Director Production and Quality

Sodern America•Englewood, CO

8d•$120,000 - $165,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Imagine combining the excitement of building something new with the confidence of joining a company that already knows how to win. As a globally established organization with a strong history of success abroad, we are expanding into the United States and forming a new division designed for growth, innovation, and long-term impact. Sodern America has come to Colorado! Backed by Sodern’s 60+ years of cutting-edge innovation as an internationally recognized space equipment manufacturer and leader in optronic systems including star trackers and space cameras, Sodern America will feature a production line and operations dedicated to the US market to better serve its growing North American customer base and strengthen partnerships across the region. This is more than a job; it is a chance to be part of a founding team. You will help establish processes, shape culture, and influence strategy, all while supported by an experienced international parent company that has already demonstrated sustainable success. For those who thrive in dynamic environments and want to leave a tangible mark, this is a unique opportunity to build with purpose.

Requirements

Deep understanding of manufacturing operations and quality systems involving complex systems production in an industrial context is required.
Knowledge of relevant technical fields (mechanics, optics, electronics) and quality requirements for space, aeronautical, or similar products is required
Understanding of continuous improvement methodologies and proven track record driving operational improvements and quality performance is required.
Understanding of safety and compliance regulation and demonstrated application in a manufacturing environment is required.
Strong interpersonal skills, ability to lead and motivate teams, interact with clients, and ability to apply a pragmatic approach to management of quality, cost and schedule objectives.
8+ years of manufacturing production and quality leadership experience required
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, Industrial Technology or related field required.

Nice To Haves

specific knowledge of star tracker system architecture and optronics is an advantage.
Background in engineering preferred
knowledge of AOCS engineering in the space industry is an advantage.
French language competency is an advantage.
space industry experience strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Direct and oversee all local manufacturing production activities to achieve cost, quality and schedule objectives
Lead production and quality team members to support daily manufacturing operations
Ensure effective production scheduling and resource allocation to meet customer demand and inventory levels
Monitor and report on production KPIs and make necessary adjustments to staffing and/or process
Problem solve and provide support to the production team when issues or obstacles arise
Collaborate with Sodern France, other departments and partners to optimize the manufacturing process
Manage allocated production budgets (investment, training, expenses, etc.)
Ensure the availability of materials and facility needs for smooth operations
Provide leadership and oversight of production quality control
Establish and maintain certification requirements (AS9100 etc.)
Establish, implement and report on service quality indicators
Provide oversight and support for root cause analysis and corrective action for quality issues such as defective parts
Establish and maintain quality systems, procedures, audits and compliance programs
Promote a culture of accountability and continuous quality improvement
Adopt operational excellence methodologies to enhance problem-solving
Propose and implement internal organizational improvements that reduce waste and improve yield and productivity
Leverage metrics and data analytics to drive informed operational decisions
Create a dynamic team environment by building, mentoring and developing high performing production and quality teams
Handle production and quality recruitment in coordination with HR
Establish clear performance expectations and accountability
Foster a collaborative, safety-focused, and results-driven culture
Ensure compliance with company policy and with all safety, environmental and regulatory requirements (OSHEA, etc.)
Participate in incident investigations and corrective action implementations