Production Manager, Machining & Fabrication

K2 Space•Los Angeles, CA

About The Position

K2 Space is hiring a Production Manager to lead its machine shop, development fabrication shop, precision inspection (CMM), and spacecraft paint teams. This hands-on leadership role is responsible for delivering flight parts, prototype hardware, tooling, fixtures, and ground support equipment (GSE) on demanding timelines, including when designs change or test campaigns require rapid support. The manager will serve 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 role owns shop performance end to end, including decisions about equipment, staffing, layout, and in-house production. As the company scales from development spacecraft to higher-rate production, the manager will build the shop, team, and 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 within aerospace, defense, or complex hardware manufacturing.
Demonstrated experience leading multiple work centers in a high-mix, low-volume development or quick-turn environment.
Ability to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed to support critical production and test milestones.
Comfort spending significant time on the shop floor daily.
Ability to travel occasionally to suppliers, test facilities, or other company locations.
Must be a U.S. person as defined by ITAR or otherwise eligible for a federally issued export control license.

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 specialized teams across the machine shop, development fabrication shop, precision inspection (CMM), and spacecraft paint.
Communicate and uphold safety, quality, and turnaround expectations across the team.
Manage schedules and delivery of precision machined parts, welded assemblies, prototype hardware, tooling, fixtures, and GSE for development, production, and test.
Set daily team priorities and adjust promptly as engineering needs change.
Identify and remove equipment, resource, material, or process constraints that block hardware delivery.
Expand shop 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 and use 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.