PA AFP Composites/NDT Production Manager

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.

Production Operations Manager — AFP & NDT
I’m looking for a Production Operations Manager to oversee day-to-day production operations for Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) and Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) at Blue Origin.
This leader will be responsible for a team consisting of approximately 6 supervisors and 120 technicians, with a strong focus on safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and continuous improvement.
The ideal candidate will provide strategic and hands-on leadership across both AFP and NDT operations, ensuring production goals are met while maintaining high standards for quality, compliance, and operational excellence.
Key responsibilities include:
Lead and develop a team of 6 supervisors and approximately 120 technicians.
Oversee daily AFP and NDT production activities, staffing, capacity, and workflow.
Establish and drive production goals aligned with organizational priorities.
Ensure adherence to safety, quality, and operational requirements.
Partner closely with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Maintenance, and other cross-functional organizations.
Identify and remove production constraints and improve throughput.
Drive continuous improvement, standardization, and lean manufacturing initiatives.
Develop supervisors and front-line leaders through coaching, accountability, and performance management.
Monitor key performance indicators and use data to drive operational decisions.
Support workforce planning, scheduling, hiring, and organizational development.
Build a culture of ownership, accountability, teamwork, and operational excellence.
Required Skills
Proven experience leading manufacturing or production operations in a complex technical environment.
Demonstrated experience managing large teams, including supervisors and front-line technicians.
Strong leadership, communication, coaching, and people-development skills.
Ability to establish priorities and make sound decisions in a fast-paced production environment.
Strong understanding of production planning, scheduling, capacity management, and resource allocation.
Experience driving safety, quality, productivity, and on-time delivery performance.
Strong problem-solving and root-cause analysis skills.
Ability to effectively use data and KPIs to identify issues and drive improvements.
Experience working cross-functionally with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Maintenance, and other organizations.
Strong understanding of continuous improvement and lean manufacturing principles.
Ability to hold teams and leaders accountable while maintaining a positive and collaborative culture.
Desired Skills
Experience with AFP, NDT, composites, aerospace manufacturing, or other advanced manufacturing processes.
Experience working in a highly regulated or aerospace production environment.
Experience leading organizations of 100+ employees.
Experience developing and mentoring supervisors and other front-line leaders.
Strong knowledge of composite manufacturing processes and associated production challenges.
Familiarity with NDT methods, inspection requirements, and quality systems.
Experience with production systems, MES, ERP, or other manufacturing management tools.
Experience implementing Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, 5S, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
Demonstrated ability to lead organizational change and scale production operations.
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, Business, or a related field.
Advanced degree, Lean/Six Sigma certification, or relevant technical certifications.
Aerospace, defense, or other high-reliability manufacturing experience.

***This position is for "A" Shift Monday-Thursday 4X10***

 

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 [email protected]. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.