Blue Origin
spaceflight
EngineerIII,Make-BuyOptimization(MBO)
Neural analysis suggests this role is
optimal for Mid candidates.
“Engineer III, Make-Buy Optimization (MBO) at Blue Origin. Skills: Make-Buy-Where-When-How (MBWWH) analyses, quantitative trade-off analyses, cost modeling, sourcing recommendations, aerospace manufacturing processes. Conduct detailed make-buy-where-when-how (MBWWH) analyses for assigned program parts, assemblies, and manufacturing processes. Evaluate internal manufacturing capabilities against external supplier options, considering technical readiness, cost, schedule, and risk”
What You'll Achieve.
drive timely, data-driven sourcing decisions; influence program affordability, schedule, and supply chain resilience
Industry & Context.
problem solvers; resolve incomplete or missing makeuy designations; quantitative trade-off analyses
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, Blue’s Standard Background Check, Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installation, 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., Ability to obtain and maintain Merchant Mariner Credential, which includes pre-employment and random drug testing as well as DOT physical
What They're Looking For.
Must Have
Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering, 3–5 years of experience in aerospace manufacturing, systems engineering, supply chain engineering, or a related technical discipline, Working knowledge of aerospace manufacturing processes such as machining, fabrication, structures, composites, propulsion, or avionics integration, Demonstrated ability to perform quantitative trade-off analyses involving cost, schedule, technical risk, and operational factors, Comfortable engaging directly with engineers and program leaders — able to present technical recommendations and defend analytical conclusions, written and verbal communication skills — able to produce clear, concise decision packages for leadership consumption, Proficiency in Excel or similar tools for data analysis, cost modeling, and reporting
Nice to Have
Experience in a program-embedded supply chain, manufacturing engineering, or industrial engineering role, Familiarity with launch vehicle or spacecraft development programs, including transition from development to production, Experience with make-buy analysis, strategic sourcing, or supplier evaluation in an aerospace or defense environment, Proficiency with data visualization tools such as Power BI, Tableau, or Smartsheet, Exposure to MRL/TRL frameworks, manufacturing readiness assessments, or rate maturity evaluations, Familiarity with Integrated Product Teams and program milestone review processes (PDR, CDR, PRR)
What You'll Do.
Conduct detailed make-buy-where-when-how (MBWWH) analyses for assigned program parts
and manufacturing processes
Evaluate internal manufacturing capabilities against external supplier options
considering technical readiness
Build cost models and scenario analyses to support sourcing recommendations
and resolve incomplete or missing makeuy designations within the assigned program's bill of materials
Serve as the embedded MBWW representative for your assigned program
participating in design reviews and program milestone meetings
and Systems Engineering teams to assess producibility and design-to-cost opportunities that influence make vs. buy decisions
Engage with engineering and program leadership as a technically credible peer — translating complex trade-offs into clear
data-backed recommendations
Develop well-documented decision packages with clear assumptions
and sourcing recommendations
Track and report on decision status
and trends on a weekly basis
Collaborate with Procurement
Manufacturing Operations
and Finance to validate assumptions used in analyses
Support continuous improvement of MBWW tools
and analytical workflows
How You'll Work.
Team & Collaboration
working directly alongside engineering and program teams; Engage with engineering and program leadership as a technically credible peer; Collaborate with Procurement, Supplier Quality, Manufacturing Operations, and Finance; Partner with Design, Manufacturing, and Systems Engineering teams
Communication Scope
written and verbal communication skills; present technical recommendations; defend analytical conclusions; produce clear, concise decision packages for leadership consumption; translating complex trade-offs into clear, data-backed recommendations
Full Job Description
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 Make-Buy Optimization (MBO) organization is responsible for developing and executing the strategy behind how the company decides what to manufacture internally versus what to source externally — and where and when those decisions are made. As a program-embedded Engineer III, you will serve as the dedicated MBWWH resource for an assigned program, working directly alongside engineering and program teams to drive timely, data-driven sourcing decisions. This role requires a strong engineering foundation. You will engage credibly with design engineers, manufacturing engineers, and program leaders — evaluating internal fabrication capabilities and supplier options through a technical lens. Your work directly influences program affordability, schedule, and supply chain resilience. **Key Responsibilities:** * Conduct detailed make-buy-where-when-how (MBWWH) analyses for assigned program parts, assemblies, and manufacturing processes * Evaluate internal manufacturing capabilities against external supplier options, considering technical readiness, cost, schedule, and risk * Build cost models and scenario analyses to support sourcing recommendations * Identify, track, and resolve incomplete or missing make/buy designations within the assigned program's bill of materials * Serve as the embedded MBWW representative f
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