Director of Engineering, Manufacturing

Turning Space into a Transportation Layer for Earth Who We Are:  Inversion builds advanced reentry systems to deliver next-generation capabilities from space.   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.   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.   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. Position Overview:  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.  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.  You will drive operational excellence, production planning, workforce scaling, capital strategy, and process optimization across all manufacturing disciplines.  This role reports directly to executive leadership and will be a core member of the company’s technical leadership team.  Key Responsibilities:  Manufacturing Strategy & Scale  Transition programs from development to repeatable production  Define make vs. buy strategy across all subsystems  Drive capacity planning, rate readiness, and production forecasting  Operational Excellence  Establish lean manufacturing systems across machining, avionics, harnessing, and parachutes  Reduce cycle time, improve yield, and optimize throughput  Implement KPIs for safety, quality, cost, and delivery  Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions  Machine Shop & Fabrication  Oversee precision CNC machining operations (5-axis capability)  Ensure alignment between manufacturing engineering and shop floor execution  Drive programming standards, tooling strategy, and fixture optimization  Avionics & Harness Manufacturing  Implement scalable harness fabrication processes with strong QA controls  Improve repeatability and documentation for flight hardware  Parachutes & Soft Goods Manufacturing  Develop production and inspection standards for parachute systems  Ensure quality and traceability for critical recovery hardware  Build scalable soft goods manufacturing capability  People & Leadership  Build and lead a high-performing manufacturing organization  Develop frontline leaders and technical experts  Foster a culture of accountability, ownership, and urgency  Partner closely with Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, and Flight Operations  Infrastructure & Capital  Define capital equipment strategy and facility layout  Support facility expansion planning  Implement MRP/ERP and production tracking systems  Required Qualifications:  10+ years of experience in aerospace manufacturing, including leadership roles  Proven experience scaling hardware production from prototype to flight or production rate  Deep understanding of machining, assembly, and aerospace quality standards  Experience overseeing cross-functional manufacturing disciplines (electrical + mechanical)  Strong background in lean manufacturing and process optimization  Experience building organizations from the ground up  Familiarity with aerospace regulatory and quality frameworks  Ability to operate in a fast-paced startup environment with evolving priorities  Desired Qualifications:  Experience in launch vehicles, spacecraft, re-entry systems, or high-reliability aerospace hardware  Experience standing up new manufacturing facilities  Advanced engineering degree (Mechanical, Aerospace, Manufacturing, or related field)  The California annual base salary for this role is currently $175,000-$244,000 Pay Grades are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data.  Individual pay will be determined 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. Our office headquarters is located in Playa Vista, CA. This position requires in office presence. ITAR Compliance: 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 https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/?id=ddtc_kb_article_page&sys_id=24d528fddbfc930044f9ff621f961987.     Equal Employment Opportunity: 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.     Inversion collects and processes personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws.  If you are a US Job Applicant see the https://oag.ca.gov/privacy/ccpa for further details. Offices: Playa Vista, California, United States (Playa Vista (HQ));