Director - Materials & Processes (M&P), Kent/HSV

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 Advanced Concepts and Enterprise Engineering (ACE), supporting Blue Origin’s mission of millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. The team fosters innovation and drives engineering workflows of the future, shared solutions and standards, simplicity and lower costs, and manufacturable design.

At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We're developing reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety and collaboration. Join our team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight!

The Director of Materials & Processes (M&P) will lead teams of engineers, technicians, and people leaders within the Advanced Concepts and Enterprise Engineering business unit. This leader will drive excellence across 10+ materials and manufacturing process laboratories at multiple sites, while overseeing automation and AI initiatives to improve laboratory operations and customer experience. As a key stakeholder for enterprise initiatives, you will help establish standards and tools for M&P engineers across the company.

Special Mentions:

• Relocation provided
• This position is based at our facility in Kent, WA
• Relocation assistance is provided
• Travel expectations: 15% travel, including visiting team members at multiple Blue

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Lead and develop teams of engineers, technicians, and people leaders across multiple sites
• Drive excellence across 10+ materials and manufacturing process laboratories
• Oversee automation and AI initiatives to improve laboratory operations and customer experience
• Serve as a key stakeholder for enterprise initiatives on standards and tools for M&P engineers
• Develop succession plans for key technical roles within the materials and processes organization
• Foster a culture of continuous learning and knowledge sharing across the materials engineering teams
• Drive cross-functional collaboration to resolve complex materials engineering challenges
• Implement advanced materials testing and qualification programs for space applications
• Lead failure investigations related to materials and processes issues
• Build trust through transparent communication and consistent follow-through on commitments
• Represent the Materials & Processes organization in technical reviews and program milestones
• Drive innovation in materials science to enable next-generation space technologies
• Ensure compliance with applicable standards, regulations, and safety requirements
• Develop and manage department budget and resource allocation

Minimum Qualifications:

• B.S. in engineering
• Minimum of 10 years of people management experience, including budget authority of at least $1M annually
• Proven track record of delivering results for internal customer teams
• Experience working across the product lifecycle in materials and manufacturing engineering
• Knowledge in advanced manufacturing and materials characterization and testing
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategic initiatives that drive organizational performance
• Track record of developing talent and building high-performing technical teams
• Experience creating and maintaining technical standards across multiple business units
• Excellent communication and leadership skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
• 15+ years of experience in aerospace materials engineering
• Experience with advanced materials development and qualification
• Knowledge of additive manufacturing and advanced manufacturing processes
• Experience with materials database management systems
• Background in failure analysis and root cause investigation
• Experience with contamination control in spacecraft systems
• Knowledge of cryogenic systems and materials
• Experience with radiation effects on materials
• Experience leading organizational change initiatives
• Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships across functional boundaries
• Success in creating systems that improve organizational effectiveness
• Experience implementing automation and AI solutions in laboratory environment

 

Compensation Range for:

WA applicants is $218,262.00 - $305,566.80

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 (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.

• 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.