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Manufacturing Director – Lunar Tanks Verified today

Blue Origin · Space Coast, FL · Space Systems · first seen 2026-09-03
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Position Summary

Blue Origin seeks an experienced Manufacturing Director to lead the development, manufacturing, and delivery of pressure vessels (tanks) for Lunar Cargo and Human Rated Landers. This hands-on leadership role oversees all aspects of tank fabrication, testing, and operational readiness at the Rocket Park Manufacturing Complex, Merritt Island, FL. You will report to the Vice President of Operations for Lunar Cargo Landers.

Key Responsibilities

Program Ownership and Technical Leadership

  • Own end-to-end responsibility for propellant tank manufacturing process development, from build flow and work instruction development through inspection, cleaning, and test
  • Lead a multi-disciplinary team of Technicians, Welders, and Manufacturing Engineers
  • Drive collaborative manufacturing technical decision-making to ensure robust, consistent, and reliable process capability
  • Demonstrate understanding of welding manufacturing processes, including Stir Friction Welding, Variable Polarity Plasma Arc (VPPA) Welding, Orbital Tube Welding, and Manual Welding
  • Champion Design for X (DFX) principles, including Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA) and Design for Test (DFT), to reduce cost and cycle time
  • Collaborate with Engineering on design for manufacturability (DFM) initiatives in early product development stages

Team Leadership and People Development

  • Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of managers, manufacturing engineers, technicians, and support personnel
  • Set clear performance expectations and foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and inclusion
  • Identify and develop future leaders within the tank organization
  • Communicate vision, priorities, and progress effectively at all organizational levels

Program Execution and Delivery

  • Develop and manage production schedules, budgets, resource plans, and capital equipment planning to meet delivery milestones
  • Own department budgets, staffing levels, and capital equipment planning and implementation
  • Lead production readiness reviews and participate in test readiness reviews as applicable
  • Track and communicate key performance indicators including cost, schedule, quality, and safety metrics
  • Anticipate production risks and develop robust mitigation strategies
  • Represent the Lunar Manufacturing Operations organization in vehicle-level integration reviews and gated reviews
  • Engage with customers, regulators (FAA, NASA), and external stakeholders as required
  • Present production status, risks, and opportunities to senior leadership

Continuous Improvement and Innovation

  • Identify and implement process improvement opportunities across tank manufacturing and test operations
  • Leverage automation where appropriate to improve consistency and product quality
  • Drive the use of manufacturing execution system (MES) and Material Resource Planning (MRP)
  • Benchmark industry best practices and drive innovation across the tank product line

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Science in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Aerospace Engineering (or other relevant fields) from an accredited university
  • 15 or more years of relevant engineering and manufacturing support experience
  • Experience leading cross-functional manufacturing teams including Welders, Technicians, Inspectors, and Manufacturing Engineering teams in research, development, and production environments through rapid development cycles
  • Advanced experience in complex hardware manufacturing, including friction-stir welding, machining, cleaning, non-destructive testing methods, complex assembly, and acceptance testing
  • Engineering leadership experience in an aerospace environment with space hardware, aircraft, or similar mission-critical, high-value components
  • Previous experience and demonstrated success in developing and starting new manufacturing processes
  • Strong personnel and project management skills
  • Ability to operate, make decisions, and lead effectively in ambiguous environments
  • Proficiency in business and engineering software (e.g., MS Office, Windchill, PLM)
  • Ability to communicate effectively and earn trust at all levels of the organization

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master of Science in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Aerospace Engineering from an accredited university
  • Advanced experience with complex manufacturing hardware including castings, forgings, additively manufactured components, welding, machining, NDT methods, complex assembly, and acceptance testing
  • Previous engineering leadership experience during facility activation or product line transition
  • Ability to provide guidance and mentoring on GD&T, interferences, and tooling improvements

Employment Requirements

Applicants for employment at Blue Origin 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.

Background checks are required for all positions. Additional checks may apply depending on role requirements, including DBIDS background check if the role requires access to military installations.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Basic and supplemental life insurance
  • Paid parental leave
  • Short and long-term disability
  • 401(k) with company match of up to 5%
  • Education Support Program
  • Stock options for all regular employees working at least 20 hours per week
  • Paid time off: up to four weeks per year based on scheduled hours, plus up to 14 company-paid holidays
  • Performance-based bonuses and benefits at company discretion