Director of Manufacturing Operations

Terran Orbital Corporation • Irvine, CA

4h

About The Position

Join a team where your impact reaches beyond the stars! At Terran Orbital, you’re not just part of the system – you’re a vital force propelling our mission forward. As trailblazers in satellite manufacturing and aerospace innovation, we shatter boundaries daily to deliver groundbreaking solutions that power our nation’s defense and commercial missions. We are a unique, fast growing, and trusted team dedicated to swiftly and efficiently designing, building, launching, and operating state of the art satellites for advanced mission constellations. If you’re driven by purpose, inspired by challenges, and ready to leave your mark on the universe, you’ll find a home and endless opportunities for growth here. Together, let’s redefine what is possible in orbit and beyond! Terran Orbital is seeking an experienced Director of Manufacturing Operations, to join our dynamic team. Reporting to the Executive Leadership Team, the Director of Manufacturing Operations will lead the tactical execution and daily operations of spacecraft manufacturing and assembly across all programs. This role is pivotal in driving operational excellence, improving production efficiency, and ensuring the highest standards of quality, on-time delivery, and cost management. The Director will collaborate closely with Engineering, Test, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to achieve increased production rates and affordability while maintaining alignment with Terran Orbital’s mission, vision, values, and strategic objectives. The Director of Manufacturing Operations will provide leadership and guidance to the Manufacturing Operations and Supply Chain teams, ensuring alignment with the company’s financial goals and long-term vision.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field preferred; equivalent professional work experience considered.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in a high-precision manufacturing environment, such as aerospace, automotive, or defense product production.
• At least 6 years of leadership experience with in-depth knowledge of manufacturing operations, lean methodologies, production planning, and quality management systems.
• Proven experience in designing and implementing manufacturing and supply chain processes, with a focus on KPIs and metrics-driven leadership.
• Strong organizational, leadership, motivational, analytical, and strategic thinking skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build cross-functional partnerships and lead cross-functional teams and initiatives.
• Expertise in change management, formalized problem-solving, decision-making, and failure analysis.
• Self-motivated, inspirational leader, and effective team player.

Nice To Haves

• Active U.S. Security Clearance or eligibility to obtain one.
• Expertise in operational excellence, including:
• Lean principles (e.g., pull systems, min/max controls).
• Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) for manufacturing.
• One-piece flow or pull system manufacturing operations.
• Root Cause and Corrective Action (RCCA) processes.
• Visual factory and Gemba implementation.
• Experience transitioning products from prototype manufacturing to volume production, including design-for-manufacturability initiatives.
• Familiarity with PFMEAs to mitigate risks in manufacturing processes.
• Knowledge of ISO9001/AS9100D standards and Quality Management Systems (QMS).
• Proficiency in Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and other proactive quality tools.
• Experience deploying proactive safety initiatives to achieve zero-injury environments.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and direct all aspects of spacecraft manufacturing operations, delivering best practices that drive revenue growth, profitability, and product quality.
• Develop and implement a company-wide culture of operational excellence by utilizing industry best practices, minimizing waste, and addressing customer needs.
• Build and lead world-class manufacturing, assembly, and supply chain teams through strategic staffing, training, and talent management initiatives, while fostering a culture of integrity, inclusion, and diversity.
• Establish and manage production schedules to align with spacecraft delivery timelines and production rate goals, ensuring synchronization across work centers and internal stakeholders.
• Drive design-for-manufacturability initiatives in collaboration with Engineering to meet production rate and cost targets.
• Lead the integration of supply chain processes with other business functions, such as Finance and Production, to enhance overall operational performance.
• Implement advanced analytics and supply chain management tools to forecast demand, manage inventory levels, and identify opportunities for process improvement.
• Develop and maintain supply chain best practices, including procurement processes, inventory management, and logistics coordination.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align supply chain and manufacturing goals with overall business objectives.

Benefits

• 100% Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents
• 401(k) Match
• Flexible Time Off (FTO)
• Education Reimbursement
• Competitive Paid Parental Leave

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees