Steve Ochner
About Steve Ochner
Steve Ochner is the Director of Operations at Blue Origin, overseeing the BE-4 Engines and New Glenn rocket projects. He has extensive experience in operations, quality assurance, and nuclear propulsion from his previous roles at Blue Origin and the US Navy.
Title
Steve Ochner is the Director of Operations at Blue Origin, a position he has held since 2023. He oversees the operational aspects of the BE-4 Engines, which are used by United Launch Alliance (ULA) and for internal purposes at Blue Origin. He is responsible for the overall management of the New Glenn rocket initiative.
Previous Roles
Steve Ochner has an extensive background in operations and leadership. Prior to his current role, he served as Senior Manager at Blue Origin from 2022 to 2023, and as Manager from 2019 to 2022. He was also the President of Sound Self Charters LLC from 2021 to 2023. His earlier experience includes several key roles in the US Navy, such as Program Manager - Quality Assurance, Supervisor - Submarine Nuclear Propulsion, and Quality Assurance Inspector (QAI). He has also worked in operations roles at Guitar Center, Jungle Island, and Iceoplex Escondido.
Education and Expertise
Steve Ochner holds a Bachelor of Applied Science and Technology in Nuclear Energy Engineering from Thomas Edison State University, which he completed in 2020. Additionally, he studied Advanced Business Strategy at the Harvard Division of Continuing Education's Professional & Executive Development program in 2023. His educational background supports his expertise in operational management and strategic planning.
Operational Responsibilities at Blue Origin
At Blue Origin, Steve Ochner leads a diverse team of approximately 300 professionals in various disciplines, including manufacturing, engineering, and testing. He manages the fabrication, chemical processing, and testing of complex spaceflight hardware such as turbomachinery and combustion devices. He reports directly to Blue Origin's senior leadership team, providing updates on operational status and departmental impacts.