Director of Spacecraft Production & Assembly

Who We're Looking For

Quantum Space is seeking a highly accomplished Director of Spacecraft Production & Assembly to lead the manufacturing, assembly, integration, and production operations for our next-generation spacecraft programs.

Where You'll Make an Impact

• Lead the strategic planning and day-to-day execution of spacecraft manufacturing, assembly, integration, and production operations.
• Build and lead a high-performing organization consisting of manufacturing managers, manufacturing engineers, production supervisors, technicians, planners, and support personnel.
• Scale production operations to support increasing spacecraft production volumes while maintaining quality, safety, and delivery commitments.
• Develop manufacturing strategies that improve throughput, reduce cost, and shorten production cycle times.
• Partner with Engineering to ensure manufacturability, producibility, and scalability are incorporated into spacecraft designs from concept through production.
• Oversee production activities for spacecraft and major flight hardware.
• Drive Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives using data-driven performance metrics.
• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) related to safety, quality, schedule, productivity, and cost.
• Lead capital equipment planning, manufacturing automation, factory expansion, and production process improvements.
• Ensure compliance with AS9100 quality standards, customer requirements, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate closely with Supply Chain to optimize material flow and production readiness.
• Manage production staffing, workforce planning, training, and leadership development.
• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and operational excellence.
• Communicate production status, risks, and mitigation strategies to executive leadership.
• Support proposal efforts and long-range production planning for future spacecraft programs.

What It Takes

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related STEM discipline.
• 7+ years of manufacturing, production, or operations leadership experience.
• 4+ years leading large multidisciplinary engineering and manufacturing organizations.
• Experience managing aerospace, spacecraft, satellite, defense, automotive, or other high-volume technical manufacturing environments.
• Demonstrated success scaling production operations in a fast-paced environment.

Nice-to-Have Experience

• Experience leading spacecraft or satellite assembly, integration, and test (AIT) organizations.
• Strong knowledge of aerospace manufacturing processes, precision assembly, composites, electronics integration, and electromechanical systems.
• Experience implementing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, or other operational excellence methodologies.
• Experience supporting NASA, DoD, Space Force, SDA, or commercial spacecraft programs.
• Thorough understanding of AS9100 quality systems and configuration management.
• Experience managing capital equipment investments and manufacturing automation.
• Strong understanding of ERP/MRP systems and production planning.
• Demonstrated ability to recruit, mentor, and develop high-performing technical teams.
• Exceptional communication and executive leadership skills.
• Ability to thrive in a rapidly changing, entrepreneurial environment with ambitious production goals.
• Hands-on leader with a passion for building world-class manufacturing organizations.
• Strategic thinker who is equally comfortable solving day-to-day production challenges.
• Data-driven decision maker with exceptional problem-solving skills.
• Collaborative leader who builds strong partnerships across engineering, operations, supply chain, quality, and program management.
• Passion for innovation and advancing the future of space infrastructure.

What You'll Get

• Ownership – Lead the production organization responsible for building next-generation spacecraft that enable critical national security, civil, and commercial space missions.
• Innovation – Drive manufacturing excellence through advanced production technologies, automation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Impact – Build and scale the manufacturing capabilities that directly support Quantum Space's growth and mission success.
• Growth – Join a collaborative executive leadership team shaping the future of spacecraft production in a rapidly growing aerospace company.
• Compensation – Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, HSA, 401(k) matching, and equity participation.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to travel up to 20% as required to support production activities, supplier engagements, customer meetings, and company initiatives.
• Willingness to support occasional extended hours during critical production milestones.
• Ability to work on-site in Hawthorne, California.

Location

Hawthorne, CA or Rockville, MD

Base Salary

$190,000 – $250,000 (commensurate with experience)

Additional Information

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full-time offers and are considered part of Quantum Space's total compensation package.

To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual per 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or otherwise eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Apply now. Join us in building the next generation of spacecraft.