SlipstreamJobs tracks this role from the company's public career site. Apply directly on the employer's site.
Xona Space Systems is seeking an experienced Production Leader to manage satellite manufacturing operations at its Satellite Assembly, Integration & Test (AIT) facility in Burlingame, California. This is a hands-on leadership role overseeing the day-to-day production of Xona's Pulsar satellite constellation—advanced positioning and navigation infrastructure in Low Earth Orbit.
You will lead a production team responsible for safe, high-quality, on-time manufacturing at scale. Key responsibilities include managing production planning, shift staffing and handover communications, tracking operational KPIs, optimizing facility efficiency, and owning the master production schedule. You'll translate strategic production targets into executable daily and weekly work orders, driving workforce efficiency, equipment capacity optimization, and build quality while minimizing work-in-progress.
The role also encompasses equipment maintenance and facilities oversight, budget management (capital expenditure, logistics, tools, staffing roadmap), and close cross-functional collaboration with Manufacturing Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality Assurance, Program Management, and Engineering teams.
You will lead, coach, and develop a highly effective production team while maintaining high standards of safety, accountability, and performance. The ideal candidate thrives in a dynamic environment where processes are being developed and iterated in response to customer and market forces, and can quickly adapt and drive continuous improvement.
Required qualifications: 5+ years in a supervisor or manager role in a scaled production facility with complex, highly engineered products, emphasizing assembly, integration, and testing at production build rates exceeding 2 units per week. Bachelor's degree minimum in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or related field. Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing, TPM fundamentals, and ideally Six Sigma. Familiarity with ERP/MES/QA digital systems, QMS frameworks, and ability to initiate and embed new processes and tools. Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills with demonstrated ability to hire, grow, and mentor teams.
Desirable: Space industry or Aerospace & Defense manufacturing experience; experience with products requiring extensive hardware and software assembly, integration, and testing.
U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status required to comply with space technology export regulations.
