Manufacturing Systems Engineer III - Factory Layout & Optimization

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.

This role is part of Blue Origin Operations, providing manufacturing engineering and factory planning support for new and expanding production facilities. To support Blue Origin's ambitious vision of millions of people living and working in space, we are seeking a Manufacturing Engineer with strong factory layout, simulation, and AI-enabled optimization skills to lead the stand-up of a new high-complexity manufacturing facility.

This role will have a direct impact on multiple Blue Origin initiatives. You will design efficient factory layouts, build simulation models to optimize flow and throughput, and apply data-driven and AI methods to maximize production performance. We are looking for someone to apply their technical expertise, leadership skills, and commitment to quality to positively impact safe human spaceflight. Passion for our mission and vision is required.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead factory layout design and optimization for a new, high-complexity greenfield manufacturing facility
• Own and maintain the process for allocating floor space to workcenters
• Lead workcenter programming and sizing efforts, often working with external architects and engineering design firms
• Create flexible workcenter layouts that minimize capital expenditure and support manufacturing rate requirements
• Build and maintain discrete event simulation models (FlexSim, AnyLogic, or Plant Simulation) to optimize layout, throughput, material flow, and bottleneck identification
• Apply Systematic Layout Planning (SLP), line balancing, and flow analysis methods to drive layout decisions
• Apply data-driven and AI-enabled methods to layout optimization, predictive maintenance, quality, and scheduling
• Translate engineering requirements into robust, repeatable manufacturing processes
• Develop and maintain manufacturing documentation, including work instructions, process flow diagrams, and tool designs
• Evaluate and implement new manufacturing technologies and methods (precision machining, welding, brazing, additive manufacturing, advanced assembly)
• Support the transition from low-volume development to high-volume production
• Participate in process FMEAs, risk assessments, and validation of new production lines and equipment
• Support construction cost estimates and business case justifications for capital projects
• Report out to leadership on status of factory standup and layout milestones
• Continuously improve processes and procedures through iteration

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial, or Aerospace Engineering (other relevant fields may apply) from an accredited university
• 5+ years of Manufacturing or Industrial Engineering experience, with demonstrated facility or workcenter layout work
• Demonstrated experience supporting the build-out of manufacturing facilities and workcenters
• Proficiency using AutoCAD for workcenter layouts
• Competence with the Microsoft Software Suite (in particular, MS Project and Excel)
• Proficiency or willingness to learn discrete event simulation

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with discrete event simulation and factory flow modeling
• Data analysis skills (Python, SQL) for process and layout optimization
• Familiarity with AI/ML applications in manufacturing (layout optimization, predictive maintenance, quality inspection, scheduling)
• Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or higher)
• Experience with Systematic Layout Planning (SLP), line balancing, and value stream mapping
• Experience in the full lifecycle of workcenter-readiness projects, from requirements gathering to turnover for operations
• Experience supporting the transition from low-volume development to high-volume production
• Experience in aerospace, defense, or other high-sensitivity environments
• Understanding of engineering fundamentals for mechanical design and manufacturing, including working knowledge of GD&T
• Experience making the business case for and managing capital budgets
• Strong project management and presentation skills (Gantt charting, Jira, MS Project, Confluence, or similar)
• Proficiency with Siemens, AutoCAD, Revit, Bluebeam, or similar software
• Project Management Certification (PMP or other)

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.