Shift Lead - Lunar Structures

Application close date:

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

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 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, Test Operations, Safety, Quality, and Mission Assurance. This includes Manufacturing and Supply Chain support across all Blue Origin facilities.

Job Summary

As a Structures Shift Leader at Blue Origin, you will lead a team of Structures Technicians responsible for the fabrication, drilling, assembly, fixturing, alignment, and integration of aerospace structures supporting flight and non-flight hardware. You will provide day-to-day leadership on the production floor, ensuring safe execution, exceptional quality, schedule attainment, and continuous improvement while developing a high-performing technical workforce.

Working closely with Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Production Control, and Program Management, you will remove production barriers, drive standardized work, and ensure every structure is built to the highest standards of precision, reliability, and mission readiness.

Position Specific Details

• Shifts: D | Fri-Sun (5pm-5:30am)
• Location: Space Coast, FL
• Relocation: Available

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise a team of Structures Technicians in the fabrication, drilling, assembly, alignment, and integration of aerospace structures.
• Promote and enforce an uncompromising culture of safety, quality, accountability, and operational excellence throughout every shift.
• Execute the daily production plan while balancing safety, quality, delivery, and labor efficiency objectives.
• Conduct shift startup meetings, communicate production priorities, identify risks, and coordinate recovery plans to maintain schedule.
• Ensure technicians execute work in accordance with engineering drawings, manufacturing instructions, specifications, and approved standard work.
• Monitor work center performance and proactively remove production bottlenecks through effective coordination with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Production Control.
• Provide technical guidance and hands-on support for structural assembly, precision drilling, fixturing, alignment, and installation activities involving aluminum, titanium, Inconel, composite, and bonded assemblies.
• Ensure proper utilization and calibration of tooling, fixtures, torque equipment, precision measuring devices, and specialized aerospace assembly equipment.
• Drive First Pass Yield, defect prevention, and nonconformance reduction through disciplined process execution and root cause problem solving.
• Lead troubleshooting efforts during production issues while escalating technical risks appropriately.
• Develop technician capability through coaching, mentorship, cross-training, skills qualification, and standardized work.
• Own shift metrics including Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, Labor Efficiency, First Pass Yield, Rework, and Schedule Adherence.
• Champion Lean Manufacturing principles by leading daily continuous improvement activities, waste reduction initiatives, 5S audits, and standardized work improvements.
• Support new product introduction, prototype builds, process validation activities, and production readiness initiatives.
• Ensure accurate production reporting, shift handoffs, labor charging, issue documentation, and communication with cross-functional stakeholders.
• Support hiring, onboarding, performance management, and career development of manufacturing personnel.

Team Focus & Domain Expertise

The Structures team at Blue Origin is responsible for manufacturing and integrating the primary structural assemblies that enable safe & reliable spacecraft. As a Structures Shift Leader, you will lead a highly skilled team building complex flight hardware for the Lunar Permanence program.

Success in this role requires balancing technical leadership with operational execution. You will create an environment where safety is never compromised, quality is built into every process, and continuous improvement is embedded into the team's daily work. Your leadership will directly influence production efficiency, manufacturing excellence, and the future of space exploration.

Minimum Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in aerospace manufacturing, structures assembly, integration, or a related manufacturing environment.
• 2+ years of experience leading production teams, manufacturing cells, or shift operations.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret engineering drawings, work instructions, and manufacturing specifications.
• Working knowledge of structural drilling, precision assembly, fixturing, alignment, fastening, and aerospace manufacturing processes.
• Experience with precision measurement equipment including torque wrenches, micrometers, calipers, and inspection tools.
• Experience coordinating work across Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Planning, and Supply Chain organizations.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills in a fast-paced production environment.
• Ability to work at heights, lift up to 50 lbs, and work in confined spaces when required.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and manufacturing execution systems.
• 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

• Demonstrated leadership in aerospace structural assembly, launch vehicle manufacturing, or aircraft production.
• Experience leading production teams building flight hardware.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, 5S, Standardized Work, Visual Management, and Daily Management Systems.
• Experience managing KPIs including First Pass Yield, labor efficiency, schedule attainment, nonconformance reduction, and productivity.
• Working knowledge of drilling systems including power feed drills, track drills, Jiffy/E-Tech tools, drill jigs, and precision hole preparation.
• Understanding of aerospace materials including aluminum, titanium, Inconel, composites, bonded structures, and sealing operations.
• Experience supporting MRB, NCR resolution, RCCA, and corrective action implementation.
• Experience supporting new product introduction, prototype manufacturing, or production ramp activities.
• Ability to coach technicians, develop technical talent, and build high-performing teams.
• Trade school certification, technical degree, or equivalent aerospace manufacturing experience.
• Demonstrated record of improving manufacturing performance through continuous improvement initiatives.

Culture 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 an 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.

Background Check

• Required for all positions: Blue’s Standard Background Check

• Required for Certain Job Profiles:  Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installation

• Required for Certain Job Profiles: Drivers who operate Commercial Motor Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or combination of power unit and trailer that meets or exceeds 10,001 lbs. and/or transports placardable amounts of hazardous materials by ground in any vehicle on a public road while in commerce, may be subject to additional Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations including: Driver Qualification Files, Medical Certification (obtained before onboarding), Road Test, Hours of Service, Drug and Alcohol Testing (CDL drivers only), vehicle inspection requirements, CDL requirements (if applicable) and hazardous materials transportation/shipping training.

• Required for certain Job Profiles: Ability to obtain and maintain Merchant Mariner Credential, which includes pre-employment and random drug testing as well as DOT physical

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.

• Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week)

• Paid Time Off:  Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.

• Dependent on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on the company's intent to reward individual contributions and enable them to share in the company's results, or other factors at the company's sole discretion. Bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and subject to change and cancellation. Please check with your recruiter for more details.

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 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. 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, sex, 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 “Know Your Rights,” 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 at EEOCompliance@blueorigin.com. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.