Senior Director Of Manufacturing

Capella Space stands at the forefront of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite technology and signal intelligence. We provide customers in governments, academia, and commercial sectors with reliable information that enables unparalleled understanding of the world. Our mission is centered on delivering timely and reliable Earth imagery, supporting diverse applications in defense & intelligence, disaster response, energy, environmental monitoring and more. Utilizing cutting-edge technology, Capella Space designs, manufactures and operates an advanced constellation of SAR imaging satellites. Our market-leading SAR satellites are complemented by an unmatched data infrastructure and automated ordering and delivery platform for fast, reliable insights where and when customers need it most. 

Recognized for our technological prowess, Capella Space was honored as one of the 10 most innovative companies in Space in 2023 by FASTCOMPANY. Capella Space is an internationally trusted Earth Observation data provider, working closely with the U.S. Space Systems Command, U.S. Space Force, NASA, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, U.S. National Reconnaissance Office, the Canadian Government and more to make unclassified, high-resolution SAR data more accessible.  

What Makes Capella Unique?

Capella Space is a highly collaborative team environment, providing an opportunity to work with some of the brightest minds in the space industry, though no prior space experience is needed.  We’re looking for people excited about tackling seemingly impossible challenges, learning new skills and concepts, and helping each other achieve success. Our mission and our products are meant to understand the whole world and help everyone in it - regardless of race, creed, or any other distinction. We encourage you to bring your unique perspective to help make us stronger, including applications from those who are traditionally underrepresented in tech. 

About the Role

As the Senior Director of Manufacturing at Capella Space, you will join a dynamic and innovative team, rapidly scaling to meet significant growth projections. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, your primary responsibility will be to oversee all production activities within the organization. This role requires a strategic leader with extensive experience in scaling production operations, defining and implementing best practice processes and lean manufacturing principles. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in manufacturing, supply chain management, and quality assurance, with a focus on innovation and efficiency in producing high-precision space components and systems in a dynamic and rapidly evolving environment.

Role Responsibilities

• Production Management:
  • Lead and manage the production team to ensure timely delivery of high-quality space components and systems. 
  • Develop and implement production strategies that align with company goals and industry standards. 
  • Oversee the planning, coordination, and execution of production schedules. 
• Operational Excellence:
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance production efficiency, reduce costs, and improve quality. 
  • Implement lean manufacturing principles and best practices to optimize production processes. 
  • Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and develop action plans to address any deviations. 
• Team Leadership:
  • Recruit, train, and develop a high-performing production team. 
  • Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability within the production department. 
  • Provide mentorship and career development opportunities for team members. 
• Quality Assurance:
  • Collaborate with the quality team to ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements and industry standards. 
  • Oversee the implementation of quality control procedures and conduct regular audits. 
  • Address any quality issues promptly and implement corrective actions. 
• Supply Chain and Inventory Management:
  • Collaborate with the supply chain team to ensure the availability of materials and components needed for production. 
  • Optimize inventory levels to balance cost with production needs. 
• Budget and Resource Management: 
  • Develop and manage the production budget, ensuring cost-effective operations. 
  • Allocate resources efficiently to meet production targets and deadlines. 
  • Monitor and control production expenses. 
• Safety and Compliance:
  • Promote a safe working environment and ensure adherence to safety protocols. 
  • Conduct regular safety training and drills. 
  • Stay informed about industry regulations and ensure company compliance. 
• Technology and Innovation:
  • Evaluate and implement new technologies to enhance production capabilities. 
  • Stay updated on industry trends and advancements in space manufacturing. 
  • Lead initiatives to incorporate advanced manufacturing techniques and materials. 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Aerospace, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred. 
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in production management, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role. 
• Strong leadership and team management skills. 
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities. 
• In-depth knowledge of production processes, lean manufacturing, and quality control. 
• Experience with supply chain management and inventory control. 
• Proficiency in using production management software and tools. 
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills. 
• To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Capella Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable.

Preferred Qualifications

• Security Clearance 
• Experience with spacecraft or satellite manufacturing. 
• Familiarity with industry-specific regulations and standards (e.g., AS9100, ITAR). 
• Proven track record of successfully leading large-scale production projects

Compensation 

The annual salary range for this role as it is posted is $201,803.00 - $222,757.00.  The final job level and annual salary will be determined based on the education, qualification, knowledge, skills, ability, and experience of the final candidate(s), specific office location and calibrated against relevant market data and internal team equity.  Benefits listed in this posting may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Capella Space.    

Benefits/Perks 

In addition to an opportunity to take part in an innovative, collaborative and fast-growing business with a highly motivated and skilled team, we also take pride in taking care of our employees. Here are just a few ways that we show our appreciation: 

• We offer up to 100% paid medical coverage, with robust vision and dental plans, comprehensive flexible spending accounts, and supplemental health plans 
• Equity 
• 401K Plan to invest in your long-term retirement planning 
• Generous Parental Leave 
• Flexible Paid Time Off Policy 
• Commuter & Parking Benefits 
• Mental Health Resources 
• Monthly phone stipend 
• Daily provided lunches and stocked kitchens.  
• Furry friends? We’ve got you covered with dog-friendly work environment & them with pet insurance options 

Equal Opportunity Statement 

Capella Space is an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, and upholding equitable hiring practices. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic under federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the CA Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. We actively encourage members of recognized minorities, women, Veterans, and those with disabilities to apply, and we work to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all applicants throughout the interview process. If you need assistance or require an accommodation during the job application process, please notify recruiting@capellaspace.com 

To learn more about us, explore our site: https://www.capellaspace.com/  and follow us on X and LinkedIn to see our SAR imagery!