Operation Manager
Starpath
Location
Hawthorne, CA
Employment Type
Full time
Department
Production
Operations Manager
About Starpath
Starpath is building the technology to enable human expansion into the Solar System. We are developing a complete end-to-end system for in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) on the Moon and Mars. We plan to launch autonomous rovers to the Moon that will gather icy regolith from permanently shadowed regions of craters near the Lunar South Pole and deliver that regolith to an automated plant that can process it into liquid oxygen, which will be used to refuel landers for their return flights to Earth.
If high ownership, fast pace, and doing hands-on work that enables engineers to build real lunar hardware sounds like a dream come true, come join the team!
Operations Manager
In this role, you will be responsible for keeping Starpath’s day-to-day operations running smoothly so engineers can stay focused on building hardware. You will own a wide range of operational responsibilities across facilities, logistics, IT, and ground support equipment (GSE), and you will be trusted with a high degree of autonomy to identify problems and implement solutions.
You will work closely with engineers to support practical, build-enabling projects. These include improving workspaces, setting up shared equipment, and managing small GSE efforts that improve safety and usability. You will be expected to turn ambiguous needs into completed, working solutions.
You will manage operational projects end-to-end, including budgeting, vendor selection, and execution. You will own relationships with vendors and service providers and will be trusted to manage operational budgets responsibly. You will take ownership of many “unowned” problems—tasks that are too small or cross-functional to belong to a single engineering team but are critical to keeping the company moving quickly.
Responsibilities
Recruitment Logistics & Facility Management
Coordinate recruitment logistics including candidate travel, expense handling, and account access setup
Support general facility management needs across the organization
Facilities & Office Operations
Day-to-day office and shop management for the Hawthorne location
Coordinate building and shop upkeep, utilities, and safety-related needs
Manage recurring services (snacks, lunch, cleaning, waste, maintenance, inspections)
Support workspace setup and reconfiguration as the team evolves
Open, receive, and sort daily mail
Ground Support Equipment (GSE) & Engineering Support
Coordinate and manage small GSE and facilities-related projects in support of engineering
Work with engineers to scope, source, and execute practical infrastructure improvements
Support installation of safety features, barriers, and workspace enhancements
Ensure shared equipment and resources are maintained and usable
Build simple office or shop items as needed
Shipping / Receiving & Logistics
Oversee incoming and outgoing shipments
Manage deliveries based on team requests and build schedules
Coordinate vendors and carriers for hardware, tools, and supplies
Make occasional local runs to FedEx, UPS, U-Haul, Staples, Walmart, etc.
IT & Security Operations
Manage IT assets and equipment inventory
Coordinate physical and digital access control and account permissions
Support password and account management
Interface with external IT support providers
Legal, Compliance, & Administrative Operations
Manage NDAs and confidentiality agreements
Track invention disclosure and IP assignment documentation
Support OSHA compliance, incident reporting, and required documentation
Coordinate insurance documentation and renewals
No signatory authority
Required Qualifications
2–5 years of experience in operations, facilities, logistics, or administrative roles in a fast-paced, startup-style environment
Strong organizational and communication skills
Comfortable working hands-on in a physical workspace alongside engineers
Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects independently
High school diploma
Experience with OSHA compliance
Technologically competent
Familiarity with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and Adobe tools
Experience operating forklifts, pallet jacks, and other warehouse equipment
Preferred Qualifications
Experience supporting engineering or hardware-focused teams
5+ years of relevant experience
Familiarity with vendor management or facilities coordination
Prior experience in startup or small-team environments
Position Details
Location: Hawthorne, CA (Full-Time, In-Person)
Compensation: $75,000–$110,000 base salary, plus equity package (commensurate with experience)
Benefits: PTO and health, dental, and vision coverage contribution included
Additional Requirements
Willingness to work extended hours as needed
Strong interest in robotics, hardware, or space systems
Desire to help make humans a multi-planet species
EAR REQUIREMENTS
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicants must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), (iii) refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
