Supplier Development Engineer

About the role

Blue Origin’s Operations organization includes Integrated Supply Chain, Test Operations, Safety, Quality, and Mission Assurance, supporting manufacturing and supply chain across all facilities. As a Supplier Development Engineer, you will build and execute technical programs that transform the supply base from reactive to ready. You will lead qualification activities through Blue Origin’s four‑gate pathway, design and run development programs with critical suppliers, and work on‑site with suppliers to own qualification outcomes. This field‑forward role directly impacts safe and repeatable spaceflight and helps establish Blue Origin’s first dedicated Supplier Development and Qualification function.

Special mentions: relocation assistance is provided; travel is expected up to 50 % of the time; multiple positions are available.

Responsibilities

• 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 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 qualification to assess supplier QMS capability and establish a clear quality baseline.
• Maintain the enterprise qualification library to enable cross‑program reuse of qualification data.
• Support international supply‑base development by applying consistent qualification and development standards to global suppliers.
• Contribute to 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 Engineering or a related 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 (Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or asylee.

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.
• 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.

Pay

Base Pay Range for Washington applicants: $112,059.00 – $156,882.60 (other site ranges may differ).

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance.
• Paid parental leave.
• Short‑ and long‑term disability.
• 401(k) with company match up to 5 %.
• Education Support Program.
• Stock options for regular employees working at least 20 hours/week.
• Paid Time Off: up to four weeks per year based on scheduled hours, plus up to 14 company‑paid holidays.
• Additional benefits and bonuses may be offered at the company’s discretion, based on role type and job level.

Culture Statement

Blue Origin encourages candidates to apply even if they do not meet every desired qualification. Passion for the mission and vision is required, and the company is dedicated to building an authentic, inclusive workplace.