Associate Manager, Manufacturing Operations

Virgin Galactic • Gilbert, AZ

1d • $80,855 - $123,342 • Onsite

About The Position

Virgin Galactic is seeking an experienced Associate Manufacturing Manager to oversee manufacturing execution. Guided by the value “Safety above All,” the role proactively manages risks inherent in human spaceflight through daily actions in design and assembly. The position manages manufacturing personnel, which may include supervisors, leads, and technicians across multiple facilities or departments.

The role manages the build strategy for spaceflight system vehicles and plans, schedules, coordinates, and executes manufacturing operations. It works closely with build managers, schedulers, and cross-functional departments to support manufacturing projects and achieve objectives in compliance with company policies, procedures, and overall objectives.

The stated schedule is onsite Thursday through Monday on a 4/10 day shift. As an exempt position, work outside the technician shift schedule may be required. Potential future schedules include onsite Monday through Friday on either a day or night shift.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree in a related field and/or a combination of education and work experience.
• At least 6 years of experience in aerospace or an equivalent high-reliability field, including 3 years leading others and/or demonstrated ability to lead and train on technical concepts.
• Demonstrated leadership experience with production, assembly, and systems integration teams, ideally in aerospace or manufacturing.
• Experience in manufacturing leadership, manufacturing project management, or production planning.
• Experience in a start-up organization or highly unique cultural environment.
• Some experience in an external customer-facing role.
• Strong understanding of engineering and manufacturing functions.
• Excellent knowledge of component assembly, including subassembly and final top-level assembly.
• Extensive experience and/or training in lean manufacturing principles and leading or participating in process improvement workshops or Kaizen events.
• Strong understanding of the relationship between schedule, quality, and budget.
• Working knowledge of configuration management practices and quality management processes.
• Demonstrated ability to use computer applications to follow manufacturing work instructions.
• Ability to read and interpret drawings, blueprints, and/or models in paper or digital formats.
• Strong analytical skills and commercial acumen to measure the potential impact of decisions.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across teams and work independently and cross-functionally.
• Ability to set clear objectives and milestones and communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Lead by example in safety-forward thinking; practice good housekeeping and tool control; and recognize the importance of properly handling hazardous materials and chemicals.
• Familiarity with personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Demonstrated computer and analytical skills, including proficiency in MS Excel, manufacturing software or related programs, and dashboards.
• Solid planning and problem-solving skills, with the ability to resolve issues effectively and efficiently.
• Leadership and management skills, ability to prioritize tasks, apply good interpersonal skills, and use available resources to accomplish company goals.
• High autonomy and effective delegation skills.
• Extreme attention to detail and continual pursuit of perfection.
• Able to remain stationary for at least 9 hours.
• Able to maneuver in tight spaces by stooping, bending, or crawling for at least 3 hours.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds unassisted; the posting also states the ability to handle items weighing up to 40 pounds unassisted.
• Must meet U.S. Government export requirements: be a U.S. Person or able to obtain required authorization, and not be included on the OFAC Specifically Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons list.

Responsibilities

• Influence technical projects, technicians, or inter-departmental functions to achieve goals and solve problems.
• Manage budgets for projects and departments within the Manufacturing organization.
• Motivate, inspire, and develop the Manufacturing Team by leading and managing technicians.
• Coordinate assigned projects among team members and maintain accountability for them.
• Assist department leaders with developing, planning, implementing, and maintaining a strategic program build plan.
• Provide clear direction to the Manufacturing team.
• Collaborate with the leadership team to develop and implement agile response strategies for rapid project adjustments.
• Create and implement recovery plans with Engineering and Manufacturing teams to mitigate schedule setbacks and resolve conflicts.
• Work with production control and planning to ensure assembly flow is supported by all functions and material and hardware are delivered on schedule.
• Continuously improve procedures, processes, and operational efficiency.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to ensure vehicles meet design and quality standards.
• Promote safety behavior and Foreign Object Debris awareness and prevention, and adhere to regulatory protocols and rules.
• Coach, train, and transfer expertise to the team to drive projects to completion.
• Prioritize work deliverables according to the production schedule, organizational goals, and metrics, and align work by defining roles.

Benefits

• A full range of medical, financial, and other benefits may be provided, dependent on the position offered.
• Other forms of pay, such as a bonus or long-term incentive, may be provided as part of the compensation package.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree