VP of Production

Outpost

$275K — $325K *
Aerospace & Defense
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree or higher in Aerospace, Manufacturing, or related engineering discipline.
  • 12+ years of experience in manufacturing, production, or operations leadership, with 5+ years in executive leadership roles.
  • Proven success scaling hardware production in aerospace, automotive, or complex manufacturing environments.
  • Deep experience with manufacturing processes, supply chain, quality systems, and production planning.
  • Strong track record building and leading production teams.
  • Exceptional operational instincts with a bias toward action.
  • Strong leadership and communication skills, capable of inspiring teams and aligning stakeholders.

Responsibilities

  • Own end-to-end production strategy for Outpost's return vehicles.
  • Build and scale manufacturing processes from prototypes to production.
  • Lead production planning, scheduling, and capacity management.
  • Oversee quality systems and shop floor operations.
  • Build and lead a high-performing production team, including technicians and engineers.
  • Collaborate closely with engineering on design for manufacturability.
  • Manage supplier and vendor relationships supporting production.

Benefits

  • Competitive compensation with annual performance-based bonuses.
  • Meaningful equity in Outpost to share in the value created.
  • Comprehensive healthcare coverage for employees and dependents.
  • Company-provided short- and long-term disability coverage plus life insurance.
  • Paid time off and 9 paid holidays for work-life balance.
  • 401(k) with company match for long-term financial well-being.
  • Daily DoorDash lunch stipend and unlimited snacks to keep you energized.
  • Engaging work environment with mission-driven company culture and pet-friendly office.
Full Job Description
VP of Production

Location: Playa Vista, California (in-person, five days per week)

The Team

We're looking for a visionary and execution-oriented Vice President of Production to own manufacturing and production at Outpost. This is a foundational leadership role responsible for scaling Outpost's return vehicles from low-rate prototype builds to repeatable, reliable production. You'll lead the strategy and execution of production planning, manufacturing engineering, quality, and shop floor operations. You'll report directly to the CTO and work closely with company leadership across engineering, supply chain, and program management.

Responsibilities:
  • Own end-to-end production strategy and execution for Outpost's return vehicles
  • Build and scale manufacturing processes from low-rate prototype to production
  • Lead production planning, scheduling, and capacity management
  • Oversee quality systems, manufacturing engineering, and shop floor operations
  • Build and lead a high-performing production team, including technicians and manufacturing engineers
  • Collaborate closely with engineering leadership on design for manufacturability
  • Manage supplier and vendor relationships supporting production
  • Drive metrics and reporting to track production impact and efficiency

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree or higher in Aerospace, Manufacturing, or related engineering discipline
  • 12+ years of experience in manufacturing, production, or operations leadership, with 5+ years in executive leadership roles
  • Proven success scaling hardware production in aerospace, automotive, or similarly complex manufacturing environments
  • Deep experience with manufacturing processes, supply chain, quality systems, and production planning
  • Strong track record building and leading production teams
  • Exceptional operational and organizational instincts, with a bias toward action
  • Strong leadership and communication skills, with an ability to inspire teams and align stakeholders
  • Passion for frontier technology, space, and building something from the ground up

Preferred Skills
  • Background in aerospace, automotive, or hardware manufacturing
  • Experience with both government and commercial production programs
  • Startup experience or familiarity with fast-paced, high-growth environments

Compensation:
  • Competitive compensation: $275,000 - $325,000; (commensurate with experience).
  • Additional Compensation: Annual performance-based bonuses that reward your impact.
  • Shared upside: Meaningful equity in Outpost so you share directly in the value you help create.
  • Comprehensive healthcare: Medical, dental, and vision coverage to keep you and your loved ones covered. We cover the base tier of medical insurance and all premiums of vision and dental.
  • Protection when it matters: Company-provided short- and long-term disability coverage for peace of mind, plus life insurance for even more security.
  • PTO: Recharge on your own terms with paid time off, plus 9 days of paid holidays.
  • Invest in your future: 401(k) with company match to help you build long-term wealth.
  • Fueled for the mission: Daily DoorDash lunch stipend, plus unlimited snacks, coffee, and tea to keep you energized.
  • Mission that matters: Work shoulder-to-shoulder with leaders from aerospace, new space, and deep-tech industries building the future of orbital infrastructure.
  • Pet Friendly Office: Bring your furry friend into the office so that they can be a part of our mission too.
  • Monthly Company Happy Hours and Events: Drinks at the local bar, hibachi nights, mini golfing and more

More Jobs at Outpost

  • VP of Production
    $275K — $325K *
    Los Angeles, CA 90011 (Los Angeles County)
    Aerospace & Defense
    In-Person
  • Lead Engineer, Integration and Test
    $160K — $220K *
    Los Angeles, CA 90011 (Los Angeles County)
    Aerospace & Defense
    In-Person
  • Software Engineer
    $150K — $220K *
    Los Angeles, CA 90011 (Los Angeles County)
    Aerospace & Defense
    In-Person
  • Avionics Engineer
    $130K — $150K *
    Los Angeles, CA 90011 (Los Angeles County)
    Aerospace & Defense
    In-Person
  • VP of Software
    $275K — $325K *
    Los Angeles, CA 90011 (Los Angeles County)
    Aerospace & Defense
    In-Person

More Aerospace & Defense Jobs

Find similar VP of Production jobs: