Manager, Business Operations (TS/SCI)

ZipRecruiter; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative space startup is seeking a Manager of Business Operations to drive efficiency and optimize resources in a fast-paced environment. This role involves developing program execution plans, enhancing workflows, and ensuring operational excellence across various teams. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in aerospace program execution, strong program management skills, and the ability to present data-driven insights to leadership. Join a groundbreaking team dedicated to revolutionizing space development and contribute to ambitious missions that aim to expand our reach into the solar system.

Benefits

Unlimited paid time off

Medical/dental/vision coverage

Life insurance

Paid parental leave

Equity in the company

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in executing aerospace programs.
• Strong program management experience and exceptional communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead program execution planning for multiple programs across teams.
• Optimize processes and workflows to enhance organizational agility.

Skills

Program Management

Data Analysis

Communication Skills

Resource Planning

Operational Excellence

Education

Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, finance, or operations management

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Project

SQL

Tableau

Power BI

Job description

Job Description

K2 Space is building large, high-powered spacecraft for the next era of space development. Backed by Lightspeed Venture Partners, Altimeter Capital, and many others ($180M raised to date), we intend to mass produce the highest-powered satellite platforms ever built for missions across LEO to Deep Space.

The rise of launch vehicles like Falcon 9 and Starship enables the move from an era of mass constraint to one of mass abundance. We believe this new era requires spacecraft with a fundamentally different design in order to fully utilize the massive rockets coming to market.

We're a team that believes the future lies in building large, high-powered satellites that can handle multiple orbits. This is a necessity if we ever want to develop the solar system and become a Kardashev Type II (K2) civilization.

If you are a motivated individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and you're excited about contributing to the success of a groundbreaking Series B space startup, we'd love for you to apply.

The Role

As the Manager of Business Operations, you will play a critical role in capturing, planning, and executing Security Programs by optimizing resources, production capabilities, and program execution strategies. You will be responsible for developing and integrating program execution plans, enhancing operational workflows, and creating scalable processes to drive efficiency across engineering, finance, supply chain, and leadership teams.

This role requires a strategic mindset and hands-on execution to ensure operational excellence in a fast-paced, high-tech environment. You will track and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs), improve cross-functional coordination, and drive data-driven decision-making to enable K2 Space's rapid growth and mission success.

Responsibilities

1. Lead program execution planning – Develop, maintain, and optimize execution plans for multiple programs, ensuring alignment across engineering, finance, and supply chain teams.
2. Drive resource and production planning – Coordinate labor, materials, and facilities to balance competing program priorities and dynamic timelines.
3. Develop and implement business operations tools – Create dashboards, reporting systems, and data-driven insights to improve efficiency, risk management, and performance tracking.
4. Optimize processes and workflows – Identify bottlenecks, implement scalable solutions, and automate operations to enhance organizational agility.

Qualifications

1. Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, finance, operations management, or a related field.
2. 15+ years of experience in executing aerospace programs.
3. Strong program management experience, including medium to large-scale program scheduling, execution tracking, and cross-functional coordination.
4. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Project, and other scheduling tools for complex program execution.
5. Experience in developing and maintaining business insight tools for data analysis, decision support, and operational reporting.
6. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present information clearly to leadership and external stakeholders.
7. Active Top Secret, Top Secret SCI clearance.

Nice to Have

1. Advanced coursework or training in Critical Path Analysis and scheduling methodologies.
2. Experience with SQL and dashboard creation (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, or similar tools).
3. Financial and budget tracking experience for multiple concurrent programs.
4. Strong experience in briefing executive leadership and government stakeholders.
5. Ability to synthesize large volumes of complex information and present it in a clear, structured, and actionable format.
6. Proven ability to work independently and manage multiple program plans simultaneously with minimal supervision.

Compensation and Benefits:

1. Base salary range for this role is $150,000 - $200,000 + equity in the company.
2. Salary will be based on several factors including, but not limited to: knowledge and skills, education, and experience level.
3. Comprehensive benefits package including unlimited paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and many other perks.

If you don't meet 100% of the skills and experience, we encourage you to still apply! Building a spacecraft unlike any other requires a team unlike any other and non-traditional career twists and turns are encouraged!

If you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know.

Export Compliance

As defined in the ITAR, "U.S. Persons" include U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (i.e., Green Card holders), and certain protected individuals (e.g., refugees/asylees, American Samoans). Please consult with a knowledgeable advisor if you are unsure whether you are a "U.S. Person."

The person hired for this role will have access to information and items controlled by U.S. export control regulations, including the export control regulations outlined in the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR). The person hired for this role must therefore either be a "U.S. person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 or otherwise eligible for a federally issued export control license.

Equal Opportunity

K2 Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with K2 Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence, and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.