Manufacturing Systems Engineer III - Factory Layout & Optimization Verified today
About the Role
Blue Origin Operations is seeking a Manufacturing Systems Engineer III to lead factory layout design and optimization for a new high-complexity greenfield manufacturing facility. You will design efficient factory layouts, build simulation models to optimize flow and throughput, and apply data-driven and AI methods to maximize production performance.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead factory layout design and optimization for a new, high-complexity greenfield manufacturing facility
- Own and maintain the process for allocating floor space to workcenters
- Lead workcenter programming and sizing efforts, often working with external architects and engineering design firms
- Create flexible workcenter layouts that minimize capital expenditure and support manufacturing rate requirements
- Build and maintain discrete event simulation models (FlexSim, AnyLogic, or Plant Simulation) to optimize layout, throughput, material flow, and bottleneck identification
- Apply Systematic Layout Planning (SLP), line balancing, and flow analysis methods to drive layout decisions
- Apply data-driven and AI-enabled methods to layout optimization, predictive maintenance, quality, and scheduling
- Translate engineering requirements into robust, repeatable manufacturing processes
- Develop and maintain manufacturing documentation, including work instructions, process flow diagrams, and tool designs
- Evaluate and implement new manufacturing technologies and methods (precision machining, welding, brazing, additive manufacturing, advanced assembly)
- Support the transition from low-volume development to high-volume production
- Participate in process FMEAs, risk assessments, and validation of new production lines and equipment
- Support construction cost estimates and business case justifications for capital projects
- Report to leadership on status of factory standup and layout milestones
- Continuously improve processes and procedures through iteration
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial, or Aerospace Engineering (or other relevant fields) from an accredited university
- 5+ years of Manufacturing or Industrial Engineering experience, with demonstrated facility or workcenter layout work
- Demonstrated experience supporting the build-out of manufacturing facilities and workcenters
- Proficiency using AutoCAD for workcenter layouts
- Competence with Microsoft Software Suite (MS Project and Excel)
- Proficiency or willingness to learn discrete event simulation
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with discrete event simulation and factory flow modeling
- Data analysis skills (Python, SQL) for process and layout optimization
- Familiarity with AI/ML applications in manufacturing (layout optimization, predictive maintenance, quality inspection, scheduling)
- Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or higher)
- Experience with Systematic Layout Planning (SLP), line balancing, and value stream mapping
- Experience in the full lifecycle of workcenter-readiness projects, from requirements gathering to turnover for operations
- Experience supporting the transition from low-volume development to high-volume production
- Experience in aerospace, defense, or other high-sensitivity environments
- Understanding of engineering fundamentals for mechanical design and manufacturing, including working knowledge of GD&T
- Experience making the business case for and managing capital budgets
- Strong project management and presentation skills (Gantt charting, Jira, MS Project, Confluence, or similar)
- Proficiency with Siemens, AutoCAD, Revit, Bluebeam, or similar software
- Project Management Certification (PMP or other)
Employment Requirements
Applicants 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 check required for all positions.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance
- Paid parental leave
- Short and long-term disability
- 401(k) with company match up to 5%
- Education Support Program
- Stock options for all regular employees (20+ hours/week)
- Paid time off up to four weeks per year and up to 14 company-paid holidays
- Performance bonuses (eligibility and amounts subject to change)