Sr. Director, Production (Space Applications Components)

Sierra Space Careers: Dare to Dream

We honor those that are not afraid to dream big dreams, those that tenaciously chase their dreams even when others say it cannot be done, those that achieve big dreams and change everything. Those are Dreams Worth Chasing.

At Sierra Space we envision a future where humanity lives and works in space, on moons, and on distant planets. Our mission isn’t restricted to the few, instead we see a future where all people can choose to live, work, discover and explore beyond our planet. Our company is building a platform in space to benefit life on Earth and together we will alter the course of humanity.

We have a bold mission. We are a bold company. Together, we are an extraordinary team.

About The Role

Sierra Space is seeking an experienced and dynamic Senior Director, Production (Space Application Components) to lead our production teams and oversee the manufacture of high-precision components for space applications. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in the aerospace industry, with strong leadership skills and profound knowledge of modern manufacturing techniques and production optimization.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee the entire production process of space components, ensuring products meet rigorous quality standards and align with space industry regulations.
• Develop and implement production plans that maximize efficiency, optimize resource use, and minimize costs.
• Responsible for complex builds such as sub-assemblies, propulsion, and R&D
• Lead and manage multiple production teams, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and high performance.
• Work closely with the engineering, quality assurance, supply chain, and Executive Leadership to streamline processes and ensure seamless integration of new products.
• Monitor technology trends and industry best practices to identify opportunities for innovation and improvement within the production process.
• Drive initiatives aimed at enhancing scalability and flexibility of the manufacturing capabilities in response to the evolving needs of space exploration and commercialization.
• Ensure a safe working environment by enforcing strict adherence to safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) and production metrics to guide decision-making and drive operational excellence.
• Manage the department's budget and forecast future manufacturing needs and expenditures.
• Provide mentorship, coaching, and development opportunities to the production leadership team and staff (75-80 employees).
• Deliver regular reports to executive management on production status, challenges, and strategic recommendations.
  
  
  

About You:

Our mission is driven by the unwavering passion to push the boundaries of what is possible. We seek those who Dare to Dream — to envision the extraordinary and pursue it relentlessly – to join us on this transformational journey.

We’re looking for dreamers who align with our values, vision and audacious goals – while also meeting the minimum qualifications below. The preferred qualifications are a bonus, not a requirement.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, or a relevant field. Master’s degree or MBA preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in manufacturing leadership roles, with at least 5 years in the aerospace industry.
• In-depth knowledge of aerospace manufacturing processes, lean manufacturing principles, and quality control systems.
• Strong project management skills, with a history of successfully managing complex projects and cross-functional teams.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing priorities and deadlines.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of leading and motivating a diverse team.
• Proficiency in production planning software, ERP systems, and relevant industry technologies.
• Familiarity with regulatory compliance and certifications related to aerospace component manufacturing.
  
  
  

Preferred:

• Typically, 12-15 years of relevant experience in one or more Operations functions; 10 years managerial experience
• Ability to navigate change and uncertainty, make defensible decisions in ambiguity and own those decisions
• Mastery to drive innovative thinking, lead and inspire teams, instill collaboration, challenge status quo, manage complex situations, delegate authority, and demonstrate ability to adapt to dynamic situations
• Skills in assessing external competition by gathering data from multiple, often disparate, qualitative and quantitative sources and synthesizing it into meaningful reports and presentations
• Possess leadership acumen to perform as a true strategic partner to top company executives; ability to establish presence and demeanor to interface and work collaboratively with leaders and skill to make significant contributions on key leadership committees
• Demonstrated passion for ideation, intellectual curiosity, and innovation, as well as motivating others to act by creating a shared sense of vision or purpose
• Proven long-term and strategic perspective that extends beyond the immediate initiatives; visualizes and articulates a clear direction
• Team oriented with the ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Background in the Aerospace and Defense Industry, the US Department of Defense (Civilian), NASA/Civil or commercial space and/or US Military, with an understanding of defense, aerospace, intelligence, and adjacent markets
  
  
  

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

To conform to U.S. Government international trade regulations, 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 or U.S. Department of Commerce.

Elevate Your Career

At Sierra Space, we are committed to your personal and professional development. We empower you to make profound and meaningful contributions and foster a vibrant culture of collaboration, where teamwork ignites breakthrough innovations.

Sierra Space offers annual incentive pay based upon performance that is commensurate with the level of the position.

We also offer a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 8%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and more.

Estimated Starting Salary Range:

$169,182.14 - $232,625.44

At Sierra Space we are at the very doorstep of unlocking the future and the work in front of us is hard, but it is truly important and meaningful. Achieving our mission requires dedication, relentless pursuit of a dream and an unwavering passion for pushing the boundaries to accomplish what others might believe to be impossible. We seek those who too, Dare to Dream and will join us in a pursuit to achieve the extraordinary.

Application Deadline: This role will remain posted until a qualified pool of candidates are identified.