Director Production and Quality

About the role

The Director Production and Quality is responsible for leading Sodern America’s production and quality operations to manufacture Star Trackers and Cameras in the U.S. ensuring safe, efficient and cost-effective operations that meet customer expectations and business objectives.

Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee all local manufacturing production activities to achieve cost, quality and schedule objectives
• Lead production and quality team members to support daily manufacturing operations
• Ensure effective production scheduling and resource allocation to meet customer demand and inventory levels
• Monitor and report on production KPIs and make necessary adjustments to staffing and/or process
• Problem solve and provide support to the production team when issues or obstacles arise
• Collaborate with Sodern France, other departments and partners to optimize the manufacturing process
• Manage allocated production budgets (investment, training, expenses, etc.)
• Ensure the availability of materials and facility needs for smooth operations
• Provide leadership and oversight of production quality control
• Establish and maintain certification requirements (AS9100 etc.)
• Establish, implement and report on service quality indicators
• Provide oversight and support for root cause analysis and corrective action for quality issues such as defective parts
• Establish and maintain quality systems, procedures, audits and compliance programs
• Promote a culture of accountability and continuous quality improvement
• Create a dynamic team environment by building, mentoring and developing high performing production and quality teams
• Handle production and quality recruitment in coordination with HR
• Establish clear performance expectations and accountability
• Foster a collaborative, safety-focused, and results-driven culture
• Ensure compliance with company policy and with all safety, environmental and regulatory requirements (OSHEA, etc.)
• Participate in incident investigations and corrective action implementations

Requirements

Experience:

• 8+ years of manufacturing production and quality leadership experience required; space industry experience strongly preferred.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, Industrial Technology or related field required.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Deep understanding of manufacturing operations and quality systems involving complex systems production in an industrial context is required.
• Knowledge of relevant technical fields (mechanics, optics, electronics) and quality requirements for space, aeronautical, or similar products is required; specific knowledge of star tracker system architecture and optronics is an advantage.
• Understanding of continuous improvement methodologies and proven track record driving operational improvements and quality performance is required.
• Understanding of safety and compliance regulation and demonstrated application in a manufacturing environment is required.
• Background in engineering preferred; knowledge of AOCS

Skills

• Leadership skills
• Quality management
• Operational excellence
• Team development
• Safety and compliance

Benefits

Currently includes health, dental and vision insurance, basic life and disability coverage, retirement benefits, as well as additional supplemental benefits, and paid time off.

Pay

Summary Salary Range: $120,000 - $165,000 annually plus eligible for performance bonuses.

Schedule

The Company’s working environment is that associated with an entrepreneurial start up. This environment may expose the Director Production and Quality to stressful conditions with shifting goals and tight deadlines. The position requires some travel to France for training and coordination with the Sodern France team.