Production Manager - Solar Arrays

Job description

About the role At Dcubed, we're building the next generation of deployable solar arrays that will power some of the most ambitious space missions of the coming decade, from commercial satellites in Low Earth Orbit to lunar exploration missions and beyond. As Production Manager – Solar Arrays , you will lead the team that transforms innovative engineering into flight-ready hardware. You will be responsible for coordinating production and AIT activities, ensuring on-time and high-quality delivery of solar arrays that operate in the harshest space environments. This role goes far beyond managing day-to-day manufacturing. You will help shape and scale our production capabilities, improve infrastructure, develop new processes, and build the operational foundation required to support the rapid growth of the space industry. If you thrive in a hands-on environment, enjoy solving complex operational challenges, and want to see hardware you helped build launch into space, this is an opportunity to make a lasting impact. Note: While this role will start in our Johnstown, Colorado facility with travel to our Munich, Germany for onboarding, the full-time location for this role will be at a new location also North of Denver. Responsibilities Lead and coordinate all Production and AIT activities for Dcubed's solar array products. Ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality execution of manufacturing, assembly, integration, and test activities. Own production planning and resource allocation to meet delivery commitments and production targets. Act as the primary point of contact for all solar array production facilities build-out and operations activities Take accountability for on-time delivery, production throughput, and product quality. Manage manufacturing Bills of Materials (BOMs) and ensure materials, tools, consumables, and equipment are available when required. Act as the primary interface between Engineering, Production, Supply Chain, Logistics, Quality, and Product Assurance. Drive production readiness and proactively resolve materials shortages, schedule risks, quality issues, and manufacturing bottlenecks. Coordinate shipment preparation, hardware movements, and logistics activities. Drive continuous improvement through KPI monitoring, metrics reviews, and performance optimization initiatives. Lead the development and upgrade of production infrastructure, equipment, facilities, and manufacturing processes to support future growth. Coordinate with the Safety Officer to maintain a safe and compliant working environment while promoting 5S principles and operational excellence. Lead, coach, and develop Production and AIT personnel while fostering a positive, accountable, and high-performing team culture. Candidate Requirements Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Aerospace, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience. 7+ years of experience in manufacturing, production operations, aerospace, or other high-tech industrial environments. Proven experience leading production teams and managing manufacturing operations. Experience with production planning, material management, inventory control, and supply chain coordination. Strong understanding of manufacturing workflows, AIT activities, BOM management, and industrialization processes. Demonstrated ability to improve operational efficiency, productivity, and delivery performance using lean manufacturing principles. Strong critical thinking skills with the ability to challenge the status quo while maintaining compliance with quality standards and documented processes. Hands-on mentality with a strong sense of ownership, accountability, and willingness to support operational activities when necessary. Experience building, improving, or scaling production capabilities, infrastructure, and processes. Ability to motivate, develop, and lead teams in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across multiple disciplines and organizational levels. Excellent computer skills, including MS Office, ERP/MRP/MES systems, and custom-developed software tools. Willingness to support shift-based operations when required. Eligibility to work in the US A US person as defined by Export Administration Regulations. Compensation & Benefits Salary range: $110,000 - 140,000 per year (based on experience and qualification) Flexible PTO and sick leave Hybrid work flexibility when applicable Premium Coffee, Beverage, and Snack Bar at the office Dog friendly environment Team events Opportunities for professional growth with a rapidly scaling aerospace company For full-time employees: Competitive health insurance (medical, vision, dental) 401(k), plus company matching Discounted Pet Health Insurance About Us Dcubed is a fast-growing NewSpace company headquartered in Germering/Munich which accelerates space exploration through durable and affordable space hardware. Our easy-to-use and readily available space mechanisms and subsystems (solar arrays, deployable structures) have flown over a dozen times to space and are used by many of the leading space companies in the world. We are an inclusive workplace where all are welcome (f/m/d). Equal Opportunity Employer Dcubed is an Equal Opportunity (EO) employer and recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, veteran status, or other protected status under applicable law. This position involves access to technology that is subject to U.S. and/or Germany export controls. Any job offer made will be contingent upon the applicant's capacity to serve in compliance with U.S. and/or Germany export controls. Please note: Dcubed does not accept unsolicited CVs from recruitment agencies and will not pay fees for any candidates we have not requested.