Production Supervisor

Department: Production & Test

Location: Hawthorne, California

Compensation: $135,000 - $170,000 / year

Description

Venturi Astrolab, Inc. (Astrolab) is pioneering new ways to explore and operate on distant planetary bodies. We are singularly focused on designing, building, and operating a fleet of multi-purpose commercial planetary rovers to extend and enhance humanity’s presence in the solar system. We are seeking motivated, creative, and exceptional people to join our world-class team.

We are seeking a highly driven Production Supervisor to lead production and launch site operations that will oversee end-to-end manufacturing, integration, and launch operations for our cutting-edge lunar rover program. This role will lead all production floor activities, coordinate multi-disciplinary teams, ensure readiness for launch campaigns, and manage the operational infrastructure required to deliver mission-critical hardware on time and to the highest quality standards.

The ideal candidate thrives at the intersection of aerospace manufacturing, systems integration, and launch logistics, with a proven ability to project manage and lead teams in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment.

What you'll do:

Production & Integration Management
· Oversee daily production operations, including machining, assembly, integration, and upstream testing of lunar rover hardware
· Ensure adherence to manufacturing schedules, quality standards, and safety regulations
· Coordinate with engineering, supply chain, and quality assurance to resolve technical issues rapidly
· Implement Lean/6S manufacturing principles to optimize efficiency and reduce waste
· Maintain adherence to AS9100 standards
· Balance development initiatives with production goals

Launch Site Operations
· Planning and coordination of flight article transportation, staging, and launch preparation
· Oversee ground support equipment (GSE) readiness and allocation
· Coordinate launch campaign activities with mission control, range operations, and logistics partners
· Manage coordination and team execution at the launch site, including coordination with the launch provider, setup planning, staffing, and compliance with safety protocols

Team Leadership & Coordination
· Direct cross-functional teams, including production technicians, avionics, test engineers, and launch crews
· Foster a safety-first culture and enforce workplace safety policies
· Mentor and train staff to develop operational excellence and mission readiness skills

Operational Planning & Reporting
· Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for production and launch readiness
· Manage budgets, staffing plans, and resource allocation for both production and launch site operations
· Provide regular updates to senior leadership on schedule, risks, and mitigation strategies

What you'll bring:

Required
· Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Aerospace Technology, or related field (or equivalent experience)
· 7 years of experience in aerospace, spacecraft, or high-tech manufacturing operations
· Proven leadership in production, integration, and/or launch site management.
· Strong knowledge of aerospace hardware handling, cleanroom operations, industry standard manufacturing processes, and flight hardware verification
· Experience with Lean manufacturing, 6S, and continuous improvement methods.
· Exceptional communication and cross-team coordination skills

Preferred
· Experience with lunar surface mission hardware or robotic rover systems
· Familiarity with launch site operations and coordination with space launch providers
· PMP or similar project management certification
· Experience with taking a product through development to NPI production

What we offer:

• Work with a team of best-in-class engineers building the foundation of planetary surface exploration
• Ownership in the company
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with matching
• Flexible time off and parental leave
• On-site snacks, beverages, and 2x weekly lunches
• Flexible work environment