Manufacturing Shift Leader - Castings

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.

We are a mission-driven team of collaborators, action-takers, and problem solvers relentlessly committed to a culture of safety and success. As a Shift Lead, you'll lead our welders, grinders, machinists, and finishers on B-Shift — owning everything that happens after the part is cast to deliver engine components of impeccable quality, on time, every time.

Working as an integral part of a passionate and accomplished team of experts, you will directly impact the future of spaceflight and help build the road to space through reusable rockets. Through your leadership, you'll guide your team to define the future of spaceflight production, supporting our engine programs with high-value parts and unwavering focus on safe, repeatable spaceflight.

We're looking for a standout performer who brings technical expertise, hands-on leadership, and an uncompromising commitment to quality. Passion for our mission and vision is required!

Responsibilities

• Supervise back-end production personnel (welding, grinding, machining, and finishing) in day-to-day B-Shift operations at our Blue Castings site in Arlington, WA

• Establish workstation assignments, coordinate employee training, manage overtime assignments, and arrange back-up coverage for absent employees

• Maintain shop schedule status across finishing operations to ensure on-time delivery

• Provide first-level escalation support to employees on HR matters (employee relations, workers' compensation, disciplinary actions, timecards, PTO requests)

• Drive Continuous Improvement opportunities to enhance processes and reduce cycle and set-up times

• Maintain the shop measuring equipment calibration program, ensuring all relevant equipment is calibrated on schedule

• Implement and maintain 5S, ensuring a lean, clean, and safe work environment

• Ensure all team members follow work instructions, quality requirements, and processes

• Provide continued training and skills development, maturing the cross-training matrix for coverage depth across welding, grinding, and machining disciplines

• Provide coaching and early-career mentoring, and conduct performance reviews

• Partner with upstream casting production to ensure seamless part flow from casting into back-end finishing

Required Qualifications

• Passion for our mission: millions of people living and working in space!

• 4+ years of management/supervisory experience

• 4+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment involving welding, grinding, machining, or metal finishing

• Demonstrated experience building a high-performing team

• Demonstrated experience using KPIs to drive performance improvement

• Ability to maintain positive, professional relationships and contribute to a culture of trust, respect, inclusion, and integrity

• Strong communication skills

• A continuous improvement mindset

• Self-motivation and the ability to prioritize projects to meet completion dates

Desired Qualifications

• 4+ years of manufacturing experience in aerospace, automotive, or a closely related industry

• Experience in a foundry or casting-finishing environment focused on highly engineered, high-quality castings, with exceptional customer delivery as a key driver; investment casting preferred

• Certified welding and/or NDT/inspection background, or experience leading certified welders and finishers

• Strong knowledge and applied experience in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and the Toyota Production System

• Experience operating in an AS9100 environment

Base Pay Range for:

WA applicants is $113,158.00 - $158,420.85

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.