Job Description

Production Manager

Department: Production & Test

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Hawthorne, California

Reporting To: Clint Ross

Compensation: $95,000 - $150,000 / year

Venturi Astrolab, Inc. (Astrolab) is pioneering new ways to explore and operate on distant planetary bodies. We are singularly focused on designing, building, and operating a fleet of multi-purpose commercial planetary rovers to extend and enhance humanity’s presence in the solar system. We are seeking motivated, creative, and exceptional people to join our world-class team.

We are seeking a highly driven Production Manager to lead production and launch site operations that will oversee end-to-end manufacturing, integration, and launch operations for our cutting-edge lunar rover program. This role will lead all production floor activities, coordinate multi-disciplinary teams, ensure readiness for launch campaigns, and manage the operational infrastructure required to deliver mission-critical hardware on time and to the highest quality standards.

What you'll do:

Production & Integration Management

• Oversee daily production operations, including machining, assembly, integration, and upstream testing of lunar rover hardware
• Ensure adherence to manufacturing schedules, quality standards, and safety regulations
• Coordinate with engineering, supply chain, and quality assurance to resolve technical issues rapidly
• Implement Lean/6S manufacturing principles to optimize efficiency and reduce waste
• Maintain adherence to AS9100 standards
• Balance development initiatives with production goals

Launch Site Operations

• Planning and coordination of flight article transportation, staging, launch preparation
• Oversee ground support equipment (GSE) readiness and allocation
• Coordinate launch campaign activities with mission control, range operations, and logistics partners
• Manage coordination and team execution at the launch site, including coordination with launch provider, setup planning, staffing, and compliance with safety protocols

Team Leadership & Coordination

• Direct cross-functional teams, including production technicians, avionics, test engineers, and launch crews
• Foster a safety-first culture and enforce workplace safety policies
• Mentor and train staff to develop operational excellence and mission readiness skills

Operational Planning & Reporting

• Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for production and launch readiness
• Manage budgets, staffing plans, and resource allocation for both production and launch site operations
• Provide regular updates to senior leadership on schedule, risks, and mitigation strategies

What you'll bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Aerospace Technology, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 7+ years of experience in aerospace, spacecraft, or high-tech manufacturing operations
• Proven leadership in production, integration, and/or launch site management
• Strong knowledge of aerospace hardware handling, cleanroom operations, industry standard manufacturing processes and flight hardware verification
• Experience with Lean manufacturing, 6S, and continuous improvement methods
• Exceptional communication and cross-team coordination skills

Preferred Qualification

• Experience with lunar surface mission hardware or robotic rover systems
• Familiarity with launch site operations and coordination with space launch providers
• PMP or similar project management certification
• Experience with taking a product through development to NPI production

Benefits and Perks

• Join a team of best-in-class engineers building the foundation of planetary surface exploration
• Equity ownership in the company
• Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and mental health support
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Flexible PTO and parental leave
• Home office set-up reimbursement
• Fully flexible and remote-friendly work environment
• Weekly lunch stipend, plus complimentary snacks and beverages on-site
• Monthly social hour with food and drinks