Sr. Manager - Quality

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.

As part of a hardworking team of Quality Engineers & Specialists, you will be responsible for building and driving a high-performing team supporting metallic and polymeric additive manufacturing operations.

Special Mentions

• Relocation provided
• Shifts available:
  • A-Shift, M-F

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Create strategic initiatives in partnership with Operations to drive improvement in Quality, focused on continuous improvement and first-time quality
• Lead, mentor, develop, and manage a team of Quality Engineers and Specialists supporting metallic and polymeric additive manufacturing operations
• Conduct regular performance reviews, set objectives, and identify professional development opportunities for direct reports
• Foster a team culture anchored in accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement
• Champion adherence to the AS9100 Quality Management System across manufacturing operations; lead internal audit activities
• Identify, prioritize, and lead continuous improvement initiatives using structured methodologies (e.g., DMAIC, Kaizen, 8D)
• Develop and track quality metrics and KPIs; prepare variance analyses and initiate corrective actions to address adverse trends
• Support preparation and management of the Quality Assurance operating budget, identifying cost reduction opportunities without compromising safety
• Partner with Manufacturing Engineering, Design Engineering, Supply Chain, and Test teams to embed quality at every stage of the product lifecycle
• Serve as the primary Quality representative during hardware acceptance reviews, launch readiness reviews, and customer audits
• Support the Supplier Quality team in addressing supplier nonconformances that impact New Glenn manufacturing
• Interface with regulatory agencies (FAA, NASA) and customers as required to communicate quality status and corrective actions

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

• 12+ years of progressive quality engineering or quality management experience in aerospace, defense, or advanced manufacturing environments
• 7+ years of direct people management experience, with demonstrated ability to develop high-performing teams
• Working knowledge of AS9100 Quality Management Systems and the ability to lead internal and external audits
• Demonstrated experience managing nonconformance processes, corrective action systems, and First Article Inspections (AS9102)
• Proven ability to lead root cause analysis investigations (8D, Fishbone, FMEA, or equivalent) and drive sustainable corrective actions
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to present quality data and recommendations to senior leadership
• 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

• 5+ years of experience in additive manufacturing
• Practical experience with Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) technology and NASA standard NASA-STD-6030
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification; demonstrated application in a manufacturing environment
• Familiarity with AS9145 (APQP/PPAP) methodology and its application in new product development to production transitions
• Experience with Statistical Process Control (SPC) and quality performance measurement analysis
• Relevant experience in a start-up or growth-stage environment, transitioning products from development through production to operations
• Exposure to NASA standards (NASA-STD-8739 series, NPR 8735) or FAA quality requirements

Base Pay Range for:

WA applicants is $171,093.00 - $239,529.15

Other site ranges may differ

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, 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.