Launch Operations Manager Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

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 reporting.
• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing principles and a track record of driving measurable improvement.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, assembly procedures, test specifications, and related technical documentation.
• Excellent cross-functional communication skills, comfortable presenting to leadership, engineers, customers, and auditors alike.
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience with satellite, spacecraft, or avionics hardware integration and test.
• Familiarity with cleanroom operations, ESD controls, and handling of flight hardware.
• Experience scaling low-volume or pilot production lines to higher-rate manufacturing.
• Background in PCBA manufacturing, wire harness fabrication, and electromechanical assembly.
• Experience with supply chain coordination for long-lead aerospace components and MRO procurement.
Production Operations Manager Salary Range: $120,000 - $180,000
ITAR Requirements:
This position may include access to technology and/or software source code that is subject to U.S. export controls. To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka 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.
Benefits:
We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package designed to support the well-being and professional growth of our employees. In addition to a competitive base salary and company stock, determined by factors such as job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, and market demand, full-time employees are eligible for:

• Equity: Receive equity in Turion Space, letting you benefit from the company's success

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their dependents.

• Retirement Plans: Access to a 401(k) plan with a 3% Employer Direct Contribution to help you plan for your future.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation days, personal days, sick days, and holidays to ensure you have time to recharge.

• Parental Leave: Paid parental leave following the birth of a newborn or adoption.

• Emotional Wellbeing: A no-cost Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support you and your household's emotional health and wellbeing.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for ongoing internal training, workshops, and courses to advance your skills and career growth.

• Team Building Activities: Regular social events, team outings, and company-sponsored activities to foster a positive work environment.

We are dedicated to providing a supportive and enriching environment for our team members, recognizing that our collective success is built upon the well-being and satisfaction of each individual.
Turion Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Turion Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.