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CesiumAstro is seeking a Senior Program Manager for Manufacturing & Strategic Initiatives to lead production readiness, industrialization efforts, and operational capability buildout across the company's rapidly expanding manufacturing portfolio. The role is responsible for converting new and expanded infrastructure into fully operational manufacturing capability, including manufacturing ramp execution, equipment commissioning, production system integration, throughput scaling, and execution of strategic initiatives that expand operational and industrial capabilities.
The Senior Program Manager will serve as a key operational integrator across Manufacturing, Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations, Quality, and executive leadership to ensure new production capabilities come online aligned to schedule, demand, and long-term company strategy. This is a highly execution-oriented role focused on ensuring facilities transition rapidly and effectively from infrastructure delivery into stable, scalable production environments.
Key responsibilities include: developing and managing integrated manufacturing activation plans covering facility readiness, equipment delivery, installation, commissioning, and production ramp; translating long-range manufacturing objectives into detailed workplans with milestones and ownership assignments; leading the transition from facility construction into operational manufacturing; coordinating equipment installation, utility connections, and production handover; working with Quality, Production, and Engineering on production ramp plans covering first article, process stabilization, and throughput improvement; ensuring tooling, materials, maintenance support, work instructions, quality controls, safety requirements, and operator training are ready; maintaining regular presence on the manufacturing floor during installation and commissioning; working directly with production, engineering, maintenance, quality, facilities, and equipment vendors to identify and resolve execution issues; taking practical action to maintain progress when problems arise; supporting equipment placement, installation, troubleshooting, and operational readiness; coordinating safe use and movement of equipment and production assets; supporting Engineering during equipment integration and process development; serving as primary operational interface with equipment manufacturers, integrators, rigging providers, and contractors; coordinating vendor schedules, site requirements, installation activities, acceptance testing, training, documentation, and service support; confirming equipment requirements are incorporated into facility and production planning; holding internal and external partners accountable while maintaining productive relationships; building strong working relationships across functions and leadership; understanding internal customer requirements and converting them into executable operational plans; navigating competing priorities while maintaining alignment around manufacturing objectives; and communicating effectively with production personnel, technical specialists, vendors, and executives.
CesiumAstro develops and pioneers out-of-the-box communication systems for satellites, UAVs, launch vehicles, and other space and airborne platforms. The company operates in a dynamic, cross-functional work environment emphasizing hands-on, interactive, and autonomous work.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, Industrial Technology, Business, or another relevant field, or equivalent practical experience
- Minimum 8 years of experience in manufacturing, production, operations, maintenance, engineering, project management, program management, or another complex technical operating environment
- Experience activating a greenfield facility, expanding a factory, or launching a new production line
- Practical experience working in or directly supporting an active production operation
- Hands-on experience installing, commissioning, qualifying, troubleshooting, and bringing manufacturing equipment to planned production rates
- Working knowledge of manufacturing utilities, equipment maintenance, material flow, safety systems, production controls, and operator training
- Willingness and ability to work in active manufacturing environments and participate directly in installation, commissioning, and production-readiness activities while following applicable safety, training, and authorization requirements
- Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, conditional resident, asylee, or refugee, or eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State (per U.S. Government Space Technology Export Regulations)
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:
- Experience as a manufacturing leader or highly accountable individual contributor with direct responsibility for production performance
- Experience in aerospace, defense, technology hardware, semiconductor, automotive, aseptic manufacturing, high-volume production, or another high-reliability technical industry
- Experience coordinating equipment manufacturers, systems integrators, rigging providers, contractors, and other technical vendors
- Experience supporting new-product introduction, process development, first-article builds, or transition of engineering designs into repeatable production
- Experience safely using common hand and power tools in an industrial environment
- Forklift or material-handling equipment experience, certification, or ability to obtain required certification
- Experience with Lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, root-cause analysis, production KPIs, or data-driven problem solving
- Experience coordinating cross-functional teams, schedules, risks, and operational dependencies
- Demonstrated ability to develop detailed execution plans and maintain progress under changing priorities
- Strong interpersonal, stakeholder-management, written, and verbal communication skills
