Director, Production and Test Engineering

YOUR MISSION

As Director, Production and Test Engineering, you will lead the Denver-based team of technicians, production engineers, test engineers, and manufacturing engineers to deliver fully qualified spacecraft on aggressive timelines. You will own the build and test processes, schedules, and capacity planning required to execute production commitments.

You will partner closely with Program Management and Engineering to provide inputs to the Integrated Master Schedule (IMS), align capacity with demand, and drive disciplined execution against production milestones. Beyond delivery, you will be accountable for continuously improving efficiency, automation, and process maturity to reduce turn time and increase throughput.

This role requires both strategic foresight and hands-on leadership: setting standards, driving automation, solving problems, and developing people to their full potential while ensuring every spacecraft meets mission assurance standards.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and mentor a high-performing team across production, test, and manufacturing engineering.
• Own execution of production and test schedules to meet program delivery commitments.
• Drive load capacity planning - forecast demand, balance resources, and ensure teams are properly staffed and focused.
• Provide accurate inputs to the Integrated Master Schedule (IMS), aligning production and test activities with program needs.
• Own and continuously improve build and test processes, ensuring efficiency, repeatability, and compliance with AS9100/ISO9001 standards.
• Champion efficiency and automation initiatives to reduce cycle time, improve first-time yield, and scale production capability.
• Oversee test execution, including requirements verification, procedure development, data analysis, and anomaly resolution.
• Lead root cause investigations and ensure corrective actions are implemented effectively.
• Invest in developing team members through coaching, mentorship, and growth opportunities, enabling them to reach their full potential.
• Ensure facilities and workspaces are clean, organized, and optimized for safety and efficiency.

What Success Looks Like

• Production and test schedules executed predictably, with milestones met or exceeded.
• Efficiency and automation drive measurable reductions in turn time and increase throughput.
• Capacity plans that accurately anticipate workload and prevent bottlenecks.
• High first-time yield and reduced anomalies demonstrate process maturity.
• Denver team engagement, technical excellence, and professional growth consistently visible.
• Build and test processes that are scalable, disciplined, and trusted by stakeholders.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing, Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Over 10 years of experience in space component, spacecraft production, and testing.
• In-depth knowledge of AS9100/ISO9001 production standards, requirements, and testing protocols.
• Proven track record in managing high-rate, complex components and assemblies, as well as executing detailed test plans.
• Extensive experience with MRP, PLM, and MES application systems, and the integration of automation components across these systems.
• Strong expertise in lean manufacturing principles, rapid prototyping methodologies, and environmental testing such as vibration, thermal, or shock testing.
• Solid understanding of spacecraft testing facilities and tooling, including vibration tables, TVAC, EMI/EMC chambers, optical alignment stations, and FlatSats.
• Experience with ESD sensitive component and assembly manufacturing.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage and maintain a cleanroom environment, ensuring organization and cleanliness to the highest standards.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in manufacturing, mechanical, aerospace engineering or equivalent discipline.
• 15+ years of experience in space component and/or spacecraft production and testing.
• Experience with CNC, tube bending, and other production equipment.
• Familiarity with LabVIEW, MATLAB, or Python for data processing or test automation.
• Capable of building and maintaining IMS schedules with Program Management and schedulers with a deep understanding of critical paths and mitigation techniques.
• Active DoD clearance or ability to obtain one is a plus.

COMPENSATION

• Base Salary: $175,000 - $240,000
• Equity + Benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, HRA/HSA options, PTO and paid holidays, 401K, Parental Leave

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, location, and experience.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Work Location—Successful candidates will be located near Denver. While we observe a hybrid work environment, some work must be done on site.
• Work environment—the work environment; temperature, noise level, inside or outside, or other factors that will affect the person's working conditions while performing the job.
• Physical demands—the physical demands of the job, including bending, sitting, lifting and driving.

This position will be open until it is successfully filled. To submit your application, please follow the directions below.

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