The Role

In this key leadership role, you will be responsible for the successful manufacturing operations at K2 Space. You will ensure the strategic operational execution of all hardware production, and oversee the Integration and Test, Production, and Supply Chain organizations who are responsible for the timely delivery of complete satellite buses and associated subsystems.

In your first 6 months, you will establish and configure company-wide product life cycle management software and factory materials resource planning software, as well as define best practices and company standards for manufacturing planning and production operations. In your first year, you will build out our production facilities, manage multi-million dollar contracts on capital equipment and facilities improvements, organize training opportunities, and implement new and novel production technologies. Within your first two years, you will lead the manufacturing teams from low to full rate production, whilst delivering integrated satellite buses and sub-systems in a safe and efficient manner.

Responsibilities

• Scale satellite manufacturing from the initial satellite builds through to constellation-class manufacturing lines

• Develop production manufacturing planning and build operational best practices from the ground up, from basic requirements to acceptance-tested, flight-ready hardware

• Oversee recruitment, hiring, and training of production and manufacturing engineering employees, including technical mentorship and company-wide safety skills training

• Create and manage build schedules, resource planning, performance and cost metrics, and establish plans for continuous improvement

• Collaborate with senior engineering leadership to ensure that designs are manufacturable throughout the design and build process, and delivered to specification

• Drive the integration and test of the spacecraft from subassembly integration all the way through to fully integrated spacecraft testing

• Build and manage sourcing and supply chain teams that are responsible for supplier relationships and quality, and provide detailed cost breakdowns for proposals

• Collaborate with design engineers, leaders, technicians and external customers to develop satellite product plans

• Champion positive and safety-focused workplace culture and production facilities

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, mathematics, or other relevant engineering discipline

• 7+ years of experience leading and/or managing large teams on technically-complex projects throughout the development and build process

• Deep production and hardware manufacturing experience, including lean manufacturing principles, large and small structural assemblies, tooling, circuit boards and power electronics, harnessing, sensors, avionics, thermal systems, and production testing and material handling

• Experience managing vendors, suppliers, and strategic technical partners 

Nice to Have

• 10+ years of experience leading and/or managing large teams on technically-complex projects throughout the development and build process

• Experience with high volume manufacturing of complex assemblies

• Experience with solar module lines, battery manufacturing lines, and cleanroom production environments

• Experience with spacecraft integration and test, including subsystem checkouts and full spacecraft integrated testing

• Understanding of basic Production Operations tools – planning, scheduling, MRP/ERP, manpower planning, rate analysis, tooling, and PLM tools including Teamcenter

• Experience building manufacturing organizations around aerospace manufacturing standards such as AS9100D and standard metrology processes

• Excellent conflict resolution and negotiation skills

• Experience with business development, proposal work, business capture, and contract discussions

• Active Top-Secret Clearance and/or an active and current DoD Secret clearance and be SAP clearable

Compensation and Benefits:

• Base salary range for this role is $150,000 - $215,000 + equity in the company

• Salary will be based on several factors including, but not limited to: knowledge and skills, education, and experience level

• Comprehensive benefits package including unlimited paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and many other perks

If you don’t meet 100% of the preferred skills and experience, we encourage you to still apply! Building a spacecraft unlike any other requires a team unlike any other and non-traditional career twists and turns are encouraged! If you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know.

Export Compliance

As defined in the ITAR, “U.S. Persons” include U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (i.e., Green Card holders), and certain protected individuals (e.g., refugees/asylees, American Samoans). Please consult with a knowledgeable advisor if you are unsure whether you are a “U.S. Person.”

The person hired for this role will have access to information and items controlled by U.S. export control regulations, including the export control regulations outlined in the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR). The person hired for this role must therefore either be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 or otherwise eligible for a federally issued export control license.

Equal Opportunity

K2 Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with K2 Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.