Associate Material Movement

Application close date:

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 requires a self-motivated individual who can work independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams to maintain inventory integrity and operational excellence.

As an ICO Associate based at our Kent WA Site, you will join a small but agile team primarily responsible for the inventory health of the organization. You will collaborate closely with all levels and roles that support Operations. This is a hands-on role, in a fast-paced environment that demands strong communication, organization, and planning, coupled with meticulous attention to detail. Through disciplined execution and an unwavering commitment to customer service, continuous improvement, and safety, you will ensure the right parts are in the right place at the right time. The work you do at Blue Origin will directly contribute to the advancement of safe, repeatable spaceflight and will play a role in Blue Origin's commitment to building the road to space. Together, these functions form the backbone of inventory control operations, directly impacting financial reporting accuracy, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

The Inventory Control Operations Associate plays a critical role in ensuring inventory accuracy and management to meet operational efficiency. This position is responsible for overseeing five key areas that are fundamental to inventory integrity: Physical Counting, Variance Process, the Shelf-Life Program, the Scrap/Obsolete Lane, and the Location Management Process.

Special Mentions

• Must be able to work 10-hour shifts
• Must be able to work 60-hour work weeks from time to time
• Must be able to support day and night shifts, with appropriate notices
• Must be able to work on Company Holidays and National Holidays with appropriate notices

Responsibilities include but are not limited to

• Execute cycle counts and physical inventories according to established schedules - the cornerstone of inventory accuracy, ensuring actual inventory matches recorded quantities through systematic counting processes
• Critical for identifying, investigating, and resolving discrepancies between system records and physical inventory, maintaining financial accuracy
• Document count results with precision and attention to detail
• Reconcile counting discrepancies in coordination with other departments
• Recommend process improvements to enhance counting efficiency and accuracy
• Maintain counting equipment and supplies
• Investigate inventory variances to determine root causes
• Document variance findings and implement corrective actions
• Collaborate with finance, operations, and warehouse teams on variance resolution
• Generate regular variance reports and analytics for management review
• Identify patterns in variances and develop preventative measures
• Monitor expiration dates of time-sensitive inventory
• Managing time-sensitive materials, preventing waste, and ensuring only viable products remain in inventory.
• Implement FIFO (First In, First Out) protocols for all applicable inventory
• Coordinate timely disposition of approaching-expiration items
• Train staff on proper handling of time-sensitive materials
• Proper disposition of damaged, expired, or obsolete inventory, optimizing warehouse space and financial reporting
• Maintain shelf-life tracking systems and documentation
• Process items designated for scrap or obsolescence according to company policy
• Document all scrap/obsolete transactions with proper approvals
• Coordinate with accounting for accurate financial impact recording
• Manage physical segregation of scrap/obsolete inventory
• Analyze scrap/obsolescence trends and recommend reduction strategies
• Ensure all inventory items have accurate location assignments
• Conduct periodic location audits to verify system accuracy
• Optimize warehouse slotting based on usage patterns and accessibility
• Resolving location discrepancies promptly
• Implement and maintain location labeling systems
• Foundational to inventory accessibility and picking efficiency, ensuring all items are properly located and retrievable

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; Associate's degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, or related field preferred
• 2+ years of experience in inventory control, warehouse operations, or related field
• Proficiency with inventory management systems and MS Office applications
• Strong mathematical aptitude and analytical skills
• Detail-oriented with excellent problem-solving abilities
• Experience with barcode scanning systems and inventory tracking technologies
• Ability to lift 40 pounds and stand for extended periods
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, Logistics, or related field
• Experience with ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, Costpoint)
• Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) or similar certification
• Six Sigma or Lean certification
• Forklift certification
• Experience in manufacturing or distribution environments
• Knowledge of ISO quality management standards

Compensation Range for:

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.

• 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 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. For more information on "Know Your Rights," please see here.

Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation

Applicants 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 atEEOCompliance@blueorigin.com. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.