Director of Engineering, Manufacturing

Director of Engineering, ManufacturingPlaya Vista, California, United StatesTurning Space into a Transportation Layer for EarthWho 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 & ScaleTransition programs from development to repeatable productionDefine make vs. buy strategy across all subsystemsDrive capacity planning, rate readiness, and production forecastingOperational ExcellenceEstablish lean manufacturing systems across machining, avionics, harnessing, and parachutesReduce cycle time, improve yield, and optimize throughputImplement KPIs for safety, quality, cost, and deliveryDrive root cause analysis and corrective actionsMachine Shop & FabricationOversee precision CNC machining operations (5-axis capability)Ensure alignment between manufacturing engineering and shop floor executionDrive programming standards, tooling strategy, and fixture optimizationAvionics & Harness ManufacturingImplement scalable harness fabrication processes with strong QA controlsImprove repeatability and documentation for flight hardwareParachutes & Soft Goods ManufacturingDevelop production and inspection standards for parachute systemsEnsure quality and traceability for critical recovery hardwareBuild scalable soft goods manufacturing capabilityPeople & LeadershipBuild and lead a high-performing manufacturing organizationDevelop frontline leaders and technical expertsFoster a culture of accountability, ownership, and urgencyPartner closely with Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, and Flight OperationsInfrastructure & CapitalDefine capital equipment strategy and facility layoutSupport facility expansion planningImplement MRP/ERP and production tracking systemsRequired Qualifications:10+ years of experience in aerospace manufacturing, including leadership rolesProven experience scaling hardware production from prototype to flight or production rateDeep understanding of machining, assembly, and aerospace quality standardsExperience overseeing cross-functional manufacturing disciplines (electrical + mechanical)Strong background in lean manufacturing and process optimizationExperience building organizations from the ground upFamiliarity with aerospace regulatory and quality frameworksAbility to operate in a fast-paced startup environment with evolving prioritiesMust have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S.

government Secret/Top Secret security clearance.Desired Qualifications:Experience in launch vehicles, spacecraft, re-entry systems, or high-reliability aerospace hardwareExperience standing up new manufacturing facilitiesAdvanced 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. 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.