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Director of Spacecraft Production & Assembly

Hawthorne, CA or Rockville, MD

 

Quantum Space is redefining mobility and maneuverability in space. Our high-mobility spacecraft platforms support national security, civil, and commercial missions with unmatched flexibility and propulsion capability. We build fast and iterate quickly

As a rapidly growing space company, Quantum Space is seeking exceptional leaders who thrive in a fast-paced, high-performance environment and are passionate about delivering innovative spacecraft that redefine the future of space exploration.

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. This executive leadership role is responsible for scaling production capabilities while ensuring exceptional quality, safety, cost performance, and schedule execution across multiple spacecraft development and production programs.

The Director will oversee spacecraft assembly, integration and test (AIT), manufacturing engineering, production planning, automation initiatives, quality, and production maintenance. Working closely with Engineering, Supply Chain, Program Management, and Quality, this leader will drive operational excellence while building the manufacturing organization required to support rapid company growth.

The ideal candidate has demonstrated success leading large, multidisciplinary manufacturing organizations in aerospace, defense, automotive, or other high-technology industries and is passionate about developing high-performing teams in a startup environment.

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.

Location: Hawthorne, CA or Rockville, MD

Base Salary: $190,000 – $250,000 (commensurate with experience)

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.

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

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.

 

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