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Head of Operations

About the Company

Our client is developing next-generation space propulsion and mobility technologies. They are transitioning from advanced development into initial production, test, and deployment of high-performance hardware systems. Their mission requires moving fast while meeting the demanding reliability and quality standards of aerospace and defense customers.

This is a direct hire, permanent placement position for a client of AdAstra Talent Advisors

About the Role

The Head of Operations will be a builder-operator responsible for standing up and scaling our client’s core operational capabilities. This role owns production, quality, facilities, and day-to-day execution, ensuring that they can reliably move from prototype builds to early production and beyond.

This is a hands-on leadership role suited for someone who has scaled manufacturing at a venture-backed hardware company and thrives in ambiguity, limited resources, and rapid iteration.

Responsibilities

• Early Production

• Build and scale their operations from prototype and pilot builds into repeatable early production

• Define and implement production workflows, tooling strategies, and factory layout appropriate for a Series A/Series B company

• Establish clear metrics for safety, quality, cost, and schedule performance

• Drive pragmatic process discipline without slowing iteration

• Quality, Safety & Compliance

• Establish fit-for-stage quality systems that meet customer and regulatory requirements while enabling rapid development

• Lead safety culture across manufacturing, test, and facilities

• Prepare the organization for future certifications (e.g., AS9100) as production scales

• Cross-Functional Execution

• Partner closely with engineering to ensure designs are production-ready (DFM/DFA, configuration control, change management)

• Translate technical roadmaps into executable operational plans

• Identify execution risks early and drive cross-functional problem solving

• Team & Organizational Development

• Build and lead a small, high-impact operations team

• Create clarity around ownership, decision-making, and priorities

• Set the foundation for scaling the organization through future growth stages

• Leadership & Company Building

• Act as a core member of the executive team, shaping company strategy and culture

• Support fundraising, customer discussions, and board engagement on operational topics

• Help define what “operational excellence” looks like from day one

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in operations, manufacturing, or production leadership

• Demonstrated experience taking complex hardware from prototype to early production

• Strong background in aerospace, defense, propulsion, or other high-reliability systems

• Proven ability to build processes and teams from scratch

• Comfortable operating with incomplete information and tight timelines

• Excellent leadership, communication, and execution skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience at a venture-backed or early-stage hardware company

• Experience standing up a first factory, pilot line, or production facility

• Exposure to government or defense customers (DoD, Space Force, NASA, or primes)

• Engineering background (mechanical, aerospace, manufacturing, or similar)

• Familiarity with ITAR-controlled environments

Additional

• $225,000 - $250,000 DOE

• Meaningful Early-Stage Equity

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance

• PTO

ITAR Requirement

• To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.15), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.  

Equal Opportunity

Our client is an equal opportunity employer. They evaluate qualified applicants without regard to 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.

About AdAstra

AdAstra Talent Advisors is a headhunting and talent advising firm focused on the Climate, Space, and Defense sectors of Hard Tech. We specialize in pairing highly technical and executive talent with some of the world’s leading Hard Tech startups.

At AdAstra, we catalyze the innovations that future generations depend on by placing the right people in the right seats. Our dedicated work enables inconceivable technology from Earth, to the stars. And it’s all because of trailblazing talent like you - those driven to do what’s never been done before. 

We care about long term relationships with both candidates and companies. Even if the role we initially discuss isn’t a perfect fit, it’s likely we’ll have something relevant to share with you in the future. 

 Join us on our journey by following along via LinkedIn!

CEO, Seyka Mejeur  |  LinkedIn profile

CTO / COO, Brian Mejeur  |  LinkedIn profile

AdAstra Talent Advisors  |  LinkedIn profile

AdAstra Website