Production Operations Manager

We are currently seeking a Production Operations Manager. The Production Operations Manager is a critical hands-on leadership role within our Assembly Integration & Test (AIT) department. You will own end-to-end satellite production operations, from sub-assembly and integration through environmental test and pre-launch readiness. You will drive on-time delivery, manufacturing quality, and operational efficiency while building the processes and culture that enable Turion to scale. This role reports directly to the Director of AIT and works in close partnership with Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, and Mission Operations. Key Responsibilities Production & Operations Leadership • Own daily production scheduling and shop floor execution across satellite integration, harness fabrication, electromechanical assembly, test campaigns, and cleanroom operations. • Develop and maintain production plans aligned with launch schedules, customer commitments, and business targets. • Monitor KPIs (schedule adherence, throughput, first-pass yield, scrap rate) and implement corrective action plans when targets are missed. • Manage departmental budget, headcount planning, and capital equipment requests in coordination with the Director, AIT. • Maintain a safe, organized, and inspection-ready production environment compliant with all workplace safety regulations. Quality & Compliance • Ensure all production activities comply with AS9100 quality management requirements, internal SOPs, and applicable export control regulations (ITAR/EAR). • Collaborate with the Quality team to investigate non-conformances, identify root causes, and drive closure of corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs). • Enforce workmanship standards and traceability requirements throughout the integration and test flow. • Support customer and government audits, providing production data, process documentation, and facility access as required. Continuous Improvement & Scalability • Identify and eliminate production inefficiencies using lean manufacturing principles (5S, kaizen, value stream mapping, waste reduction). • Drive initiatives to scale production capacity as Turion grows — building repeatable, documented processes that reduce reliance on tribal knowledge. • Partner with Engineering to improve design-for-manufacturability and support new product introductions (NPI) through production readiness reviews. • Implement and continuously improve ERP/MES utilization for work order management, inventory tracking, and production reporting. Team Leadership & Development • Lead, mentor, and develop a team of integration technicians, assemblers, and production support staff. • Establish clear performance expectations, conduct regular feedback sessions, and build individual development plans. • Create and maintain a cross-training matrix to ensure workforce flexibility and resilience. • Build a culture of accountability, precision, and mission focus — where every team member understands how their work connects to launch success. Cross-Functional Collaboration • Coordinate with Supply Chain on component procurement, kitting, and delivery scheduling to prevent production stoppages. • Work closely with Systems Engineering and Mission Operations to translate satellite design requirements into executable production builds. • Provide production status, risk identification, and recovery plans to AIT leadership and program stakeholders on a regular cadence. Minimum Qualifications • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field. • 6+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, including direct supervision of production teams. • Demonstrated experience in aerospace, defense, or other high-consequence regulated production environments. • Working knowledge of AS9100 quality management systems and aerospace workmanship standards. • Proficiency with ERP systems for production scheduling, inventory management, and