AI&T Operations Manager - Advanced Programs

Quantum Space; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 145,000 - 195,000; Full time

Job summary

Quantum Space in Hawthorne, CA is seeking a Senior Manager of Operations to lead manufacturing, supply chain, and production planning. You will scale processes, drive throughput, and support cross-functional program execution in a fast-paced aerospace environment.

The role requires 8+ years in operations with a track record of leading teams, and hands-on experience in production planning, scheduling, and facilities readiness. On-site required in Hawthorne with competitive compensation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, operations, supply chain, business, or related technical field.
• 8+ years of experience in operations, manufacturing, production, or program execution.
• 3+ years of experience leading cross-functional teams.
• Experience working in aerospace, defense, automotive, robotics, or advanced manufacturing industries.
• Experience managing complex operational environments in fast-paced organizations.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operational execution across manufacturing and production support.
• Build and scale operational processes to support rapid company growth.
• Drive production planning, scheduling, material flow, and workforce allocation.
• Partner with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams to improve throughput and execution.
• Develop KPIs, reporting structures, and operational performance metrics.
• Identify operational bottlenecks and implement corrective actions.
• Lead staffing, organizational planning, and workforce development initiatives.
• Support facility expansion, infrastructure readiness, and operational scaling efforts.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing and operations.
• Manage operational risk, schedule performance, and cross-functional execution.
• Support executive leadership with operational planning and strategic initiatives.
• Maintain high standards for safety, quality, accountability, and execution.

Skills

Operations leadership

Cross-functional teams

Manufacturing

Supply chain

Lean manufacturing

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Operational reporting tools

Job description

Quantum Space is redefining mobility and maneuverability in space. Our high-mobility spacecraft platforms support national security, civil, and commercial missions with unmatched flexibility and propulsion capability. We build fast and iterate quickly.

Who We're Looking For

As a Senior Manager of Operations, you will lead operational execution across manufacturing, supply chain, production planning, facilities, and cross-functional program support. You will be responsible for scaling operations, improving execution, and enabling hardware teams to move rapidly from development into production. This role requires strong leadership, technical judgment, operational discipline, and the ability to drive execution in a highly dynamic environment.

Where You'll Make an Impact

• Lead day-to-day operational execution across manufacturing and production support activities.
• Build and scale operational processes to support rapid company growth.
• Drive production planning, scheduling, material flow, and workforce allocation.
• Partner with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams to improve throughput and execution.
• Develop KPIs, reporting structures, and operational performance metrics.
• Identify operational bottlenecks and implement corrective actions.
• Lead staffing, organizational planning, and workforce development initiatives.
• Support facility expansion, infrastructure readiness, and operational scaling efforts.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing and operations.
• Manage operational risk, schedule performance, and cross-functional execution.
• Support executive leadership with operational planning and strategic initiatives.
• Maintain high standards for safety, quality, accountability, and execution.

What It Takes

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, operations, supply chain, business, or related technical field.
• 8+ years of experience in operations, manufacturing, production, or program execution.
• 3+ years of experience leading cross-functional teams.
• Experience working in aerospace, defense, automotive, robotics, or advanced manufacturing industries.
• Experience managing complex operational environments in fast-paced organizations.

Nice-to-Have Experience

• Experience scaling hardware production operations.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing systems, production planning, and supply chain operations.
• Experience implementing lean manufacturing or continuous improvement methodologies.
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and operational reporting tools.
• Experience supporting prototype-to-production hardware development.
• Strong communication and organizational leadership skills.
• Experience in highly technical or regulated manufacturing environments.
• Additional Requirements
• Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.
• Must be able to work onsite full-time in Hawthorne, CA.

What You'll Get

• Ownership – Lead and scale critical operational functions across manufacturing, production, supply chain, facilities, and cross-functional program execution
• Impact – Directly influence how to scale our operations, improve execution, and move innovative spacecraft platforms from development into production
• Innovation – Help build and optimize the operational infrastructure supporting next-generation spacecraft platforms for national security, civil, and commercial missions
• Growth – Join a fast-moving, collaborative team where you will have the opportunity to build processes, develop teams, improve operational performance, and help shape the future of space mobility
• Compensation – Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, HSA, 401(k) matching, and equity sharing

Location:

Hawthorne, CA

Base Salary: $140,000 - $200,000

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors. Actual salary offer may vary based based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are considered part of Quantum Space's total compensation package.

Additional Requirements

To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual per 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.