Senior Manager of Manufacturing

Who We Are:
Venus Aerospace is revolutionizing rocket engine propulsion. With the first generational leap in rocket engine technology since Apollo, our proprietary Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine and Venus Detonation Ramjets deliver historic efficiency and performance across aerospace applications. We are building the next generation of propulsion platforms that enable breakthrough capabilities in space, defense, and commercial high-speed flight. Our team thrives on solving the toughest engineering challenges and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in aerospace. At Venus, we’re looking for bold engineers and innovators who want to make history and redefine the future of propulsion. The role: Senior Manager of Manufacturing This senior leader drives the integration of engineering intent into scalable, high‑quality manufacturing execution. The role ensures that designs, drawings, and manufacturing strategies reflect real production constraints, additive and conventional processes, and company-wide integration needs.

What You'll Get To Do

1. Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM): 

Champion DfAM practices across propulsion, structural, and flight hardware programs. 

Partner with engineering to ensure CAD models, GD&T, tolerances, and manufacturing notes align with additive process capabilities (e.g., LPBF, novel materials) – consistent with additive expectations noted in internal machine shop leadership requirements.

Evaluate components for additive suitability, cost drivers, post‑processing flow, and quality requirements. 

Drive build setup development and coordinate handoff to production teams. 

2. Drawing Reviews & Quoting Expertise: 

Lead cross-functional drawing reviews, particularly focusing on manufacturability, tolerance stack‑ups, and ambiguity removal. 

Provide quoting-level insight into part cost drivers, machining complexities, additive build risk, and supplier capability 

Ensure BOM accuracy, MBOM structure integrity, and completeness of manufacturing documentation. 

3. Translation Between Engineering & Manufacturing: 

Act as the primary integrator between design engineering, manufacturing engineering, machining, test, and integration teams. 

Convert engineering requirements into actionable manufacturing plans, build sequences, traveler requirements, and inspection steps. 

Maintain tight coordination with engineering programs 

Drive clarity for handoffs across Integration → Test → Integration cycles. 

4. Broad Ownership of Manufacturing Technology & Capability: 

Maintain a broad understanding of machining, additive, composites, tooling, fixtures, automation, inspection, and qualification processes. 

Identify and implement emerging technologies that expand capability breadth in line with expectations from the Senior Manager of Machine Shop role about assessing new technologies and scaling production capability. 

Oversee process development, continuous improvement initiatives, and production readiness (DFX assessments, capability roadmaps). 

Partner with Facilities & Maintenance when manufacturing dependencies arise (e.g., water systems, utility upgrades, equipment installs).

Leadership & Collaboration

Lead a multi-disciplinary manufacturing team spanning additive, machining, manufacturing engineering, and integration. 

Provide mentorship, technical guidance, and structured development paths for manufacturing personnel. 

Build strong partnerships with Engineering, Test, Program Management, Supply Chain, and Quality. 

Participate in manufacturing priority-setting sessions

What You Have

Technical: 

10–15+ years in aerospace or high-performance hardware manufacturing. 

Expertise in DfAM, CNC machining, GD&T, and manufacturing process development. 

Strong judgment in manufacturability assessments and quoting methodology. 

Familiarity with additive technologies such as LPBF and advanced post‑processing workflows.

Ability to interpret complex engineering data packages and drive MBOM accuracy. 

Leadership: 

Demonstrated success scaling manufacturing capabilities. 

Experience managing multi-functional manufacturing teams. 

Strong communication skills, especially in bridging engineering and manufacturing cultures. 

Location: On-site in Houston, TX Benefits: Venus Aerospace employee benefits include a 401(k) plan, stock options, and medical benefits, including dental and vision. We have a flex-Friday flexible schedule, unlimited PTO, and receive professional development opportunities.
ITAR Requirements This position involves access to technology that is subject to U.S. export controls. Any job offer made will be contingent upon the applicant’s capacity to serve in compliance with U.S. export controls. To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be able to meet ITAR requirements (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). You can learn more about ITAR here. Venus Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation, please email careerassistance@venusaero.com or call (281) 203-0027.This email and phone number were created exclusively to assist job seekers whose disability prevents them from being able to apply online. Messages or any other purposes, such as following up on an application, third party staffing agencies, website technical issues, or any other issues not related to a disability, will not receive a response. Messages will be returned within five business days. For additional information about our Equal Opportunity Employment Policy, please visit our EEOP page.