VP of Manufacturing Automation

Blue Origin - Huntsville, AL

Full-time - Executive

Huntsville, AL

Transportation Equipment Manufacturing

About the position

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 diverse 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, Facilities, and Security. This includes Manufacturing and Supply Chain support across all Blue Origin facilities. As the VP for our Automation and Manufacturing division, you'll spearhead a dedicated team of experts, driving the financial and operational success of our spaceflight systems. This is an opportunity to build and deploy automation solutions at a world-class level, ensuring quality and efficiency in the production of innovative spaceflight systems. This role offers the opportunity to make your mark in the history of space exploration, requiring unwavering dedication and focus on propelling the boundaries of safe and repeatable spaceflight. This position requires effective communication, high judgement, and leadership of multi-functional initiatives across multiple business units and product lines. The ability to design, develop and deploy complex strategies and plans and the ability to communicate those at an executive level is a must. This leader will have responsibility across the Operations Organization.

Responsibilities

• Lead the architecture and implementation of automation solutions (e.g., A.I, Robotics, Software, Hardware) for Blue Origin's manufacturing design requirements, revolutionizing manufacturing capability across all Blue Origin facilities.
• Drive forward-thinking solutions to scale up manufacturing, reduce cost, increase throughput, improve productivity, and enhance productivity while maintaining quality standards.
• Develop and drive data-driven systems to optimize scheduling, planning, and reporting to reduce labor cost.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement, fostering Lean thinking at all levels of the Operations Organization.

Requirements

• BA or BS degree or equivalent experience with emphasis in Operation Management or Manufacturing Engineering and progressive responsibility increases.
• 15+ years of proven manufacturing leadership experience with a focus on automation and tooling.
• Prior experience in an automated manufacturing leadership role.
• Experience leading, growing, and developing large teams in a multi-business unit manufacturing organization.
• Experience building or transforming successful operations organizations and leading large-scale change initiatives that influence culture, define tools & processes, and improve competencies.
• Experience developing and implementing volume manufacturing processes.
• Advanced knowledge in designing and building successful delivery of automated manufacturing, production, assembly.
• Experience managing capital improvements and layout.
• 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.

Nice-to-haves

• 20+ years proven manufacturing experience in aerospace or a closely related industry, such as launch vehicles, aircraft, helicopters, automotive, excavation, mining, energy, or shipbuilding, with a recent focus in factory automation solutions.
• Master's degree in engineering, operation, or business is a plus.
• Solid understanding and applied experiences in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma and Toyota Production System.
• Experience in multiple manufacturing processes and technologies to include metal machining, composites, aero structures, welding, and harness fabrication.
• Experience working with aerospace suppliers and subcontractors.
• Highly effective and professional verbal and written communication skills with team, internal customers, and suppliers that includes a strong focus on teamwork and internal/external customer satisfaction.
• Earned Value Management (EVM) experience.
• Experience with Manufacturing Execution System and Product Lifecycle Manufacturing systems a plus.
• Demonstrated experience challenging the status quo, leading change, and guiding and motivating individuals to develop and implement new ways of thinking and doing business.
• An attitude of world-class mission assurance, quality, attention to detail, and dedication.
• Successful experience in hiring and developing great people with diverse skills.
• Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to a culture of inclusion.

Benefits

• 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%
• 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 designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results.