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Machine Shop Shift Leader

Blue Origin · Greater Seattle Area · Posted 2026-08-17

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Job description

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. Description: We are a mission-driven team of collaborators, action-takers and problem solvers relentlessly committed to a culture of safety and success. Working as an integral part of a passionate and accomplished team of experts, you will directly impact the future of space flight and ensure the progression of building the road to space through reusable rockets. Through dedication and leadership, your influence will help guide your team to define the future of space flight production. In coordinating all aspects of machining flight vehicle components, you will support various spaceflight systems in the production of parts with high-value, tight tolerance and impeccable quality: driving towards on time delivery and first article success. This position will directly influence the history of space exploration and will require your unwavering commitment and unfaltering focus towards safe and repeatable spaceflight. Responsibilities: Ownership of machine shop personnel and day-to-day operations and execution Conduct performance reviews Responsible for establishing work station assignments, employee training, overtime assignments and back-up for absent employees Maintain and communicate machine shop schedule status to ensure meeting customer expectations Provide first level escalation support to employees regarding HR issues (employee relations, worker’s compensation, disciplinary actions, time cards, PTO requests) Identifying Continuous Improvement opportunities and implementing change to improve process, reduce cycle and setup times Maintain shop measuring equipment calibration program ensuring all relative equipment is calibrated according to schedule Maintain all shop programs. These programs include 5S, Lean, Cleaning and Safety Ensure all team members follow work instructions, quality requirements and processes Ensure accurate machine shop staff data recording. Namely clock-in/clock-out activities Provide continued training and skills development for team members, and mentor early career team member Ensure start-up readiness for production Maintain machine shop organization, safety and cleanliness Support design for manufacturing and provide job planning estimates Ability to perform interviews, evaluate talent and provide hiring recommendations Safely work within an industrial environment Qualifications: 4 years minimum of leadership experience 7 years minimum experience in machining aerospace components Root cause and corrective action analysis experience Familiarity with KPI metrics Excellent blue print reading skills including GD&T per ASME Y14.5M-1994 standard Strong communication skills with a heavy customer focus Must have a continuous improvement mindset Clear understanding of production versus development environments Fluent in use of precision hand tools Familiar with use of personal computers Self-motivation and ability to prioritize projects to meet completion dates Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum. Desired Experience machining nickel-based stainless steel alloys, copper, titanium Tooling and fixture design 5S, Lean Manufacturing or Kaizen experience Knowledge of CAD/CAM tools Experience operating heavy lifting equipment such as cranes and forklifts around flight critical hardware Knowledge and understanding of CMM programming/operation Outside processing knowledge (heat treat, plating, coating, EDM, grinding, etc.) Experience machining tight tolerance, high value components 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 Creden