About this Lunar Continuous Improvement Engineer role at Blue Origin
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.- As a Continuous Improvement Engineer at Blue Origin, you will be responsible for driving operational excellence across production and integration operations through the systematic identification, development, and implementation of process improvements. Working across all manufacturing areas, you will analyze performance metrics, identify improvement opportunities, and lead cross-functional teams through structured problem-solving methodologies to achieve measurable gains in safety, quality, delivery, and cost. Your deep expertise in lean manufacturing principles, data-driven analysis, and change management will enable sustainable performance improvements across complex, high-mix/low-volume aerospace production environments where technical rigor and cultural transformation must advance in parallel. Operating through influence, coaching, and demonstrated results — you will align engineering, operations, and support functions to build a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring every process evolves toward greater efficiency, reliability, and mission readiness.
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification
Hands-on experience implementing continuous improvement programs in aerospace vehicle manufacturing, integration, or assembly operations
Background spanning both technical engineering disciplines and operational leadership
Experience operating in high-mix/low-volume, developmental, or early production environments with evolving processes and requirements
Familiarity with ERP systems, production planning tools, and data visualization platforms (e.g., SAP, Tableau, Power BI)
Formal project management training or certification (PMP or equivalent)
Experience developing and presenting operational performance metrics and improvement project results to senior leadership
Knowledge of AS9100, ISO standards, or other aerospace quality management systems
Position Specific Details:
Shifts: 1st | Mon-Fri (8am-5pm)
Location: Fl, Lunar Plant 1
Relocation: Available
Travel expected up to 10% of the time
Key Responsibilities:
Identify, scope, and lead continuous improvement projects across vehicle integration, fabrication, and assembly operations — targeting measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery performance, and cost reduction
Facilitate kaizen events, value stream mapping sessions, and rapid improvement workshops with cross-functional teams to eliminate waste, reduce cycle time, and improve flow
Develop and maintain operational performance metrics and dashboards; conduct regular Gemba walks and data analysis to identify trends, root causes, and improvement opportunities
Apply lean manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies (5S, visual management, standard work, SMED, poka-yoke, DMAIC, etc.) to drive process optimization and defect reduction
Coach and mentor manufacturing engineers, technicians, and leadership teams on continuous improvement tools, methodologies, and mindset — building internal capability and cultural change
Lead root cause analysis and corrective action efforts for recurring quality issues, safety incidents, and production disruptions; ensure sustainable countermeasures are implemented and validated
Partner with Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, and Operations teams to design and implement process improvements during Production Readiness Reviews and new product introductions
Track and report improvement project status, benefits realization, and key performance indicators (KPIs) in Weekly Business Reviews (WBR) and leadership forums
Benchmark internal and external best practices; translate lessons learned into actionable improvements and standard methodologies for deployment across the organization
Support the development and execution of the site's operational excellence roadmap and strategic improvement priorities in alignment with Blue Origin's mission objectives
Develop standard work documentation, visual controls, and training materials to sustain process improvements and ensure knowledge transfer across shifts and teams
Collaborate with all support organizations, engineering disciplines, and leadership to align priorities, remove barriers, and scale improvement initiatives across the enterprise
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience
Experience in a manufacturing engineering role: 10+ years Sr Manufacturing Engineer
5+ years of experience in continuous improvement, manufacturing engineering, quality or operations excellence within an aerospace, defense, or comparably complex manufacturing environment
Demonstrated experience leading successful continuous improvement projects with measurable results in safety, quality, delivery, or cost performance
Proficiency in lean manufacturing principles and tools (value stream mapping, 5S, kaizen, standard work, visual management, etc.)
Proven ability to analyze data, identify root causes, and develop sustainable corrective actions using structured problem-solving methodologies
Strong facilitation, coaching, and change management skills with a demonstrated ability to lead and influence cross-functional teams without direct authority
Preferred Qualifications:
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.
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.
