Director, Engine Manufacturing

About the Team: 

The mission of the Engine Manufacturing department is to deliver high-performing products and innovative manufacturing systems while driving continuous improvements in cost, quality, and lead time. Through cross-functional collaboration, high levels of accountability, and a focus on safety we play a crucial role in building our reusable rocket, Terran-R. We are responsible for providing design feedback on new hardware iterations, pioneering and implementing advanced manufacturing methods and systems, and ultimately delivering engine and vehicle hardware for testing prior to launch. Over the past year, the Engine Manufacturing Team has successfully developed, iterated, and delivered processes and hardware for the first Aeon-R development engines. Now, we are entering a critical phase: producing flight engines that will pave the way for Terran-R's inaugural launch to orbit. 

About the Role:

• Lead the manufacturing and scaling of engine component production and system integration, ensuring precision, quality, and efficiency throughout the engine assembly process, from component fabrication to full engine integration and testing. 
• Build, lead, and scale high-performing manufacturing teams and production systems to support an aggressive ramp-up of engine manufacturing while maintaining operational efficiency, quality, and compliance with aerospace standards. 
• Develop and execute long-term strategies for manufacturing scalability, leveraging automation, process optimization, and supply chain partnerships to meet increasing production demands for high-rate engine component assembly and integration. 
• Drive rapid iteration on new production processes, balancing speed with manufacturing rigor to enable the efficient development and deployment of new aerospace products, including engine assembly and integration. 
• Collaborate closely with engineering, supply chain, and quality teams to ensure seamless integration of design, manufacturability, and production execution, with a focus on vehicle structure, assembly, and final integration. 

About You:

• Bachelor’s Degree in mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline. 
•  8+ years of experience in manufacturing or related industries, with at least 3 years in a senior leadership role overseeing complex production operations, preferably in aerospace, automotive, or other high-precision industries, with experience in component manufacturing and assembly. 
• Demonstrated success in building and scaling manufacturing teams, production lines, and systems to support high-rate production while maintaining flexibility for rapid iteration. Able to work well in an integrated collaborative team environment 
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, including structural integration, assembly, automation, supply chain integration, quality systems, and lean manufacturing principles. 
• Experience driving full accountability for manufacturing—from process development and production execution to quality, cost, and delivery performance. 
• Ability to work effectively with engineering, supply chain, quality, and leadership teams to align manufacturing with business objectives. 

Nice to haves but not required:  

• Extensive background in manufacturing complex aerospace assemblies, with a proven track record of scaling production in fast-paced, high-growth environments while maintaining quality and reliability throughout the engine production process. 
• Hands-on experience implementing cutting-edge manufacturing technologies—such as additive manufacturing, high-precision machining, and advanced automation—to drive efficiency, scalability, and rapid iteration in production.  
• Strong knowledge of aerospace manufacturing standards (AS9100, NADCAP) with experience leading teams through rigorous quality, certification, and compliance processes while ensuring operational excellence.