Head of Manufacturing

The posting, as LeoLabs, Inc. wrote it

Why LeoLabs?

At LeoLabs, we're building the living map of activity in space. Through our proprietary global radar network and AI-enabled analytics platform, we collect millions of measurements daily on more than 25,000 objects in low Earth orbit (LEO). Our radar-powered intelligence protects billions in assets, monitors adversarial behavior, and ensures safe operations for commercial and government missions.

We're not just building technology, we are redefining global security, safety, and transparency in space. As orbital activity accelerates and threats grow more complex, LeoLabs is a trusted partner for Space Domain Awareness, Space Traffic Management, and Satellite Operations for top-tier space operators and allied defense organizations.

If you're looking to work on mission-critical challenges at the forefront of aerospace, national security, and AI, your impact starts here.

LeoLabs is seeking a Head of Manufacturing to lead the next phase of production scaling of our radar systems. This leader will own the manufacturing strategy, industrialization roadmap, quality management, facility scaling, and cross-functional execution required to increase production capacity beyond 10x. This role may be leveled as Senior Director or Vice President level based on the successful candidate’s experience, leadership scope and demonstrated ability to own the function. The role with report directly to the SVP, Radars. This role is a full-time, in-person position based at our headquarters in Menlo Park, CA. Regular domestic travel is expected.

The Head of Manufacturing will turn LeoLabs’ advanced radar designs from low/medium-rate initial production into repeatable, scalable, high-rate production systems. You will collaborate with and leverage support from Product, Supply Chain, Radar Systems and Hardware Engineering, Program Management, Finance and Accounting, and executive leadership to build the manufacturing capacity that enables LeoLabs to deploy radar systems more reliably and at greater scale for the U.S. Government, allies, and commercial customers.

The preferred candidate has done this before – they are a leader who has built and sustained a manufacturing system, rather than someone who has only managed an existing operation. This candidate is a hands-on manufacturing executive or emerging executive from a high-performance production environment such as aerospace, defense technology, automotive, or other complex hardware industries. They have scaled production systems from the ground up, built functional teams, improved quality, stood up facilities or production lines, and operated with urgency in environments where reliability, repeatability, and mission success matter.

Key Responsibilities

Manufacturing Strategy & Scale

• Own LeoLabs’ high-rate manufacturing and industrialization strategy for radar systems, subsystems, and associated high-reliability hardware across manufacturing, assembly, integration, and test operations.
• Build an

[…]
ted practitioner experience in Toyota Production System, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Lean Six Sigma or an equivalent operating system. Black Belt, Master Black Belt, TPS practitioner/trainer or comparable credentials preferred.

• Experience developing greenfield or brownfield production facilities, production lines, integration sites, or manufacturing cells.
• Experience with radar, RF systems, antennas, communications systems, sensors, satellites, ground systems, aerospace systems, or other complex electromechanical products.
• Experience supporting Department of War, Space Force, NASA, or allied government customers.
• Experience working with classified, export-controlled, ITAR/EAR-controlled, or otherwise sensitive hardware programs.
• Master’s degree in engineering, operations, business administration, manufacturing, supply chain, or a related discipline.

Compensation

This position is benchmarked to San Francisco Bay Area with a base salary range of $225,000 - $248,000, plus bonus, equity, and benefits.

Compensation Note: The salary range for this position is benchmarked based on the designated primary work location for the role. Final compensation may vary depending on the selected candidate’s work location, applicable market data, experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors.

Perks and Benefits

• Global workforce: flexible remote/hybrid opportunities
• Work on complex, meaningful missions with real-world impact
• Unlimited paid time off for most roles
• Competitive salary and equity packages
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage
• Access to the forefront of commercial space operations and defense innovation

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International

Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the

U.S. Department of State. More information regarding ITAR can be found at DDTC's website.

#CJ