Sr. Manager, Vehicle Assembly, Integration & Test (AIT)

About the Role

Terran Orbital is seeking an experienced Sr. Manager, Vehicle Assembly, Integration & Test (AIT) to lead production execution for vehicle subassembly and bus build within Assembly, Integration & Test (AIT). Reporting to the VP, Manufacturing Operations, this role converts program requirements and production plans into disciplined, predictable factory-floor execution. The position oversees supervisors, technicians, and production personnel, ensuring build operations are safe, efficient, and aligned with quality and schedule commitments.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily production execution for vehicle subassembly and BUS build; ensure safe, efficient, quality-compliant work completed to schedule.
• Translate production plans into clear daily and weekly priorities for supervisors and technicians.
• Monitor progress, surface risks early, and drive timely recovery actions to protect delivery dates.
• Partner with Planning and Materials to align production priorities, kitting, material availability, and floor readiness.
• Identify material shortages, BOM or documentation issues, and other constraints that threaten execution.
• Own detailed AIT capacity planning across labor, equipment, tooling, facilities, and processes.
• Maintain clear visibility into current and future capacity and serve as the production point of contact for manufacturing capacity discussions.
• Promote a strong quality-first culture; ensure issues are identified, documented, and resolved at the source.
• Work with Quality and Engineering to drive root cause, corrective actions, and timely NCR closure without unnecessary production delays.
• Partner with SIEs, Test Management, and AIT leadership to coordinate production, integration, and test activities.
• Ensure issues are communicated clearly and resolved collaboratively across Production, Engineering, and Test.
• Build a culture of ownership, early problem-surfacing, and cross-functional resolution.
• Develop team capability through coaching, training, and effective delegation.
• Identify opportunities to improve production flow, labor efficiency, quality, standard work, and schedule performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, manufacturing, or related field preferred, or equivalent practical experience in high-complexity production environments.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in manufacturing, production, assembly, integration, and test operations, preferably in aerospace, defense, space, or another highly regulated environment.
• Proven ability to own and execute complex production schedules in a fast-paced, schedule-driven environment.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing quality systems, configuration control, work instruction, and controlled production processes.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to clearly communicate production status, risks, priorities, and recovery plans.
• Demonstrated experience in production capacity planning and management, including the ability to translate demand into labor, equipment, tooling, and process requirements.
• U.S. Citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain DoD security clearance.

Benefits

• 100% Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents
• 401(k) Match
• Flexible Time Off (FTO)
• Education Reimbursement
• Competitive Paid Parental Leave

Pay

Salary Range: $160,000 USD - $195,000 USD

Your actual level and base salary will be determined case-by-case and may vary based on job-related qualifications, knowledge, skills, education, and experience.

About Terran Orbital

Terran Orbital is a leading manufacturer of satellite products primarily serving the aerospace and defense industries. Terran Orbital provides end-to-end satellite solutions by combining satellite design, production, launch planning, mission operations, and on-orbit support to meet the needs of the most demanding military, civil, and commercial customers. Learn more at www.terranorbital.com.