AI&T Operations Manager - Satellite Programs

Quantum Space; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity sharing

401(k) matching

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Generous leave

Job summary

Quantum Space seeks a Senior Manager of Operations to lead manufacturing, supply chain, production planning, facilities, and cross-functional program support, scaling operations and driving rapid movement from development into production.

You will partner with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain to improve throughput, define KPIs, and implement continuous improvement in a fast-paced aerospace environment. This on-site role is based in Rockville, MD or Hawthorne, CA.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in operations, manufacturing, production, or program execution.
• 3+ years leading cross-functional teams.
• Experience in aerospace, defense, automotive, robotics, or advanced manufacturing.
• Experience managing complex operational environments in fast-paced organizations.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional teams

Program execution

Operations management

Aerospace industry

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

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

We are seeking an experienced Senior Manager of Operations, who 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 Rockville, MD.

What You'll Get

• Ownership – Lead and scale operational execution across manufacturing, supply chain, production planning, facilities, and cross-functional program support
• Impact – Directly influence production throughput, operational performance, and Quantum Space's ability to rapidly move hardware from development into production
• Innovation – Help build and improve the operational systems and processes supporting next-generation spacecraft platforms for national security, civil, and commercial missions
• Growth – Join a fast-moving, collaborative team where you will build teams, develop scalable processes, drive continuous improvement, 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

Rockville, MD or Hawthorne, CA

Base Salary

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors. Actual salary offer may vary 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.