AI&T Operations Manager - Advanced Programs

Posted Yesterday
Be an Early Applicant
Hawthorne, CA, USA
In-Office
140K-200K Annually
Senior level
Aerospace
The Role
Lead operational execution across manufacturing, production planning, supply chain, facilities, and cross-functional program support. Scale processes and hardware production, improve throughput, manage scheduling and material flow, develop KPIs, resolve bottlenecks, plan workforce needs, support facility expansion, and drive continuous improvement. The role partners with engineering, quality, manufacturing, and supply chain teams while managing operational risk, safety, quality, and execution in an onsite aerospace environment.
Summary Generated by Built In

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

As a Senior Manager of Operations, you will lead operational execution across manufacturing, supply chain, production planning, facilities, and cross-functional program support. You will be responsible for scaling operations, improving execution, and enabling hardware teams to move rapidly from development into production.

This role requires strong leadership, technical judgment, operational discipline, and the ability to drive execution in a highly dynamic environment.

Where You’ll Make an Impact

  • Lead day-to-day operational execution across manufacturing and production support activities.
  • Build and scale operational processes to support rapid company growth.
  • Drive production planning, scheduling, material flow, and workforce allocation.
  • Partner with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams to improve throughput and execution.
  • Develop KPIs, reporting structures, and operational performance metrics.
  • Identify operational bottlenecks and implement corrective actions.
  • Lead staffing, organizational planning, and workforce development initiatives.
  • Support facility expansion, infrastructure readiness, and operational scaling efforts.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing and operations.
  • Manage operational risk, schedule performance, and cross-functional execution.
  • Support executive leadership with operational planning and strategic initiatives.
  • Maintain high standards for safety, quality, accountability, and execution.

What It Takes

  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering, operations, supply chain, business, or related technical field.
  • 8+ years of experience in operations, manufacturing, production, or program execution.
  • 3+ years of experience leading cross-functional teams.
  • Experience working in aerospace, defense, automotive, robotics, or advanced manufacturing industries.
  • Experience managing complex operational environments in fast-paced organizations.

Nice-to-Have Experience

  • Experience scaling hardware production operations.
  • Strong understanding of manufacturing systems, production planning, and supply chain operations.
  • Experience implementing lean manufacturing or continuous improvement methodologies.
  • Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and operational reporting tools.
  • Experience supporting prototype-to-production hardware development.
  • Strong communication and organizational leadership skills.
  • Experience in highly technical or regulated manufacturing environments.
  • Additional Requirements
  • Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.
  • Must be able to work onsite full-time in Hawthorne, CA.

What You’ll Get


  • Ownership – Lead and scale critical operational functions across manufacturing, production, supply chain, facilities, and cross-functional program execution
  • Impact – Directly influence how to scale our operations, improve execution, and move innovative spacecraft platforms from development into production
  • Innovation – Help build and optimize the operational infrastructure supporting next-generation spacecraft platforms for national security, civil, and commercial missions
  • Growth – Join a fast-moving, collaborative team where you will have the opportunity to build processes, develop teams, improve operational performance, and help shape the future of space mobility
  • Compensation – Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, HSA, 401(k) matching, and equity sharing

Location: Hawthorne, CA 

Base Salary: $140,000 - $200,000

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

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 eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Apply now. Join us in building the next generation of spacecraft.

Skills Required

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, operations, supply chain, business, or a related technical field
  • 8+ years of experience in operations, manufacturing, production, or program execution
  • 3+ years of experience leading cross-functional teams
  • Experience in aerospace, defense, automotive, robotics, or advanced manufacturing industries
  • Experience managing complex operational environments in fast-paced organizations
  • Experience scaling hardware production operations
  • Strong understanding of manufacturing systems, production planning, and supply chain operations
  • Experience implementing lean manufacturing or continuous improvement methodologies
  • Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and operational reporting tools
  • Experience supporting prototype-to-production hardware development
  • Strong communication and organizational leadership skills
  • Experience in highly technical or regulated manufacturing environments
  • Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as needed
  • Ability to work onsite full-time in Hawthorne, California
  • Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual, or eligible to obtain required U.S. Department of State authorizations under ITAR regulations
Am I A Good Fit?
beta
Get Personalized Job Insights.
Our AI-powered fit analysis compares your resume with a job listing so you know if your skills & experience align.

The Company
HQ: Rockville, MD
25 Employees

What We Do

Quantum Space was founded to advance human’s journey to the stars by architecting the space superhighway. The company envisions transforming space commerce beyond Earth orbit by providing the space infrastructure required to travel through and operate in deep space more safely, reliably, affordably, and routinely.

Similar Jobs

CoreWeave Logo CoreWeave

Architect

Cloud • Information Technology • Machine Learning
In-Office
Sunnyvale, CA, USA
1450 Employees
227K-303K Annually

CoreWeave Logo CoreWeave

Manager, Electrical Engineering

Cloud • Information Technology • Machine Learning
In-Office
5 Locations
1450 Employees
157K-210K Annually

Shield AI Logo Shield AI

Senior Executive Sourcer

Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Machine Learning • Robotics • Software
Hybrid
4 Locations

CoreWeave Logo CoreWeave

Security Engineer

Cloud • Information Technology • Machine Learning
In-Office
5 Locations
1450 Employees

Similar Companies Hiring

Caliola Engineering Thumbnail
Software • Machine Learning • Hardware • Defense • Data Privacy • App development • Aerospace
Colorado Springs, CO
68 Employees
Red 6 Thumbnail
Aerospace • Hardware • Software • Virtual Reality • Defense
Orlando, Florida
186 Employees
Outpost Space Thumbnail
Aerospace • Defense
US
24 Employees

Sign up now Access later

Create Free Account

Please log in or sign up to report this job.

Create Free Account