Trim & Drill Shift Lead (C Shift)

Application close date:

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!

The Shift Lead for Composite Manufacturing is responsible for overseeing trim and drill operations for composite Payload Fairings (PLF) supporting the New Glenn program. This role leads a team of technicians to ensure safe, high-quality, and on-schedule execution of manufacturing activities while driving continuous improvement in cost, quality, delivery, and team performance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and supervise daily trim and drill operations for composite Payload Fairing structures (PLF).
• Assign and coordinate technician work activities to meet production schedules and milestones.
• Ensure adherence to engineering specifications, work instructions, and quality standards.
• Monitor and drive performance across cost, quality, and schedule (CQS) metrics.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for shift-level production issues, including escalation and resolution.
• Promote and enforce a strong safety culture and compliance with all safety procedures.
• Support first article builds, process validation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams (Engineering, Quality, Planning, Supply Chain) to resolve issues and maintain workflow.
• Track labor hours, material usage, and productivity to ensure cost efficiency.
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and performance feedback to technicians.
• Maintain accurate production records, logs, and shift reports.

Daily Tasks Include (but are not limited to):

• Conduct shift start-up meetings and communicate priorities, risks, and goals.
• Assign daily technician work scopes and adjust as needed based on production status.
• Oversee trim and drill operations, ensuring precision, tool control, and process compliance.
• Monitor part quality and support inspections to ensure conformance.
• Address non-conformances, troubleshoot issues, and implement corrective actions.
• Track progress against schedule and update leadership on status.
• Ensure proper staffing levels and support team development.
• Drive housekeeping and 5S standards on the production floor.

Basic Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED (Associate's or technical degree preferred).
• 5+ years of experience in composite manufacturing, aerospace structures, or similar field.
• 2+ years of leadership or team lead experience in a production environment.
• Experience with trim and drill operations on composite structures.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and work instructions.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with large aerospace composite structures or payload fairings.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methods.
• Knowledge of nonconformance systems and root cause corrective action (RCCA).
• Experience working in a fast-paced, production-driven environment.

Key Competencies:

• Leadership and team development
• Problem-solving and decision-making
• Strong communication and coordination
• Attention to detail and quality focus
• Ability to manage multiple priorities under schedule pressure

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