Production Manager, Structures Fabrication and Machining

About the Team: 

The Stage Manufacturing team turns design into reality, owning the build of Terran R’s primary structures. This isn’t about turning the same bolt every day; it’s about building the systems to build the rocket. Engineers and technicians work side by side, with deep collaboration and real-time feedback, to shape how we build better and faster. With a manifest and a launch date, it’s up to the team to deliver on Terran R: solving challenges in real time, optimizing for scale, and constantly improving processes. As the vehicle evolves, so will the factory, with opportunities to apply automation, machine learning, and advanced technologies. What we build here sets the blueprint for the future of scaled launch.

About the Role:

As the Production Manager, Structures Fabrication and Machining, you will lead technician team delivering large structures assemblies, ready for final assembly or circumferential welds. This scope spans multiple processes including machining, forming, friction stir welding, drill & trim, and assembly. Your reporting structure will include multiple supervisors (1st and 2nd shift) covering discrete work cells. Key responsibilities will include:

• Accountable for leading and managing a diversely skilled production organization across 2 shifts to build Terran-R 
• Ensure a culture of safety, quality, and excellence is communicated and upheld by driving quality metrics to continuously improve product output of the manufacturing team
• Defining the strategy to transition team from low-volume development environment to high-volume production environment on short time-frame; responsible for communicating a clear, actionable plan to set team up for success
• Standing up a scalable production program. Building the necessary tools, schedules, reports, and reviews to ensure a data-backed story on Terran-R’s hardware health is presented and understood by the cross-disciplinary team and leadership
• Developing and mentoring production staff to meet team and company goals

About You:

• 5+ years of experience in a technical or operations role, preferably Aerospace, automotive or similar
• 3+ years of experience formally leading or managing a Production team
• Extensive experience developing scalable business processes
• Highly collaborative, strong communication skills, and ability to navigate diverse backgrounds (engineering, technician, executive, etc.)
• Relentless pursuit of production excellence—safety, quality, and schedule at forefront
• Comfortable with constructive conflict and difficult conversations, so long as it moves the business forward
• High degree of self-awareness and self-starting abilities; able to influence others in and outside of your organization

Nice to haves but not required:  

• Bachelors Degree in Engineering
• Previous experience leading leaders
• Knowledge of Smartsheet, SQL, and Excel
• Extensive Production scaling experience (i.e., hiring 10’s to 100’s over short time-frames)
• Expert experience in PLM, ERP, and MES systems
• Direct experience in NPI-to-Production environments
• LEAN 6-sigma credentials or demonstrated experience