Shift Leader at Blue Origin in Huntsville, AL

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.

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 within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. Join our team of problem-solvers as we make history in space exploration!

The Fabrication Operations Shift Leader manages production teams during assigned shifts, focusing on rocket component fabrication processes including machining, welding, and precision assembly. This role ensures safety protocols, quality standards, and production targets are consistently met while supervising real-time operations. You'll drive shop floor excellence and implement continuous improvement initiatives that enhance manufacturing efficiency and product quality.

Key Responsibilities:

• Safety & Quality Leadership

  • Enforce rigorous safety standards during shift operations
  • Conduct pre-shift safety briefings and maintain a safety-first culture
  • Ensure all fabricated components meet engineering specifications and quality requirements

• Team Supervision

  • Lead, motivate and coordinate a team of fabrication technicians during assigned shift
  • Assign resources to production tasks based on priorities and technical requirements
  • Provide real-time guidance, coaching and performance feedback
  • Foster a collaborative team environment that upholds Blue Origin's values

• Production Execution

  • Monitor and manage daily fabrication operations to meet production targets
  • Ensure optimal utilization of equipment, tools and personnel
  • Troubleshoot production issues in real-time to minimize downtime
  • Coordinate with other shift leaders to ensure seamless 24-hour operations

• Technical Oversight

  • Oversee proper execution of fabrication processes including machining, welding, and assembly
  • Verify proper implementation of work instructions and manufacturing procedures
  • Ensure calibration and maintenance of shop equipment during your shift
  • Provide technical guidance to team members on complex fabrication tasks

• Continuous Improvement

  • Identify and implement process improvements in fabrication operations
  • Participate in root cause analysis for quality issues and production delays
  • Champion lean manufacturing principles on the shop floor
  • Collect and analyze shop performance data to drive improvement initiatives

• Communication & Documentation

  • Maintain accurate production records and shift logs
  • Conduct effective shift handovers with incoming/outgoing shift leaders
  • Communicate critical issues to management and supporting departments
  • Participate in daily production meetings and weekly performance reviews

Minimum Qualifications:

• 5+ years of fabrication or manufacturing experience in aerospace or related industries
• 3+ years of direct supervisory experience in a manufacturing environment
• High school diploma or GED (technical degree preferred)
• Demonstrated knowledge of fabrication processes, including machining, welding and assembly
• Experience reading and interpreting engineering drawings and specifications
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities in a production environment
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in aerospace manufacturing or precision fabrication
• Knowledge of CNC machining, welding, and specialized fabrication processes
• Background in shift management for 24/7 operations
• Expertise in lean manufacturing principles and 5S methodology
• Familiarity with production control systems and ERP software
• Experience with quality management systems (AS9100, ISO)

Additional Details:

• Physical Requirements: Ability to stand for extended periods and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds
• Work Environment: Shop floor environment with exposure to typical fabrication equipment
• Relocation assistance: Available for qualified candidates
• Interview process: Includes technical assessment and shop floor evaluation

Join us in building the future of spaceflight with precision-crafted components that enable Blue Origin's mission of millions living and working in space for the benefit of Earth!

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 EEOCompliance@blueorigin.com. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.