background spanning both technical engineering disciplines and operational leadership
• Experience operating in high-mix/low-volume, developmental, or early production environments with evolving processes and requirements
• Familiarity with ERP systems, production planning tools, and data visualization platforms (e.g., SAP, Tableau, Power BI)
• Formal project management training or certification (PMP or equivalent)
• Experience developing and presenting operational performance metrics and improvement project results to senior leadership
• Knowledge of AS9100, ISO standards, or other aerospace quality management systems

Position Details

• Shift: 1st shift, Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm
• Location: FL, Lunar Plant 1
• Relocation: Available
• Travel: Expected up to 10% of the time

Requirements

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. Role may require Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installation.