Manager, Machining & Fabrication

K2 Space•Los Angeles, CA

1d•$150,000 - $190,000

About The Position

The Manager, Machining & Fabrication is a hands-on leadership role responsible for leading K2 Space’s machine shop, development fabrication shop, precision inspection (CMM), and spacecraft paint teams. These teams produce flight parts, prototype hardware, tooling, fixtures, and ground support equipment (GSE) on demanding schedules, often supporting rapidly changing designs and test needs. The role serves as site production leader for K2’s new hardware development and manufacturing facility, with accountability for safety, facilities coordination, and day-to-day operations. The manager owns shop performance, including decisions about equipment, staffing, layout, and in-house capabilities. As the company scales from development spacecraft to high-rate production, this person will build the shop, team, and operating systems needed to support that growth.

Requirements

At least 4 years of direct people leadership in a fast-paced machining or fabrication environment.
At least 8 years of hands-on experience in machining, fabrication, or precision manufacturing in a high-volume, rapid environment in aerospace, defense, or complex hardware manufacturing.
Demonstrated experience leading multiple work centers in a high-mix, low-volume development or quick-turn environment.
Must be able to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed to support critical production and test milestones.
Must be comfortable spending significant time on the shop floor daily.
Must be able to travel occasionally to suppliers, test facilities, or other company locations as required.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated success leading from the floor in a fast-moving manufacturing environment.
Hands-on experience with CNC machining, fabrication processes, and interpreting engineering drawings, including GD&T.
Experience with CMM and dimensional inspection.
Working knowledge of AS9100 quality systems, NCRs, and FAI (AS9102).
Experience with MES/ERP systems.
Background in capacity modeling, shop layout, and capital equipment justification.
Track record of making fast decisions with incomplete information and owning the outcome.
Excellent conflict resolution and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

Manage and develop teams across the machine shop, development fabrication shop, precision inspection (CMM), and spacecraft paint.
Communicate and uphold strong standards for safety, quality, and turnaround time.
Manage schedules and delivery of precision-machined parts, welded assemblies, prototype hardware, tooling, fixtures, and GSE for development, production, and testing.
Set daily team priorities and adjust them when engineering needs change.
Identify and remove equipment, resource, material, or process constraints that block hardware delivery.
Expand capabilities through equipment selection, capital investment, new processes, and make-versus-buy decisions.
Support the buildout of manufacturing and development areas, including layout, infrastructure, and equipment installation in partnership with Engineering, Production, and Facilities.
Establish metrics for throughput, schedule adherence, utilization, equipment readiness, and quality to drive continuous improvement.
Serve as site lead for the building and coordinate shared resources and operational readiness with Facilities, Design Engineering, and Test.