Production Control Manager
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.
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Production Control Manager to oversee all aspects of hardware production support, planning, scheduling, and control for Lunar Permanence production at Blue's Lunar Production facilities in Merritt Island, Florida. This critical role directly supports the on-time delivery of critical hardware essential for lunar exploration and settlement, driving operational excellence, material availability, and schedule adherence. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, demonstrates strong leadership and analytical abilities, and fosters collaboration across manufacturing, engineering, supply chain, and quality teams.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the Production Control Team in planning, scheduling, and coordinating manufacturing activities to achieve production milestones and delivery targets for Lunar Permanence production.
- Develop, manage, and report against detailed production schedules, collaborating with manufacturing, engineering, supply chain, and quality teams to resolve issues and ensure alignment with business priorities.
- Oversee demand planning, shortage tracking, and daily work center scheduling; implement recovery plans and milestone reporting to drive schedule adherence.
- Monitor production performance metrics, analyze variances, and provide regular reports and recommendations to senior management.
- Mentor and develop team members to foster a culture of safety, accountability, continuous improvement, and teamwork.
- Collaborate with cross-functional partners to define requirements, establish standardized processes, and implement new tools or software solutions (e.g., ERP, MES, PLM systems).
- Support new product introductions, process changes, and production scale-up activities.
- Ensure compliance with safety, regulatory, and company standards; proactively identify risks and lead corrective actions.
- Manage budget and resource allocation for production control activities.
- Drive and contribute to lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
Team Focus & Domain Expertise:
As a Production Control Manager for the Lunar Operations, you will be instrumental in coordinating work across avionics, fluid systems, mechanical assembly, engine integration, and other domains—ensuring the hardware is ready for integration and launch preparation.
Minimum Qualifications:
- 1+ years of experience managing a team within a manufacturing or aerospace environment.
- 5+ years as an individual contributor in manufacturing or aerospace production control, scheduling, or operations.
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, manufacturing, aerospace, operations management, supply chain, military, or comparable field; or equivalent experience.
- Demonstrated ability to analyze and interpret production data to drive process improvements and decision-making.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and collaboration skills.
- Proficiency in digital tools, including Windows, Microsoft Office; experience with ERP systems.
- Ability to lift 50 lbs and work at heights or in confined spaces.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Industry certifications or trade school training in operations, supply chain, or related field.
- Experience in aerospace manufacturing, integration, or similar industries.
- Hands-on experience with advanced manufacturing technologies and software (e.g., CAD, ERP, MES, PLM).
- Experience with material requirements planning (MRP), shortage recovery, and schedule management.
- Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma certification.
- Experience with fluid systems and applied chemistry fundamentals.
- Experience implementing continuous improvement initiatives.
- Strong organization and ability to prioritize, handle multiple tasks, and adapt to changing priorities.
- Familiarity with aerospace regulatory compliance.
- Proven record of hands-on team leadership and cross-functional project management.
- Willingness to work overtime as needed.
Desired Skills and Experience:
- Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain, Business Administration, or a related field.
- 7+ years' experience working on development programs or production lines in both leadership and hands-on roles.
- Proficiency in reading, running, and writing SQL (Structured Query Language).
- Flexibility to work varied shifts, including overtime, weekends, and occasional travel.
- Experience managing environments that require adherence to safety and health guidelines, including PPE usage.
- Ability to handle multiple decisions considering workload dispersion, program priorities, and management/customer requirements.
- Strong interpersonal skills with excellent written and oral communication.
- Strong analytical skills and mathematical aptitude for problem-solving.
- Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Experience in aerospace research and development and manufacturing environments.
- Proven record of hands-on development and implementation of company-wide process improvements.
- Experience leveraging existing data sets to provide analytics insight.
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.
- Paid Time Off: Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.
- Discretionary bonus: Bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results.
- Eligibility for benefits varies by role type, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role.
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 workforce. 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