Director of Engineering, Manufacturing at Inversion
Playa Vista, California, United StatesFull-timeManufacturingPosted about 1 month ago
Apply with PipelineAbout the Role
<div class="content-intro"><p><strong>Turning Space into a Transportation Layer for Earth</strong></p></div><p><strong><span data-contrast="none">Who We Are:</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-teams="true">Inversion builds advanced reentry systems to deliver next-generation capabilities from space.<br> <br>Our mission is to make Earth radically more accessible by turning Low-Earth Orbit into an on-demand logistics domain. We see space not as a destination, but as a platform — one that unlocks unprecedented speed and global reach.<br> <br>Our spacecraft are designed to deliver payloads anywhere on Earth in under an hour, operating through extreme reentry conditions and landing with high precision. These systems open the door to new ways of testing, delivering, and operating at hypersonic speeds.<br> <br>Inherently dual-use, our technology is built to meet urgent national security needs while laying the groundwork for future commercial applications. Backed by leading investors including Y Combinator, Spark Capital, and Lockheed Martin Ventures, and working with partners such as the U.S. Space Force and NASA, Inversion is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in space-based defense and logistics.</span></p>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="none">Position Overview:</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="none">We are seeking a Director of Engineering, Manufacturing to own all manufacturing at Inversion. This leader will be responsible for the full manufacturing ecosystem across the company — including precision machining, harnessing, mechanical assembly, and parachute systems.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="none">You will build and scale a world-class aerospace manufacturing organization that is efficient, cost-effective, quality-driven, and capable of supporting flight hardware at increasing production rates.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="none">You will drive operational excellence, production planning, workforce scaling, capital strategy, and process optimization across all manufacturing disciplines.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="none">This role reports directly to executive leadership and will be a core member of the company’s technical leadership team.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="none">Key Responsibilities:</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Manufacturing Strategy & Scale</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="4" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Transition programs from development to repeatable production</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="4" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Define make vs. buy strategy across all subsystems</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="4" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Drive capacity planning, rate readiness, and production forecasting</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Operational Excellence</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="5" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Establish lean manufacturing systems across machining, avionics, harnessing, and parachutes</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="5" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Reduce cycle time, improve yield, and optimize throughput</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="5" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Implement KPIs for safety, quality, cost, and delivery</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="5" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="4" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Machine Shop & Fabrication</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="6" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Oversee precision CNC machining operations (5-axis capability)</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="6" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Ensure alignment between manufacturing engineering and shop floor execution</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="6" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Drive programming standards, tooling strategy, and fixture optimization</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Avionics & Harness Manufacturing</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="7" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Implement scalable harness fabrication processes with strong QA controls</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="7" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Improve repeatability and documentation for flight hardware</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Parachutes & Soft Goods Manufacturing</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="8" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Develop production and inspection standards for parachute systems</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="8" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Ensure quality and traceability for critical recovery hardware</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="8" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Build scalable soft goods manufacturing capability</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">People & Leadership</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="9" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Build and lead a high-performing manufacturing organization</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="9" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Develop frontline leaders and technical experts</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="9" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Foster a culture of accountability, ownership, and urgency</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="9" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="4" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Partner closely with Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, and Flight Operations</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Infrastructure & Capital</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="10" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Define capital equipment strategy and facility layout</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="10" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Support facility expansion planning</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="10" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Implement MRP/ERP and production tracking systems</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="none">Required Qualifications:</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="4" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="4" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">10+ years of experience in aerospace manufacturing, including leadership roles</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="4" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="5" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Proven experience scaling hardware production from prototype to flight or production rate</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="4" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="6" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Deep understanding of machining, assembly, and aerospace quality standards</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="4" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="7" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Experience overseeing cross-functional manufacturing disciplines (electrical + mechanical)</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="4" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="8" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Strong background in lean manufacturing and process optimization</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="4" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="9" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Experience building organizations from the ground up</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="4" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="10" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Familiarity with aerospace regulatory and quality frameworks</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="4" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="11" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Ability to operate in a fast-paced startup environment with evolving priorities</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="none">Desired Qualifications:</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="4" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="12" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Experience in launch vehicles, spacecraft, re-entry systems, or high-reliability aerospace hardware</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="4" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="13" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Experience standing up new manufacturing facilities</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="4" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="14" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Advanced engineering degree (Mechanical, Aerospace, Manufacturing, or related field)</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<p><em><span data-contrast="none"><span data-fontsize="11">The California annual base salary for this role is currently </span><span data-fontsize="11">$175</span></span></em><em><span data-contrast="auto"><span data-fontsize="11">,000</span><span data-fontsize="11">-</span><span data-fontsize="11">$</span><span data-fontsize="11">244,000</span><span data-fontsize="11"> Pay</span><span data-fontsize="11"> G</span></span></em><em><span data-contrast="none"><span data-fontsize="11">rades are </span><span data-fontsize="11">determined</span><span data-fontsize="11"> by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual pay will be </span><span data-fontsize="11">determined</span><span data-fontsize="11"> on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: interviews and an assessment of several factors that are unique to each candidate, job-related skills, relevant education and experience, certifications, abilities of the candidate and internal equity.</span></span></em></p>
<p><strong>Our office headquarters is located in Playa Vista, CA. This position requires in office presence.</strong></p><div class="content-conclusion"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><strong>ITAR Compliance:</strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR <a href="https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/?id=ddtc_kb_article_page&sys_id=24d528fddbfc930044f9ff621f961987">here</a>. </span></div>
<div> </div>
<div><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><strong>Equal Employment Opportunity:</strong></span></div>
<div><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Inversion provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or disability. </span></div>
<div> </div>
<div><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Inversion collects and processes personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws. If you are a US Job Applicant see the <a href="https://oag.ca.gov/privacy/ccpa" target="_blank">CCPA Privacy Policy Notice</a></span><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><strong> </strong>for further details.</span></div></div>
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