Propulsion Manufacturing Manager
Required skills
- manufacturing operations
- ground power systems
- production capability
- repeatable processes
- production workflows
- safety
- quality
- reliability
- supply chain
- facilities
Nice to have
- aerospace engineering
- scalable technology platform
- mission operations
- future of flight
- high performance
- efficiency
Role summary
Astro Mechanica is seeking a Ground Power Manufacturing Lead to establish and scale manufacturing operations for their ground power systems. This hands-on role involves building production capability from the ground up, transforming development hardware into repeatable, reliable products. The lead will own manufacturing processes, workflows, and team development, ensuring high standards of safety, quality, and reliability. Responsibilities include floorplan design, SOP creation, production scheduling, cross-functional collaboration, team hiring and training, supply chain coordination, and driving continuous improvement to optimize yield, cost, and throughput. The ideal candidate has 7+ years of experience scaling production lines for complex hardware and can translate development builds into robust manufacturing processes.
ABOUT US:
Astro Mechanica is a vertically integrated aerospace company developing a scalable technology platform to power critical infrastructure, mission operations, and the future of flight. We apply aerospace engineering and quality standards across our products, delivering high performance, reliability, and efficiency for the most demanding operating environments. Astro Mechanica is backed by leading venture and strategic investors, including Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), Giant Step Capital, United Airlines Ventures, and Voyager Ventures.
WHO WE ARE:
We’re a team of passionate engineers dedicated to advancing aerospace. We’re generalists with specialist depth, united by a flat structure and a shared obsession with building things that work well. We move fast, stay pragmatic, and let engineering excellence speak louder than hierarchy.
WHO YOU ARE:
Astro Mechanica is seeking a Propulsion Manufacturing Manager to establish and scale the manufacturing operations of our ground power systems. This is a hands-on role for someone who thrives at the intersection of engineering, manufacturing, and operations. You will build our production capability from the ground up, transforming development hardware into repeatable, reliable, production-ready products that can be delivered to customers.
You will own the manufacturing processes, production workflows, and team development needed to scale output while maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, and reliability. Working closely with engineering, supply chain, and facilities teams, you will resolve technical and operational challenges, drive continuous improvement, and help turn our hardware into a scalable business. You excel at streamlining development hardware into a high-quality marketable product.
WHAT YOU’LL DO:
Establish the manufacturing floor plan, assembly stations, material flow, tooling, and inventory control systems needed to support efficient production
Create and maintain standard operating procedures, work instructions, process documentation, and assembly workflows that enable consistent, high-quality builds
Coordinate build schedules, labor, materials, and equipment to meet production targets and customer delivery commitments
Collaborate with responsible engineers to resolve non-conformances, manage quarantine inventory, and implement corrective actions
Hire, train, and develop a team of manufacturing engineers and technicians responsible for assembly, inspection, and hardware acceptance testing
Coordinate with supply chain to manage work orders, component traceability, hardware kitting, work-in-progress tracking, and material flow throughout the facility
Identify and implement improvements to improve yield, unit cost, rework, and production throughput
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR:
10+ years of hands-on experience establishing, launching, or scaling production lines for complex engineered hardware
Demonstrated ability to translate development builds into repeatable manufacturing processes and production workflows
Experience coordinating cross-functional teams, including engineering, technicians, supply chain, facilities, and operations, to resolve production challenges
Experience building and leading manufacturing engineering and technician teams
Familiarity interpreting engineering drawings, GD&T, work instructions, inspection requirements, and nonconformance documentation
Experience implementing manufacturing procedures, material tracking, inventory controls, and hardware traceability systems
Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify root causes, implement corrective actions, and drive continuous improvement
Ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining safety, quality, and production schedule requirements
Comfortable safely handling heavy equipment and hardware using lifting fixtures, hoists, and other material-handling equipment
Strong attention to detail and a commitment to workmanship, documentation, and product quality
PERKS & BENEFITS:
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, including Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
401(k) program and transparent stock option plan
Self-managed and flexible time-off policy, including PTO, paid holidays, and sick time
Flexible work environment
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
At Astro Mechanica, we highly value in-office work to foster collaboration and strengthen our company culture. We consider working in the office five days a week an essential part of the employee's role.
Astro Mechanica is an equal opportunity employer. We proudly recruit and hire a diverse workforce and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
