Director, Production Operations

Sierra Space•Madison, WI

7d•$164,513 - $226,205•Onsite

About The Position

Sierra Space is scaling from development programs into high-rate, repeatable production across a diversified portfolio of military and commercial systems, including satellites and spacecraft, propulsion systems, solar power systems, and the Dream Chaser spaceplane. As Director, Production Operations based in Madison, Wisconsin, you will play a critical role in executing the production strategy for propulsion development and manufacturing, building the operational systems required to deliver hardware at pace, at quality, and at cost. This is an execution-focused leadership role for a proven operations professional with expertise in propulsion systems. Reporting to the Vice President, Production, you will lead manufacturing and assembly operations for propulsion product lines and additional enterprise products within Sierra Space's Madison facility. You will drive standardization of production processes, implement data-driven manufacturing systems, and build high-performing teams capable of scaling propulsion output while maintaining quality and efficiency. You will partner closely with Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, and Program Management to ensure production readiness and on-time delivery of critical propulsion systems for space and defense applications.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in engineering, manufacturing, operations, or a related technical field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree).
10+ years of experience in manufacturing, production, or operations roles in complex technical industries, with a significant portion in leadership positions.
The ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret U.S. Security Clearance is required
Proven track record of successfully managing large teams and complex production projects in high-rate manufacturing environments.
Strong background in manufacturing processes, assembly & integration, and operational execution for complex electromechanical or aerospace systems, with emphasis on propulsion systems preferred.
Demonstrated experience implementing and scaling production operations, including process standardization, workflow optimization, and capacity planning.
Experience with data-driven manufacturing systems, MES, and production management processes, including OKR development and performance tracking.
Knowledge of design-for-manufacturing (DFM) principles and ability to collaborate with engineering teams to optimize product designs for production.
Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and drive operational excellence in fast-paced, highly technical environments.
Expertise in continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma) with proven ability to identify and eliminate production inefficiencies.
Strong financial acumen with demonstrated ability to manage production budgets, analyze manufacturing costs, and implement cost-saving measures.
In-depth knowledge of industry-specific production standards, safety regulations, and quality management systems (ISO, AS9100, GMP, etc.).
Excellent cross-functional collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to represent production interests effectively to executive leadership and external stakeholders.
Ability to uphold and model company values while holding others accountable and fostering a culture of operational excellence.

Nice To Haves

Experience in propulsion manufacturing and test operations, including liquid or hybrid rocket engines, thrusters, or propulsion subsystems.
Familiarity with additive manufacturing (3D printing) for propulsion components, including metal printing processes and post-processing.
Experience in aerospace, defense, satellite, launch, or high-rate hardware manufacturing across both military and commercial product lines.
Experience with vertically integrated manufacturing capabilities such as propulsion, fluid systems, PCBAs, structures, or integrated vehicle production.
Experience with spacecraft or satellite integration and production.
Familiarity with classified manufacturing and secure production operations.
Experience implementing lean or continuous-improvement frameworks at scale in production environments.
Experience with automated manufacturing, MES implementation, or production data systems.
Experience leading organizational change initiatives specific to production environments, including technology implementation, process redesign, and workforce development.
Experience building and scaling production teams during periods of rapid company growth.
Master's degree in engineering, operations, business, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Lead manufacturing and assembly operations for propulsion product lines, including day-to-day oversight of production floor activities, scheduling, and workflow management at the Madison, WI facility.
Execute production strategy to scale propulsion manufacturing from development programs into repeatable, high-rate production with a focus on throughput, yield, and cost efficiency.
Standardize propulsion production processes and workflows to create consistent, repeatable, high-quality build operations aligned with enterprise-wide best practices.
Support capacity planning and facility buildout efforts for propulsion manufacturing, including layout optimization, equipment installation, and production line commissioning.
Drive vertical integration initiatives by standing up and maturing internal propulsion manufacturing capabilities, including additive manufacturing, machining, assembly, and test operations for propulsion components and systems.
Implement and mature manufacturing execution systems (MES) and production data infrastructure to enable traceability, repeatability, and real-time visibility into propulsion manufacturing performance.
Establish and maintain production operating rhythm through KPIs, dashboards, and review cadences focused on cycle time, yield, throughput, labor efficiency, on-time delivery, and cost for propulsion production.
Apply lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma) to identify and eliminate production inefficiencies, reduce waste, and improve quality in propulsion operations.
Collaborate with Propulsion Engineering and Product Assurance to drive design-for-manufacturing (DFM) and design-for-test (DFT) into propulsion product development and support new product introduction (NPI) activities.
Partner across Supply Chain, Engineering, Quality, Facilities, Security, and Program Management to ensure aligned production readiness, material availability, and execution against propulsion program schedules.
Manage production budgets for propulsion operations and analyze manufacturing costs to implement cost-saving measures that maintain quality standards and support financial goals.
Lead and develop production management teams at the Madison facility, including supervisors, engineers, and technicians, fostering collaboration and accountability while upholding company values and a culture of operational excellence.
Ensure compliance with industry-specific production standards, safety regulations, and quality management systems (ISO, AS9100, GMP, etc.) applicable to aerospace and propulsion manufacturing operations.
Represent propulsion production operations in cross-functional forums and communicate status, risks, and mitigation plans to executive leadership and external stakeholders, including customers and regulatory bodies.