Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin to lay off 10 of employees - Puget Sound Business Journal

Blue Origin, the rocket company founded by Jeff Bezos, has announced plans to lay off 10% of its workforce, equating to approximately 1,400 employees. This decision, communicated by CEO Dave Limp, will mainly affect roles in engineering, research and development, and project management as part of an effort to reduce bureaucracy and refocus the company. Limp noted that the rapid hiring in recent years led to increased complexity within the organization, which hindered operational efficiency. The layoffs follow the successful launch of the New Glenn rocket, marking a pivotal achievement for Blue Origin as it competes with SpaceX in the commercial space travel arena. The company's presence in Washington includes multiple facilities, and while the specific impact on local jobs is still uncertain, there are around 220 job openings in the Seattle area.

Limp indicated that the primary focus for Blue Origin moving forward will be to scale manufacturing output and increase launch frequency. The strategic move to lay off workers reflects a broader trend in the tech and aerospace industries, where companies are reassessing their workforce amid changing market conditions. As Blue Origin continues to navigate its growth and competition, these layoffs signal a significant shift in its operational strategy.