Operations Program Manager, Manufacturing

Who We Are: Space Kinetic is a dual-use space technology startup building a completely new architecture for space operations—one that brings the advantages of proliferated drone technology to space missions while reducing the ecosystem’s reliance on consumable fuel. In a world where many companies are focused on incrementally improving the status quo, we are focused on creating something entirely different—an architecture underpinned by new first principles to meet the opportunities and challenges of the third space age head‑on. Our goal is to move away from one‑to‑one space architectures, where each satellite has one or a small number of primary payloads attached to the bus, and unlock a one‑to‑many system in which each satellite carries numerous payloads that can be deployed from their host spacecraft at high velocities without firing a thruster. A New Paradigm for Space Operations Who We Are: Space Kinetic is a dual-use space technology startup building a completely new architecture for space operations—one that brings the advantages of proliferated drone technology to space missions while reducing the ecosystem’s reliance on consumable fuel. In a world where many companies are focused on incrementally improving the status quo, we are focused on creating something entirely different—an architecture underpinned by new first principles to meet the opportunities and challenges of the third space age head‑on. Our goal is to move away from one‑to‑one space architectures, where each satellite has one or a small number of primary payloads attached to the bus, and unlock a one‑to‑many system in which each satellite carries numerous payloads that can be deployed from their host spacecraft at high velocities without firing a thruster. This is not a role for someone looking for a traditional 40‑hour work week. Space Kinetic is building ambitious, first‑of‑its‑kind technology, and that requires urgency, ownership, and a high level of commitment to changing the foundational assumptions for everything we do in space. What You’ll Do: The Operations Program Manager (OPM) serves as the primary link between program leadership including production planning, supply chain, manufacturing, integration, and production support. This role leads to the cross‑functional execution of manufacturing activities across one or more programs, aligning teams around program requirements, production priorities, schedules, costs, risks, and hardware‑delivery milestones. OPM provides program leaders and internal stakeholders with a single point of accountability, removes execution barriers, and drives operational readiness from development through production. What It Takes: Partner with project management, engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, production planning, and Facilities to align product requirements, program scope, factory priorities, and delivery expectations. Develop and maintain integrated operational plans covering schedules, budgets, material costs, staffing, equipment, manufacturing capacity, and hardware‑delivery milestones. Establish performance baselines and monitor operational performance using manufacturing KPIs such as NCRs, first‑pass yield, throughput, schedule performance, and machine utilization. Identify, track, and communicate operational risks and opportunities, including supply‑chain disruptions, equipment constraints, capacity limitations, quality issues, and schedule delays. Coordinate cross‑functional teams and their interdependencies, removing execution barriers and driving accountability without direct reporting authority. Provide program leaders and internal stakeholders with clear updates on operational performance, hardware status, costs, risks, delivery milestones, and recovery plans. Ensure technical, quality, and schedule requirements are communicated to critical subcontractors and purchased‑part suppliers, while coordinating vendor performance and priorities. Support equipment‑purchasing and facility‑planning decisions, including machinery, tooling, infrastructure, production‑space requirements, and operational readiness. Participate in corrective‑action activities and use operational data to implement process improvements. Evaluate changes to product requirements or program scope and communicate their potential impact on costs, schedules, capacity, and hardware delivery. Support cost proposals by developing estimates for materials, equipment, labor, and other operational requirements. Lead Operations program meetings and reviews with cross‑functional teams and company leadership. Ensure compliance with applicable company policies, quality standards, and operational processes. What We’d Love: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Manufacturing Management, Engineering, or a related field—or an equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience. 3+ years of experience in manufacturing, machining, CNC operations, manufacturing engineering, project engineering, or related technical environment. 2+ years of operations management experience involving manufacturing, supply chain, facilities, production planning, or related functions. Demonstrated project‑management experience managing schedules, budgets, costs, risks, requirements, and cross‑functional dependencies. Experience working in a machine‑shop or production environment, including capacity planning and resource allocation. Knowledge of manufacturing KPIs, corrective‑action processes, and AS9100 quality‑management requirements. Experience using ERP and manufacturing execution systems(MES) to monitor materials, work orders, schedules, capacity, costs, and production performance. Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence without formal authority, provide direction, and drive accountability across cross‑functional teams. Experience working in aerospace, aviation, defense, or another highly regulated industry. Where You’ll Be: The position is onsite at our headquarters in El Segundo; CA. Domestic travel may be required (up to ~20% of the year). What We Offer: Equity‑Based Compensation 401(k) Retirement Plan with 3.5% company match Highly Competitive PTO Paid company holidays + winter break Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage Unique Performance‑Based Bonus Structure ITAR Requirements: To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR here Equal Employment Opportunity: Space Kinetic provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status. The annual base salary for this role is below. Pay Grades are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual pay will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: interviews and an assessment of several factors that are unique to each candidate, job‑related skills, relevant education/experience, certifications, abilities of the candidate and internal equity. The annual base salary for this role is below. Pay Grades are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual pay will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: interviews and an assessment of several factors that are unique to each candidate, job‑related skills, relevant education/experience, certifications, abilities of the candidate and internal equity. Pay Range: $115,000 USD - $150,000 USD #J-18808-Ljbffr