Blue Origin Layoffs: 10% of Staff Cut After New Glenn Launch

Blue Origin Announces Workforce Reduction

Blue Origin is reducing its workforce by 10%, as reported by Reuters. This announcement follows closely on the heels of the successful inaugural launch of the company’s New Glenn mega-rocket just last month.

With a reported employee base exceeding 10,000 individuals, the reduction in force is anticipated to impact approximately 1,000 personnel.

CEO Addresses Employees

During an all-hands meeting held Thursday morning, CEO Dave Limp communicated to employees that the organization is currently not positioned for the level of achievement desired. This assessment, as relayed by Reuters reporter Joey Roulette, was described by Limp as a difficult realization.

A request for further comment directed to the company has not yet received a response.

Leadership Transition and Program Momentum

Dave Limp assumed the position of Blue Origin CEO in 2023, having previously led Amazon’s devices and services division for over ten years.

Before Limp’s appointment, the New Glenn program, and Blue Origin as a whole, experienced a period of slow progress and numerous postponements. This occurred concurrently with SpaceX rapidly expanding its market share in the space launch sector for both cargo and crewed missions.

The current restructuring suggests a shift in strategy aimed at accelerating progress and enhancing competitiveness.