Blue Origin

Quality Manager

Blue Origin$140K — $196K *
Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 8+ years of quality engineering or management experience in aerospace, defense, or manufacturing
  • 3+ years of people management experience with proven team development skills
  • Strong understanding of AS9100 Quality Management Systems and auditing experience
  • Expertise in managing nonconformance processes and First Article Inspections
  • Ability to lead root cause analysis and drive corrective actions
  • Excellent communication skills for presenting data to senior leadership

Responsibilities

  • Lead and mentor a team of Quality Engineers and Specialists in daily operations
  • Conduct performance reviews and identify development opportunities for team members
  • Foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement
  • Champion adherence to AS9100 and lead internal audits
  • Initiate and manage continuous improvement efforts using structured methodologies
  • Develop quality metrics and track KPIs while managing corrective actions
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure quality throughout the product lifecycle

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance options
  • Paid parental leave and short/long-term disability coverage
  • 401(k) plan with company match up to 5%
  • Stock options available for all eligible employees
  • Generous paid time off including up to four weeks per year and 14 company-paid holidays
  • Education support program for employee development
Full Job Description
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.

As part of a hardworking team of specialists, inspectors, and engineers, we are looking for someone to apply their technical expertise, leadership skills, and commitment to quality to positively impact safe human spaceflight. Passion for our mission and vision is required!

Special Mentions
  • Relocation provided
  • Shifts available:
    • A shift Monday - Friday
  • Interviews will include a technical assessment


Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
  • Lead, coach, and mentor a team of Quality Engineers, Specialists, to execute daily manufacturing quality 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 manufacturing.
  • Interface with regulatory agencies (FAA, NASA) and customers as required to communicate quality status and corrective actions

Minimum Qualifications
  • 8+ years of progressive quality engineering or quality management experience in aerospace, defense, or advanced manufacturing environments
  • 3+ 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

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in aerospace launch vehicle manufacturing, space systems, or human-rated flight hardware programs
  • 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 $140,316.00 - $196,442.40

Other site ranges may differ

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.


About Blue Origin

Blue Origin is an aerospace company that develops rockets and spacecraft for commercial and government customers. The company's products include the New Shepard suborbital vehicle and the New Glenn orbital rocket. Blue Origin was founded in 2000 by Jeff Bezos and is headquartered in Kent, Washington.
Learn more about Blue Origin
Size
3,000 employees
Industry
Founded
2000

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