Sr Ops Excellence Leader- Project Management

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!  

Blue Origin is seeking an experienced Operational Excellence Leader with expertise in Lean Six Sigma methodologies to drive continuous improvement across our Lunar Operations. The successful candidate will be a change agent who can operate effectively within ambiguity while effectively influencing across all organizational levels. This role will be instrumental in transforming processes and cultivating a culture of operational excellence to support Blue Origin's mission of building a road to space.

Key Responsibilities

Process Excellence & Methodology Implementation

• Drive implementation of Lean Six Sigma methodologies throughout Lunar Operations

• Lead cross-functional workshops utilizing backward planning to optimize operational processes

• Identify opportunities for process improvement and implement best practices across operations

• Develop and track key performance indicators to measure process effectiveness

Leadership & Influence Management

• Lead without formal authority across multiple teams and departments

• Effectively communicate with all organizational levels from shop floor technicians to executive leadership

• Maintain composure and provide clear direction in ambiguous situations

• Provide mentorship, guidance, and professional development opportunities for team members

• Coordinate team activities to support multiple concurrent lunar operations projects

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with various departments including Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Program Management

• Facilitate communication and alignment between teams to ensure operational objectives are met

• Present operational excellence metrics and improvement opportunities to senior leadership

• Build consensus and drive accountability across functional boundaries

Risk & Change Management

• Develop and implement structured approaches to process changes

• Anticipate potential roadblocks and develop mitigation strategies

• Create sustainable solutions that address root causes rather than symptoms

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, or Operations or related field

• 12-15 years of experience in operational excellence, process improvement, or related roles

• Certification in Six Sigma Green Belt (Black Belt preferred), Lean, PMP, or equivalent methodologies

• Demonstrated experience implementing Lean Six Sigma methodologies in complex operations

• Experience in aerospace, defense, or similar regulated industries

• Strong facilitation and cross-functional collaboration skills

• Excellent communication and presentation abilities

• Proven ability to lead through influence rather than direct authority

• Experience managing in ambiguous, rapidly changing environments

Preferred

• Master's degree in relevant field

• Experience with space systems and lunar operations

• Training/teaching experience in process improvement methodologies

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.