Production Manager
Astrolab
Product
Hawthorne, CA, USA
USD 95k-150k / year + Equity
Posted on Feb 10, 2026
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.
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.
- Department
- Production & Test
- Employment Type
- Full Time
- Location
- Hawthorne, California
- Workplace type
- Onsite
- Compensation
- $95,000 - $150,000 / year
- Reporting To
- Clint Ross
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
About Astrolab
Having a strong, inclusive, and inspired team is essential to accomplishing our bold mission. Employees are our biggest asset, and we are deeply committed to them and our values. At Astrolab we…
Demonstrate and inspire trust. Interactions are direct, honest, and respectful. We are fair and transparent with what we do and why.
Thrive in balance. Balance gives us perspective and keeps us motivated and inspired. We commit to rewarding work and a fulfilling personal life.
Seek diverse perspectives. We ask questions, engage in productive debate and offer alternatives to ensure our solutions and products are robust and a reflection of our collective best.
Move with purpose. Quality and reliability are accomplished through efficient ideation and iteration. We act with a sense of urgency and deliver what we promise, always with the big picture in mind.
Make an impact. We intentionally move our community and industry into the future through our work, practices, and actions.
Our Hiring Process
Stage 1:
Application Review
Stage 2:
Recruiter Phone Interview
Stage 3:
Video Interviews
Stage 4:
On-site Interview
Astrolab is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, gender, gender identity, parental or pregnancy status, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, or veteran status. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request to careers@astrolab.space. We strive to remove unconscious and unnecessary barriers to build the best team. While we’ve outlined what an ideal candidate could look like, we know that you may bring something unanticipated and essential to the team. If you’re reading this and can see yourself contributing, please register below.
