Director Production and Quality

Director Production and Quality Englewood, CO Full Time Senior Manager/Supervisor Status: Exempt (Administrative, Supervisory, Learned Professional (Engineer); Outside Salesperson) Reports to: CEO Rate of Pay: As Described in Offer Letter Please Note: To conform with the United States Government Space Technology Export Regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., conditional resident, asylee or refugee (protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. The Organization Imagine combining the excitement of building something new with the confidence of joining a company that already knows how to win. As a globally established organization with a strong history of success abroad, we are expanding into the United States and forming a new division designed for growth, innovation, and long-term impact. Sodern America has come to Colorado! Backed by Sodern’s 60+ years of cutting-edge innovation as an internationally recognized space equipment manufacturer and leader in optronic systems including star trackers and space cameras, Sodern America will feature a production line and operations dedicated to the US market to better serve its growing North American customer base and strengthen partnerships across the region. This is more than a job; it is a chance to be part of a founding team. You will help establish processes, shape culture, and influence strategy, all while supported by an experienced international parent company that has already demonstrated sustainable success. For those who thrive in dynamic environments and want to leave a tangible mark, this is a unique opportunity to build with purpose. The Position The Director Production and Quality is responsible for leading Sodern America’s production and quality operations to manufacture Star Trackers and Cameras in the U.S. ensuring safe, efficient and cost-effective operations that meet customer expectations and business objectives. This role oversees production planning, manufacturing execution, systems integration and testing, quality assurance, continuous improvement initiatives, workforce development and operational performance. The Director provides strategic leadership of local production and quality resources while closely coordinating with Sodern France production leadership to ensure alignment on operational throughput, product quality, regulatory compliance and continuous improvement efforts. This position will require some travel to France for training and coordination with the Sodern France team. The Director Production and Quality will be instrumental in the hiring of local production and quality resources to include operators, quality engineers and logistics / supply chain resources. Essential Functions Production Leadership Direct and oversee all local manufacturing production activities to achieve cost, quality and schedule objectives Lead production and quality team members to support daily manufacturing operations Ensure effective production scheduling and resource allocation to meet customer demand and inventory levels Monitor and report on production KPIs and make necessary adjustments to staffing and/or process Problem solve and provide support to the production team when issues or obstacles arise Collaborate with Sodern France, other departments and partners to optimize the manufacturing process Manage allocated production budgets (investment, training, expenses, etc.) Ensure the availability of materials and facility needs for smooth operations Quality Leadership Provide leadership and oversight of production quality control Establish and maintain certification requirements (AS9100 etc.) Establish, implement and report on service quality indicators Provide oversight and support for root cause analysis and corrective action for quality issues such as defective parts Establish and maintain quality systems, procedures, audits and compliance programs Promote a culture of accountability and continuous quality improvement Operational Excellence Adopt operational excellence methodologies to enhance problem-solving Propose and implement internal organizational improvements that reduce waste and improve yield and productivity Leverage metrics and data analytics to drive informed operational decisions Leadership & Team Development Create a dynamic team environment by building, mentoring and developing high performing production and quality teams Handle production and quality recruitment in coordination with HR Establish clear performance expectations and accountability Foster a collaborative, safety-focused, and results-driven culture Safety and Compliance Ensure compliance with company policy and with all safety, environmental and regulatory requirements (OSHEA, etc.) Participate in incident investigations and corrective action implementations Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Deep understanding of manufacturing operations and quality systems involving complex systems production in an industrial context is required. Knowledge of relevant technical fields (mechanics, optics, electronics) and quality requirements for space, aeronautical, or similar products is required; specific knowledge of star tracker system architecture and optronics is an advantage. Understanding of continuous improvement methodologies and proven track record driving operational improvements and quality performance is required. Understanding of safety and compliance regulation and demonstrated application in a manufacturing environment is required. Background in engineering preferred; knowledge of AOCS engineering in the space industry is an advantage. Strong interpersonal skills, ability to lead and motivate teams, interact with clients, and ability to apply a pragmatic approach to management of quality, cost and schedule objectives. French language competency is an advantage. Experience 8+ years of manufacturing production and quality leadership experience required; space industry experience strongly preferred. Education Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, Industrial Technology or related field required. Working Environment The Company’s working environment is that associated with an entrepreneurial start up. This environment may expose the Director Production and Quality to stressful conditions with shifting goals and tight deadlines. At the beginning of the Company formation, while the Company builds out the office space, employees will work from home. When the office is built out, work will be generally performed in an indoor professional office environment in Englewood, CO. Domestic and International travel on behalf of the organization is required. While the Company strives to accomplish much of its work during typical working hours, this position and many other senior positions will require flexibility of scheduled work hours, including early morning, evening, and weekend hours for a variety of meetings and events. Salary Summary Salary Range: $120,000 - $165,000 annually plus eligible for performance bonuses. The salary information above is a general guideline. Difference in wages may depend upon a) a seniority system, b) a merit system, c) a system that measures earnings by quantity or quality of production, d) the geographic location of the work, e) education, training, or experience, to the extent reasonably related to the work, or f) travel that is regular and necessary for the work. Benefits for all employees are subject to any policy or plan changes, and currently include health, dental and vision insurance, basic life and disability coverage, retirement benefits, as well as additional supplemental benefits, and paid time off. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement Sodern America is committed to the principles of equal employment. We are committed to complying with all federal, state, and local laws providing equal employment opportunities and all other employment laws and regulations. We intend to maintain a work environment that is free of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation because of all protected activity or status protected by federal, state, or local laws. The Organization is dedicated to fulfilling this policy regarding all aspects of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, placement, transfer, training, promotion, rates of pay, and other compensation, termination, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment. We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. #J-18808-Ljbffr Sodern