Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Manufacturing Engineering.
4+ years of experience with high-reliability hardware like spaceflight or launch vehicles.
Proven track record of transitioning a product from prototype to production.
Experience in writing work instructions and managing nonconformance processes.
Responsibilities
Own the assembly and acceptance of qualification and flight units from parts kitting to delivery.
Write work instructions, travelers, and inspection points for hardware assembly.
Set up shop layout, tooling, fixtures, and cleanliness controls for flight hardware.
Establish processes for nonconformance and as-built records.
Collaborate with design engineers on manufacturing and assembly considerations before drawings are released.
Drive improvements in yield, cycle time, and cost as production scales.
Build and qualify a supplier base for critical components and manage long-lead items.
Benefits
Opportunity to build and lead a production team from the ground up.
Engagement in cutting-edge aerospace projects with high reliability standards.
Potential for career growth in a rapidly evolving field.
Collaborative work environment with design engineers and suppliers.
Full Job Description
To make this possible, our deployables need to move from hand-built prototypes to a repeatable, qualified production line. As Head of Production, you will be responsible for building, scaling, and leading the production of our deployable structures, from the first qualification and flight units to production at volume. You will be entrusted to build the shop, processes, and team from the ground up.
Key Responsibilities:
Build and Integration:
Own the assembly, integration, and acceptance of qualification and flight units, from parts kitting through delivery.
Write the work instructions, travelers, and inspection points our hardware is built to.
Set up the shop layout, tooling, fixtures, and cleanliness and ESD controls for flight hardware.
Quality and Process:
Establish nonconformance, disposition, and as-built record processes.
Partner with design engineers on design for manufacturing and assembly before drawings release.
Drive yield, cycle time, and cost improvements as volumes grow.
Supply Chain and Team:
Build and qualify a supplier base for machined parts, cables, coatings, and composites, and manage long-lead items.
Hire, train, and lead our production technicians.
Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
4+ years of experience building spaceflight, launch vehicle, or similar high-reliability hardware.
Experience taking at least one product from prototype to repeatable production.
Experience writing work instructions, travelers, and nonconformance processes for flight hardware.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience standing up a production team or facility from zero.
Working knowledge of AS9100 quality systems.
Experience with deployable mechanisms, solar arrays, or cable-tensioned structures.
Supplier development experience for precision machining, composites, or coatings.
Project management experience for hardware builds.
Additional Requirements:
Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as necessary to support critical project milestones.
Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or eligible for authorization under U.S. export regulations.
