Sr Ops Excellence Leader- Project Management

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.

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