Supplier Development Engineer

Supplier Development Engineer

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.

As a Supplier Development Engineer at Blue Origin, you will build and execute the technical programs that transform our supply base from reactive to ready. Working directly with suppliers, you will lead qualification activities across Blue Origin's four-gate pathway from initial capability survey through first article approval and rate readiness initiating qualifications ahead of demand so that schedule risk never begins at the supplier. You will design and run development programs with our most critical suppliers, including design-to-manufacture workshops and yield and capacity improvement initiatives driving measurable improvements in quality, delivery, and technical maturity. This is a field-forward role: you will be on-site with suppliers regularly, owning the qualification outcome.

This position will have a direct impact on the history of space exploration, requiring your unwavering commitment to safe and repeatable spaceflight. Blue Origin's production ambitions depend on a supply base that is qualified, capable, and continuously improving and this role is at the center of building that foundation from scratch. By standing up Blue Origin's first dedicated Supplier Development and Qualification function, you will help realize our vision of millions of people living and working in space to benefit Earth.

We are looking for someone to apply their technical expertise, supplier-facing leadership, and commitment to quality to positively impact safe human spaceflight. Passion for our mission and vision is required.

Special Mentions

• Relocation provided
• Travel expected up to 50% of the time
• Multiple positions available

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Lead supplier qualification activities through Blue Origin's four-gate pathway (Capability Survey, On-Site Audit, First Article Inspection, Rate Readiness) initiating qualifications proactively ahead of program demand
• Conduct on-site supplier audits to evaluate manufacturing process maturity, quality systems, capacity, and readiness to meet Blue Origin's performance requirements
• Own and maintain complete qualification files for assigned suppliers and commodities, from initial assessment through first article approval and into production
• Drive supplier development programs with Strategic and Preferred tier suppliers, including design-to-manufacture workshops and capacity investment planning
• Partner with Supplier Quality during the qualification process to assess supplier QMS capability and quality system maturity establishing a clear quality baseline before suppliers enter the approved supply base
• Maintain the enterprise qualification library to enable cross-program reuse of qualification data, reducing redundant efforts across Blue Origin's business units
• Support international supply base development by applying consistent qualification and development standards to global suppliers
• Contribute to Blue Origin's annual and quarterly supplier conference programs to align on performance expectations, development roadmaps, and strategic partnerships
• Build and maintain qualification and capability data in systems of record to support supply base visibility, sourcing decisions, and future-state automation

Minimum Qualifications

• B.S. degree or higher in an Engineering or field
• 4+ years of experience in supplier development, manufacturing engineering, or a related cross-functional role with direct supplier-facing accountability
• Experience planning and executing supplier audits or manufacturing readiness assessments
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and how process maturity affects quality, delivery, and cost outcomes
• Experience working across Engineering, Procurement, Supplier Quality, and Program teams
• Ability to travel regularly to supplier facilities
• Excellent communication skills ability to set clear expectations with suppliers, drive accountability, and translate technical performance requirements across organizational boundaries
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in aerospace, space systems, defense, advanced manufacturing, or another high-complexity regulated industry
• Experience with First Article Inspection (FAI) per AS9102 or equivalent standard
• Familiarity with AS9100 or AS9120 quality management system requirements
• Experience designing or executing supplier development programs, including DtM workshops, capacity planning, and yield improvement initiatives
• Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, value stream mapping, or similar process improvement training or experience
• Experience with supplier tiering models, quarterly business reviews, or executive business reviews
• Familiarity with rate readiness assessments, production readiness reviews, or supplier ramp planning
• Experience supporting international supply base development or global supplier engagement

Base Pay Range for:

WA applicants is $112,059.00 - $156,882.60

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