Her Story
About Michelle
Michelle Magana is an accomplished Production Control Specialist and Supply Planner with extensive experience in aerospace and advanced manufacturing. Currently serving as Lead Production Scheduler for Final Engine Assembly at Blue Origin, she plays a critical role in aligning production schedules, vendor management, and resource allocation to ensure the timely delivery of mission-critical components. Her expertise lies in streamlining operations, optimizing workflows, and driving collaboration across cross-functional teams to meet ambitious organizational goals.
Before joining Blue Origin, Michelle built her career across leading aerospace and defense companies, including SpaceX, Relativity Space, and Anduril Industries. In these roles, she developed a strong foundation in supply chain planning, production coordination, and manufacturing operations. She has successfully managed consumable inventory, validated production lead times, and reconciled complex work order variances, all while maintaining accuracy in MRP/ERP systems and ensuring seamless communication across engineering, procurement, and production teams.
Michelle’s professional growth is reinforced by her academic background, with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Project Management from Southern New Hampshire University and an Associate of Arts in Fashion Merchandising from Long Beach City College. Recognized for her strategic planning, quality management, and teamwork, she brings both technical and leadership strengths to every role she undertakes. Fluent in English and Spanish, Michelle is dedicated to advancing efficiency in production operations while supporting innovation in the aerospace industry.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Michelle
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to persistence and determination I was turned down four times before showing up in person and being hired on the spot. One of my proudest achievements has been expediting engine production timelines, reducing a three-month process to just one month, and now successfully delivering every six days. I’m also passionate about building connections and supporting other women in the field, which is why I’m eager to engage with fellow supply chain professionals through this LinkedIn group.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to never be intimidated and to keep asserting myself, even in challenging or unfamiliar environments. In fast paced industries like aerospace and manufacturing, it is easy to feel overshadowed or hesitant, but maintaining confidence and speaking up ensures that your ideas and contributions are heard. This mindset has taught me that persistence and self advocacy not only build credibility but also create opportunities for growth and leadership. By staying resilient and assertive, I have been able to push past setbacks, earn trust, and continue advancing in my career.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Entering the aerospace industry as a woman can be both incredibly rewarding and uniquely challenging. Whether you're in engineering, design, project management, or another role, strong technical skills are your foundation. You deserve to be in the room. Even if you're the only woman at the table, speak with confidence and back it up with knowledge. Don’t let imposter syndrome eat away at your confidence. Everyone starts somewhere.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are resilience, creativity, and connection. As a parent of a daughter who is hard of hearing and uses a cochlear implant, I’ve learned the importance of patience, advocacy, and celebrating every milestone with determination. Outside of work, I express my creativity through hobbies like cross stitching, reading, and a love for all things spooky, which bring balance and joy to my life. I also deeply value communication and inclusivity, reflected in my commitment to learning American Sign Language to strengthen my bond with my daughter and support the broader community.
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