Aerospace Production Manager: Lean Ops & Safety

Socket.dev; Midland (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

AST SpaceMobile is seeking a Production Manager to oversee manufacturing operations, scheduling, and safety across composites, structures, and precision assembly. You will optimize workflows, lead frontline teams, and collaborate with engineering, quality, and supply chain to meet cost, quality, and delivery targets.

The role requires a technical degree, 2+ years supervisory experience, and a focus on continuous improvement using Lean/Six Sigma methodologies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, or a related technical field.
• 3+ years of experience in production planning, manufacturing operations, or assembly environments.
• Experience supporting composites, structures, or precision assembly operations.
• Knowledge of quality management systems and ISO standards.
• At least 2 years of supervisory experience.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen, Permanent Resident, or possess valid U.S. work authorization.

Responsibilities

• Oversee frontline leadership and KPI goals.
• Oversee and improve safety protocols and skills training as business growth continues.
• Demonstrated attendance management for a high-volume production environment.
• Motivating, supporting, and guiding production staff.
• Maintaining safety and health standards to prevent accidents.
• Communicating with upper management regarding production issues.
• Evaluating machine resources to ensure continued production with minimal downtime.
• Balancing productivity gains with cost reductions.
• Setting productivity goals for manufacturing teams.
• Developing workflow policies to improve efficiency while maintaining safety and quality.
• Ensuring adequate scheduling and alignment with production plans.
• Supporting composites, structures, and precision assembly operations.
• Maintaining schedule discipline and accountability across teams.
• Collaborating with engineering, quality, supply chain, and operations to resolve bottlenecks.
• Leading Lean, Six Sigma, and problem-solving initiatives.
• Ensuring compliance with internal standards, regulatory requirements, and quality systems.
• Managing multiple production shifts (e.g., 4x10/3x12).
• Communicating effectively across sites, shifts, and departments.

Skills

Leadership

Safety training

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, or related field

Tools

ERP/MRP

MES

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

AST SpaceMobile is seeking a Production Manager to oversee manufacturing operations, scheduling, and safety across composites, structures, and precision assembly. You will optimize workflows, lead frontline teams, and collaborate with engineering, quality, and supply chain to meet cost, quality, and delivery targets.

The role requires a technical degree, 2+ years supervisory experience, and a focus on continuous improvement using Lean/Six Sigma methodologies.