Director, Program Operations

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. The Director of Operations Program Management for TeraWave will own the operational execution and program management infrastructure that keeps one of the most ambitious satellite manufacturing programs in history running at pace and on schedule. Reporting directly to TeraWave Operations senior leadership, you will lead and scale the Subassembly Operations Program Management, Operations Scheduling, Configuration Management, and Customer Terminals Operations functions, while driving enterprise-wide operational strategy across build execution, BOM and material management, schedule integrity, configuration control, and operational performance - from new product introduction through high-rate volume production. The Challenge The TeraWave architecture consists of 5,408 optically interconnected satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) and medium Earth orbit (MEO). This multi-orbit design enables ultra-high-throughput links between global hubs and distributed, multigigabit user connections, particularly in remote, rural, and suburban areas where fiber paths are costly, technically infeasible, or slow to deploy. TeraWave enterprise-grade user and gateway terminals can be rapidly deployed worldwide and interface with existing high-capacity infrastructure, providing additional route strengthening overall network resilience. TeraWave addresses the unmet needs of customers who are seeking higher throughput, symmetrical upload/download speeds, more redundancy, and rapid scalability. Globally distributed customers can each access speeds of up to 144 Gbps delivered using Q/V-band links from a constellation of 5,280 LEO satellites, while up to 6 Tbps can be accessed via optical links from 128 MEO satellites. Delivering this network on time and at scale requires flawless operations program execution - and that's where you come in. What You'll Do Own & Shape Operations Program Execution Strategy Serve as the senior program management leader and primary interface between TeraWave Operations and cross-functional executive stakeholders, ensuring operational strategies translate into reliable, on-schedule production outcomes Define and own program health visibility across subassembly operations - tracking build quantities, schedule progress, identifying risks early, and driving timely resolution of blockers at the leadership level Develop and maintain realistic production program schedules that reflect ground truth across subassembly operations and manufacturing execution Lead operations across the full product development lifecycle - from early NPI phases through volume production ramp - ensuring the right level of strategic and operational engagement at each stage Establish and enforce governance mechanisms and executive reporting cadences that give senior leadership accurate, real-time insight into operational status Define and own risk identification frameworks and mitigation strategies that protect schedule and program commitments at scale Drive Subassembly Operations Performance Lead and scale the Subassembly OPM function, overseeing end-to-end subassembly program execution - from planning and intake through build completion and closeout Own build quantity planning, BOM management, and build material management across subassembly operations, ensuring clarity on what needs to be built, when, and with what Define and execute long-lead component risk strategies, including proactive supplier engagement and pipeline management to protect continuity and avoid schedule gaps Own cost targets across subassembly operations, driving structural cost reduction per unit as production matures and scales toward high-rate manufacturing Ensure subassembly operations are aligned with overall production program requirements, build plans, and configuration baselines Partner with engineering and operations leaders to ensure subassembly processes are optimized, resourced, and executing to plan Drive accountability across subassembly operations through clear metrics, structured reviews, and escalation processes Lead & Elevate the Production Scheduling Function Directly lead the Operations Scheduling team, owning the production scheduling function and ensuring the master production schedule reflects current operational realities and program priorities at a director level Proactively identify schedule conflicts and communicate impacts to senior stakeholders in a timely and clear manner Ensure scheduling plans are executable and grounded in capacity, headcount, and material availability Drive schedule adherence metrics and lead structured schedule review processes with cross-functional partners and senior leadership Own Configuration Management Lead and own the Configuration Management function, establishing and enforcing processes that ensure product and component configurations are accurately defined, controlled, and traceable across the full production lifecycle Identify components with viable multi-source opportunities and drive qualification strategies that reduce unit cost while protecting performance and schedule - translating high-cost single-source dependencies into qualified, competitive supply options Partner with engineering, supply chain, and operations teams to ensure configuration baselines are maintained and changes are assessed, approved, and implemented with full visibility into cost, schedule, and quality impact Drive configuration management discipline through NPI and into volume production, ensuring that configuration integrity is preserved as the program scales toward high-rate manufacturing Own the process of breaking down subassemblies to identify cost reduction opportunities, working cross-functionally to qualify alternative sources and incorporate them into future EVT/DVT build phases and volume production runs Establish configuration management governance mechanisms and reporting standards that give leadership clear