Blue Origin is expanding its Alabama operations again, announcing plans to add more than 100 jobs in the Huntsville area to support growing thruster production operations.
The aerospace company said it has now surpassed 1,600 employees in Alabama, far exceeding its original commitment of approximately 300 jobs when it first established operations in Huntsville.
“Blue Origin is proud to call Rocket City home,” said Dave Limp, CEO of Blue Origin. “With more than 1,600 employees across Alabama, we’re building propulsion systems that power American leadership in space.”
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey said the company’s continued growth highlights the state’s aerospace workforce and industry support network.
“Alabama is proud to be home to Blue Origin and its innovative developments in the global aerospace industry,” Ivey said. “The continued expansion in Huntsville shows the expertise of our state workforce and the strong support of the local community to help the company achieve its strategic vision.”
Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle said the expansion further reinforces the city’s role within the nation’s aerospace sector.
“Blue Origin’s continued growth shows what’s possible when innovation finds a home in Huntsville,” Battle said. “These new jobs strengthen our local economy, support families and reinforce Huntsville’s role as a city where the future of space is being built every day.”
Since launching operations in Huntsville in 2019, Blue Origin has expanded across several North Alabama facilities, including its Engines Factory at Cummings Research Park, where the company produces BE-4 engines used to power Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket and United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan rocket.
The company also operates the Jemison Manufacturing Facility in Huntsville’s Jetplex Industrial Park, where it manufactures BE-7 engines for Blue Moon lunar vehicles, Blue Ring spacecraft and thrusters. Blue Origin additionally conducts hot-fire engine testing at historic Test Stand 4670 on Redstone Arsenal.
According to the company, the new jobs will primarily support thruster production. Thrusters are used for precision propulsion, allowing spacecraft to perform orbital maneuvers, station-keeping and attitude adjustments critical for space missions.
Blue Origin said the systems will play an increasingly important role as lunar and Mars exploration efforts continue to expand.
Senior Vice President of Economic Development for the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber Lucia Cape, praised the company’s growth and impact on the region’s aerospace economy.
“In the six years since their ribbon cutting, Blue Origin has exceeded our expectations as a corporate citizen and community partner, bringing the rumble back to Rocket City while providing good jobs and inspiring future engineers and rocket scientists,” Cape said.
The company said job opportunities tied to the expansion are available through its careers website.
