SVP, Manufacturing Operations

Terran Orbital; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 250,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading satellite manufacturer in California is seeking an experienced Senior Vice President of Manufacturing Operations. This pivotal role involves overseeing all manufacturing and supply chain functions, ensuring operational excellence from concept to launch. The ideal candidate has over 10 years of experience in a relevant industry and a strong track record in scaling operations. Join a unique team dedicated to innovation and excellence in satellite production.

Benefits

100% Company-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) Match

Flexible Time Off

Education Reimbursement

Competitive Paid Parental Leave

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in manufacturing, operations leadership, preferably in aerospace, satellite or automotive industries.
• Proven track record of scaling manufacturing and supply chain operations in a high-growth environment.
• Experience implementing lean manufacturing, automation, and supply chain optimization.

Responsibilities

• Lead the manufacturing execution and supply chain functions ensuring operational excellence.
• Oversee satellite manufacturing from prototype to full-scale production.
• Develop comprehensive supply chain strategies to optimize efficiency and quality.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Risk assessment

Data-driven analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, Industrial Manufacturing, or related field

Job description

Join a team where your impact reaches beyond the stars! At Terran Orbital, you’re not just part of the system – you’re a vital force propelling our mission forward. As trailblazers in satellite manufacturing and aerospace innovation, we shatter boundaries daily to deliver groundbreaking solutions that power our nation’s defense and commercial missions. We are a unique, fast growing, and trusted team dedicated to swiftly and efficiently designing, building, launching, and operating state of the art satellites for advanced mission constellations. If you’re driven by purpose, inspired by challenges, and ready to leave your mark on the universe, you’ll find a home and endless opportunities for growth here. Together, let’s redefine what is possible in orbit and beyond!

Terran Orbital is seeking an experienced Senior Vice President, Manufacturing Operations to join our growing team. Reporting to the President & CEO the SVP, Manufacturing Operations will lead our manufacturing execution and supply chain functions while ensuring operational excellence from concept to launch.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

• Work closely with the CEO and leadership team to develop company-wide strategy.
• Provide leadership to promote the company’s critical priorities, mission, values, and culture initiatives.
• Build and lead high-preforming manufacturing and supply chain teams, fostering a culture of innovation and efficiency.
• Develop operational Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), monitor performance, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Partner with Finance to manage budgets, cost reductions strategies, and capital expenditures for manufacturing and engineering.
• Represent the company in strategic partnerships, board of director meetings, and industry engagements.
• Ability to travel and work irregular and/or long hours, including weekends and holidays, as needed to execute on related initiatives.

Manufacturing Execution

• Oversee end-to-end satellite manufacturing, from prototype development to full-scale production.
• Establish and optimize manufacturing workflows, ensuring efficiency, scalability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Implement lean manufacturing principles and automation strategies to enhance production capabilities.
• Develop and implement strategic plans to increase efficiency, productivity, and profitability within the manufacturing division.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, quality control measures, and regulatory requirements.
• Lead factory and production facility setup and expansion efforts as the company scales.
• Foster a culture of improvement.

Supply Chain Execution

• Oversee the planning, inventory, procurement, subcontracts, and logistics teams in the development and execution of innovative supply chain strategies for small satellite production.
• Oversee the development and implementation of comprehensive supply chain strategies to optimize efficiency, cost, and quality across the organization.
• Negotiate and manage contracts with suppliers, vendors, and logistics providers to ensure favorable terms and reliable supply of materials and services.
• Lead the integration of supply chain processes with other business functions, such finance and production, to align objectives and enhance overall operational performance.
• Implement advanced analytics and supply chain management tools to forecast demand, manage inventory levels, and identify opportunities for process improvement.

• Ensure seamless integration between planning and manufacturing teams to optimize production efficiency.
• Develop and maintain supply chain best practices, including procurement processes, inventory management, and logistics coordination.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align supply chain goals with overall business objectives.

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, Industrial Manufacturing, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in manufacturing, operations leadership, preferably in aerospace, satellite or automotive industries.
• Non-degreed candidates will be considered assuming they can illustrate a proven track record of accomplishment in the relevant or similar industries over 20 or more years.
• Proven track record of scaling manufacturing and supply chain operations in a high-growth environment.
• Strong understanding of satellite development.
• Experience implementing lean manufacturing, automation, and supply chain optimization.
• Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

• Experience leading teams and supporting senior leadership.
• Ability to assess team and organizational health/dynamics and drive culture change.
• Experience leading talent management and succession planning strategies, including long-term organization design.
• Experience driving strategic workforce planning.
• Applied project management experience.
• Exposure to high-risk situations, assessing risk and developing risk mitigation strategies.
• Experience designing and leading strategic people initiatives.
• Ability to measure performance through data driven analysis and outcome impact.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and strong presentation skills.
• Teaming and collaboration skills across all levels of the organization.
• Strong organization skills, ability to effectively manage high-volume workload and competing priorities.

• U.S. Citizenship with ability to obtain and maintain a US DoD Secret clearance.

• 100% Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents
• 401(k) Match
• Flexible Time Off (FTO)
• Education Reimbursement
• Competitive Paid Parental Leave

Salary Range$250,000-$300,000

Your actual level and base salary will be determined case-by-case and may vary based on the job-related qualification, knowledge, skills, education, and experience. In addition to base salary, we offer 100% covered medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) match, Flexible Time Off (FTO), covered life insurance, maternity and paternity leave, tuition reimbursement, employee referrals, and lots of swag!

About Terran Orbital

Terran Orbital is a leading manufacturer of satellite products primarily serving the aerospace and defense industries. Terran Orbital provides end-to-end satellite solutions by combining satellite design, production, launch planning, mission operations, and on-orbit support to meet the needs of the most demanding military, civil, and commercial customers. Learn more atwww.terranorbital.com

Work Environment

The job operates in a professional office environment but in a manufacturing company. This job routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and scanners.

Disclaimers

To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. In addition, please note that this position may require a current United States National Security clearance or eligibility for such a clearance.

Terran Orbital is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or membership in any other group protected by federal, state, or local law.

If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at [e-mail].

Terran Orbital does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or staffing firms. To conduct business with Terran Orbital, a Master Services Agreement (MSA) must be executed and confirmed prior to submitting any information relating to a potential candidate. Without a signed MSA, Terran Orbital shall not be responsible to any individual or entity for any payment relating to any form of fee or compensation.

And, in the event that a resume or candidate is submitted by a recruiter, an employment agency, or a staffing firm without a fully executed MSA, Terran Orbital has the unrestricted right to pursue and hire any of those candidate(s) without any legal or financial responsibility to the recruiter, agency, and/or firm.