visibility into configuration status, change history, and qualification progress Lead Customer Terminals Operations Own the end-to-end operations program management for TeraWave customer terminals - including enterprise-grade user terminals and gateway terminals - ensuring build execution, scheduling, and material management are aligned with customer deployment commitments Partner with engineering, supply chain, and field deployment teams to ensure customer terminal production is planned, resourced, and executing to schedule at the pace required to support global customer deployments Manage customer terminal BOM, build quantities, and long-lead component risk to ensure production readiness and uninterrupted supply to customers worldwide Drive cost reduction and yield improvement across customer terminal operations, applying the same rigor and structured improvement frameworks used across subassembly operations Ensure customer terminal configurations are controlled and aligned with deployment requirements, customer specifications, and internal quality standards Establish clear operational metrics and governance for customer terminal operations, providing senior leadership with accurate, real-time visibility into production status and customer commitment health Champion Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement Establish scalable, repeatable operational frameworks that support growing production needs and increasing build rates across the enterprise Drive first-pass yield improvement and cost-per-unit reduction through structured process improvement, rigorous root cause analysis, and cross-functional accountability Establish rapid escalation and containment mechanisms that ensure production issues are identified, escalated, and resolved with urgency - minimizing impact to schedule and quality Lead and sponsor cross-functional operations improvement initiatives that drive efficiency, reduce cycle time, and improve overall production performance Deploy process standardization and governance mechanisms across all operations program management functions Continuously identify operational gaps, performance trends, and enterprise-wide opportunities to enhance execution quality and efficiency Build, Lead & Develop a High-Performing Organization Build, lead, and develop the Subassembly Operations Program Management, Operations Scheduling, Configuration Management, and Customer Terminals Operations organizations, setting strategic direction and driving high performance across all functions Define org structure, headcount plans, and capability roadmaps that scale with TeraWave production growth Foster an organizational culture of accountability, transparency, urgency, and continuous improvement Develop talent at all levels, creating clear growth paths and coaching leaders and team members to expand their impact Represent Operations Program Management at the TeraWave senior leadership level, contributing to and influencing enterprise-wide operational strategy and investment decisions What You Bring Minimum Qualifications 15+ years of experience in operations program management, production program management, or manufacturing program management in a complex, high-stakes production environment 5+ years of experience in a senior leadership role managing managers and leading multi-functional operations teams Proven track record of owning and driving program execution and schedule management at scale across large cross-functional organizations Deep understanding of production scheduling, BOM management, build material management, configuration management, and manufacturing program management fundamentals Demonstrated experience defining and executing long-lead component risk strategies and supplier pipeline management to protect production schedules Experience owning configuration management functions, including multi-source qualification strategies, configuration baseline control, and change management processes Experience leading operations program management for customer-facing hardware programs, including terminal or end-user device production Proven ability to develop and scale operational governance frameworks, reporting cadences, and escalation mechanisms for senior leadership visibility Experience driving first-pass yield improvement and structural cost reduction in a high-complexity manufacturing environment Demonstrated ability to build and scale high-performing operations program management organizations Strong executive presence with the ability to present program health, risk, and strategy clearly and confidently to senior and executive leadership Excellent written and verbal communication skills BA/BS degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent experience Preferred Qualifications Experience in satellite manufacturing, aerospace, or similarly complex electromechanical production environments Experience leading operations across NPI and volume production phases, including the strategic transition from development to high-rate manufacturing Demonstrated experience driving component cost reduction through multi-source qualification and supply chain strategies Lean/Six Sigma Black Belt certification with demonstrated enterprise-level application in a high-complexity manufacturing environment Deep familiarity with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), ERP/MRP platforms, configuration management tools, and production scheduling platforms PMP or equivalent project management certification Proven experience standing up and scaling operations program management organizations from early production through high-rate manufacturing Knowledge of AS9100, ISO 9001, or equivalent quality management frameworks Master's degree in Engineering, Operations, or Business Base Pay Range for: WA applicants is $203,165.00 - $284,430.30 Other site ranges may differ 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 (CDL drivers only), 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 em