Blue Origin, Jeff Bezos’ space company, has laid off approximately 10% of its workforce, affecting around 1,000 employees nationwide. The decision was made as part of the company’s efforts to redefine its growth strategy and focus on scaling manufacturing output and launch cadence.
In an email to employees, CEO Dave Limp explained that the organization had grown rapidly in recent years, but this rapid expansion came at the cost of more bureaucracy and less focus on core priorities. To address this, the leadership team has made the difficult decision to eliminate some positions in engineering, R&D, and program/project management.
Limp assured employees that while the changes will be felt across multiple locations and teams, the company is committed to supporting those impacted by providing severance packages, COBRA coverage, career support services, and counseling through its Employee Assistance Program.
Despite this restructuring, Blue Origin remains confident in its mission and has ambitious plans for 2025. The company aims to scale up manufacturing output and launch cadence, with goals including landing on the Moon, delivering record numbers of engines, and launching New Glenn and New Shepard rockets on a regular schedule.
Industry experts have noted that the layoffs are part of a larger trend in the space industry, where companies are waiting for clarity from the Trump administration’s plans for NASA. Dr. Ken Kremer, a space journalist, warned that cancelling the Space Launch System (SLS) could have significant local economic and tourism impacts.
As Blue Origin moves forward with its restructuring efforts, it will be closely watched by industry observers and stakeholders.
Source: https://www.clickorlando.com/news/space-news/2025/02/14/thats-a-tough-day-blue-origin-employees-laid-off-despite-success-of-new-rocket