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 ChallengeThe 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 DoOwn & Shape Operations Program Execution StrategyServe 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 outcomesDefine 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 levelDevelop and maintain realistic production program schedules that reflect ground truth across subassembly operations and manufacturing executionLead 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 stageEstablish and enforce governance mechanisms and executive reporting cadences that give senior leadership accurate, real-time insight into operational statusDefine and own risk identification frameworks and mitigation strategies that protect schedule and program commitments at scaleDrive Subassembly Operations PerformanceLead and scale the Subassembly OPM function, overseeing end-to-end subassembly program execution - from planning and intake through build completion and closeoutOwn build quantity planning, BOM management, and build material management across subassembly operations, ensuring clarity on what needs to be built, when, and with whatDefine and execute long-lead component risk strategies, including proactive supplier engagement and pipeline management to protect continuity and avoid schedule gapsOwn cost targets across subassembly operations, driving structural cost reduction per unit as production matures and scales toward high-rate manufacturingEnsure subassembly operations are aligned with overall production program requirements, build plans, and configuration baselinesPartner with engineering and operations leaders to ensure subassembly processes are optimized, resourced, and executing to planDrive accountability across subassembly operations through clear metrics, structured reviews, and escalation processesLead & Elevate the Production Scheduling FunctionDirectly 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 levelProactively identify schedule conflicts and communicate impacts to senior stakeholders in a timely and clear mannerEnsure scheduling plans are executable and grounded in capacity, headcount, and material availabilityDrive schedule adherence metrics and lead structured schedule review processes with cross-functional partners and senior leadershipOwn Configuration ManagementLead 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 lifecycleIdentify 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 optionsPartner 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 impactDrive configuration management discipline through NPI and into volume production, ensuring that configuration integrity is preserved as the program scales toward high-rate manufacturingOwn 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 runsEstablish configuration management governance mechanisms and reporting standards that give leadership clear visibility into configuration status, change history, and qualification progressLead Customer Terminals OperationsOwn 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 commitmentsPartner 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 deploymentsManage customer terminal BOM, build quantities, and long-lead component risk to ensure production readiness and uninterrupted supply to customers worldwideDrive cost reduction and yield improvement across customer terminal operations, applying the same rigor and structured improvement frameworks used across subassembly operationsEnsure customer terminal configurations are controlled and aligned with deployment requirements, customer specifications, and internal quality standardsEstablish clear operational metrics and governance for customer terminal operations, providing senior leadership with accurate, real-time visibility into production status and customer commitment healthChampion Operational Excellence & Continuous ImprovementEstablish scalable, repeatable operational frameworks that support growing production needs and increasing build rates across the enterpriseDrive first-pass yield improvement and cost-per-unit reduction through structured process improvement, rigorous root cause analysis, and cross-functional accountabilityEstablish rapid escalation and containment mechanisms that ensure production issues are identified, escalated, and resolved with urgency - minimizing impact to schedule and qualityLead and sponsor cross-functional operations improvement initiatives that drive efficiency, reduce cycle time, and improve overall production performanceDeploy process standardization and governance mechanisms across all operations program management functionsContinuously identify operational gaps, performance trends, and enterprise-wide opportunities to enhance execution quality and efficiencyBuild, Lead & Develop a High-Performing OrganizationBuild, 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 functionsDefine org structure, headcount plans, and capability roadmaps that scale with TeraWave production growthFoster an organizational culture of accountability, transparency, urgency, and continuous improvementDevelop talent at all levels, creating clear growth paths and coaching leaders and team members to expand their impactRepresent Operations Program Management at the TeraWave senior leadership level, contributing to and influencing enterprise-wide operational strategy and investment decisionsWhat You BringMinimum Qualifications15+ years of experience in operations program management, production program management, or manufacturing program management in a complex, high-stakes production environment5+ years of experience in a senior leadership role managing managers and leading multi-functional operations teamsProven track record of owning and driving program execution and schedule management at scale across large cross-functional organizationsDeep understanding of production scheduling, BOM management, build material management, configuration management, and manufacturing program management fundamentalsDemonstrated experience defining and executing long-lead component risk strategies and supplier pipeline management to protect production schedulesExperience owning configuration management functions, including multi-source qualification strategies, configuration baseline control, and change management processesExperience leading operations program management for customer-facing hardware programs, including terminal or end-user device productionProven ability to develop and scale operational governance frameworks, reporting cadences, and escalation mechanisms for senior leadership visibilityExperience driving first-pass yield improvement and structural cost reduction in a high-complexity manufacturing environmentDemonstrated ability to build and scale high-performing operations program management organizationsStrong executive presence with the ability to present program health, risk, and strategy clearly and confidently to senior and executive leadershipExcellent written and verbal communication skillsBA/BS degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent experiencePreferred QualificationsExperience in satellite manufacturing, aerospace, or similarly complex electromechanical production environmentsExperience leading operations across NPI and volume production phases, including the strategic transition from development to high-rate manufacturingDemonstrated experience driving component cost reduction through multi-source qualification and supply chain strategiesLean/Six Sigma Black Belt certification with demonstrated enterprise-level application in a high-complexity manufacturing environmentDeep familiarity with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), ERP/MRP platforms, configuration management tools, and production scheduling platformsPMP or equivalent project management certificationProven experience standing up and scaling operations program management organizations from early production through high-rate manufacturingKnowledge of AS9100, ISO 9001, or equivalent quality management frameworksMaster's degree in Engineering, Operations, or BusinessBase Pay Range for:WA applicants is $203,165.00 - $284,430.30Other site ranges may differCulture StatementDon’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 RegulationsApplicants 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 CheckRequired for all positions: Blue’s Standard Background CheckRequired for Certain Job Profiles: Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installationRequired 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 physicalBenefitsBenefits 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 OpportunityBlue 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 employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Washington Fair Chance Act, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws.Affirmative Action and Disability AccommodationApplicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin’s Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us at View email address on click.appcast.io . Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request. #J-18808-Ljbffr