Manufacturing Systems Engineer II - 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

2+ 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.