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.
Who We’re Looking For
We are seeking an experienced and hands-on Manager of Manufacturing Engineering to lead the manufacturing engineering effort for our Ranger spacecraft program. In this role, you will lead the design, development, and continuous improvement of production lines that transition Ranger from a development program into a spacecraft built at rate.
You will be responsible for ensuring that component fabrication, subassembly build, and final assembly, integration, and test (AIT) are performed with the highest levels of safety, quality, and rate. You will oversee equipment and tooling design, facilities and clean room planning, staffing, leadership development, and new product introduction while serving as a key partner between engineering, supply chain, and production.
This position is ideal for a driven, hands-on manufacturing leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys solving complex production and operational challenges, and is passionate about building high-performance spacecraft. You will work closely with design teams in Rockville to provide early, data-backed input on manufacturing capabilities and design for manufacturability while supporting the transition to rate production in Tulsa.
Where You’ll Make an Impact
Build, lead, and grow a team of manufacturing engineers, test engineers, and technicians as Ranger moves from first article in Rockville to rate production in Tulsa
Lead the team through all phases of the Ranger product life cycle while ensuring that all standards, requirements, and mission assurance expectations are upheld
Develop and implement business, manufacturing, and production metrics to measure and then optimize productivity in all areas
Act as the technical decision maker and advisor to the team on manufacturing techniques, tooling, and test methods that will enable building spacecraft structures, propulsion assemblies, avionics, and harnesses at rate
Ensure a strong focus is placed on safety, including pressure systems, propellant handling, and lifting operations, and maintain an excellent safety record
Champion continuous improvement projects using appropriate metrics and data sources, including improvement or mitigation plans needed to achieve the next level of performance
Work with cross-functional teams to increase production throughput and meet delivery targets while maintaining the highest possible standards of quality
Recruit, develop, train, and retain world-class leaders and individual contributors who will deliver for the business and amplify every team they interact with
Act as a forcing function for excellence, and aggressively focus on cost reduction in every element of design, production, and supply chain processes
Monitor and communicate area status, readiness, and risks to leadership
Partner with design engineering to ensure new product development meets the goals of product manufacturability, assembly, and testability
Implement equipment maintenance schedules and spares availability to ensure uptime and output performance
What It Takes
Advanced degree and 2+ years of experience working in one or more of the following; or bachelor's degree and 4+ years of experience working in one or more of the following; or 8+ years of experience working in one or more of the following:
Engineering
Production
Manufacturing
Operations
2+ years of direct leadership/management experience leading engineers
Nice-to-Have Experience
4+ years of experience in a leadership role in a manufacturing environment and transitioning products from development into production
Experience standing up a new production line or facility, including layout, equipment selection, and clean room or ESD-controlled areas
High degree of comfort on the…