Manager, Avionics Manufacturing

At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. We are building artificial gravity space stations, allowing long-term stays in space without the adverse effects of zero-gravity. Our initial crewed space habitat will be Haven-1, scheduled to be the world’s first commercial space station when it launches into low earth orbit in August 2025. Our team is all-in, committed to executing our mission safely and on time. If you want to work with the most talented people on Earth furthering space exploration for humanity, come join us.

Vast is looking for a Manager of Avionics Manufacturing, reporting to Sr. Manager of Avionics and Testing, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations. This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location. 

Responsibilities: 

• Lead the Avionics Manufacturing team, overseeing Avionics Assembly Builds, Fabrication, and Functional Testing.
• Collaborate with design teams to provide input on the manufacturability and assembly processes of avionics components, wire harnesses, and batteries. 
• Lead and coordinate Bill of Materials for Avionics Assemblies and Components.
• Support the Responsible Engineers with avionics failures/troubleshooting and root cause analysis.
• Optimize the manufacturing process for avionics systems, considering factors such as efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness. 
• Create and maintain detailed manufacturing plans, assembly procedures, and work instructions to ensure consistent and accurate production of avionics systems. 
• Identify and resolve manufacturing challenges by conducting root cause analysis and implementing corrective actions. 
• Work closely with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of high-quality avionics components, reviewing and approving supplier manufacturing processes. 
• Perform hands-on assembly, integration, and testing of avionics systems, ensuring compliance with engineering specifications and industry standards. 
• Participate in design reviews, providing valuable insights to improve the manufacturability and reliability of avionics components. 
• Collaborate with quality assurance teams to establish and maintain rigorous quality control processes for avionics manufacturing. 
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, identifying opportunities to enhance manufacturing efficiency, reduce waste, and improve overall product quality. 
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in avionics manufacturing to drive innovation within the company.
• Meet tight production schedules to achieve high production rates while maintaining quality standards and be able to adapt to changing priorities in a fast moving environment. 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Solid track record of leading a high performing Avionics Manufacturing team in Aerospace or related fields.
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• 7+ years of experience  in manufacturing engineering, preferably in the avionics industry, of which at least 3+ years as a leader.
• Professional experience in a manufacturing environment working within a quality system such as AS9100, ISO9001, etc.
• 3+ years of experience in team management, mentorship, and performance management, with a focus on feedback and growth development.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Strong understanding of avionics systems, electronics manufacturing processes, and assembly techniques. 
• Experience in CAD software (such as Siemens NX) for reviewing designs.
• Experience in creating manufacturing documentation (such as Standard Operating Procedures and Work Orders).
• Familiarity with industry standards and regulations relevant to avionics manufacturing, such as IPC standards. 
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to perform root cause analysis. 
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in cross- functional teams. 
• Hands-on experience with testing and troubleshooting avionics systems is desirable. 
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and Six Sigma methodologies is a plus. 
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality work.

Additional Requirements:

• Willingness to work overtime or weekends to support critical mission milestones.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted.

Pay Ranges: 

• M3: $125,000 - $180,000

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY