Application close date:
Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.
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.
The Shift Lead for Composite Manufacturing is responsible for overseeing trim and drill operations for composite Payload Fairings (PLF) supporting the New Glenn rocket program. This role leads a team of technicians to ensure safe, high-quality, and on-schedule rate execution of manufacturing activities while driving continuous improvement in cost, quality, delivery, and team performance.
Key Responsibilities:- Lead and supervise daily trim and drill operations for composite Payload Fairing structures (PLF).
- Assign and coordinate technician work activities to meet production schedules and milestones.
- Ensure adherence to engineering specifications, work instructions, and quality standards.
- Monitor and drive performance across cost, quality, and schedule (CQS) metrics.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for shift-level production issues, including escalation and resolution.
- Promote and enforce a strong safety culture and compliance with all safety procedures.
- Support first article builds, process validation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Coordinate with cross-functional teams (Engineering, Quality, Planning, Supply Chain) to resolve issues and maintain workflow.
- Track labor hours, material usage, and productivity to ensure cost efficiency.
- Provide coaching, mentoring, and performance feedback to technicians.
- Maintain accurate production records, logs, and shift reports.
Daily Tasks Include (but are not limited to):- Conduct shift start-up meetings and communicate priorities, risks, and goals.
- Assign daily technician work scopes and adjust as needed based on production status.
- Oversee trim and drill operations, ensuring precision, tool control, and process compliance.
- Monitor part quality and support inspections to ensure conformance.
- Address non-conformances, troubleshoot issues, and implement corrective actions.
- Track progress against schedule and update leadership on status.
- Ensure proper staffing levels and support team development.
- Drive housekeeping and 5S standards on the production floor.
Qualifications:- High school diploma or GED (Associate's or technical degree preferred).
- 5+ years of experience in composite manufacturing, aerospace structures, or similar field.
- 2+ years of leadership or team lead experience in a production environment.
- Experience with trim and drill operations on composite structures.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and work instructions.
Preferred Qualifications:- Experience with large aerospace composite structures or payload fairings.
- Familiarity with lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methods.
- Knowledge of nonconformance systems and root cause corrective action (RCCA).
- Experience working in a fast-paced, production-driven environment.
Key Competencies:- Leadership and team development
- Problem-solving and decision-making
- Strong communication and coordination
- Attention to detail and quality focus
- Ability to manage multiple priorities under schedule pressure
Culture StatementDon'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.
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.
