Production Manager - Solar Arrays

At Dcubed, we're building the next generation of deployable solar arrays that will power some of the most ambitious space missions of the coming decade, from commercial satellites in Low Earth Orbit to lunar exploration missions and beyond.

As Production Manager – Solar Arrays (f/m/d), you will lead the team that transforms innovative engineering into flight-ready hardware. You will be responsible for coordinating production and AIT activities, ensuring on-time and high-quality delivery of solar arrays that operate in the harshest space environments.

This role goes far beyond managing day-to-day manufacturing. You will help shape and scale our production capabilities, improve infrastructure, develop new processes, and build the operational foundation required to support the rapid growth of the space industry.

If you thrive in a hands-on environment, enjoy solving complex operational challenges, and want to see hardware you helped build launch into space, this is an opportunity to make a lasting impact.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate all Production and AIT activities for Dcubed's solar array products.
• Ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality execution of manufacturing, assembly, integration, and test activities.
• Own production planning and resource allocation to meet delivery commitments and production targets.
• Take accountability for on-time delivery, production throughput, and product quality.
• Manage manufacturing Bills of Materials (BOMs) and ensure materials, tools, consumables, and equipment are available when required.
• Act as the primary interface between Engineering, Production, Supply Chain, Logistics, Quality, and Product Assurance.
• Drive production readiness and proactively resolve materials shortages, schedule risks, quality issues, and manufacturing bottlenecks.
• Coordinate shipment preparation, hardware movements, and logistics activities.
• Drive continuous improvement through KPI monitoring, metrics reviews, and performance optimization initiatives.
• Lead the development and upgrade of production infrastructure, equipment, facilities, and manufacturing processes to support future growth.
• Coordinate with the Safety Officer to maintain a safe and compliant working environment while promoting 5S principles and operational excellence.
• Lead, coach, and develop Production and AIT personnel while fostering a positive, accountable, and high-performing team culture.

Candidate Requirements

• Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Aerospace, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience.
• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing, production operations, aerospace, or other high-tech industrial environments.
• Proven experience leading production teams and managing manufacturing operations.
• Experience with production planning, material management, inventory control, and supply chain coordination.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing workflows, AIT activities, BOM management, and industrialization processes.
• Demonstrated ability to improve operational efficiency, productivity, and delivery performance using lean manufacturing principles.
• Strong critical thinking skills with the ability to challenge the status quo while maintaining compliance with quality standards and documented processes.
• Hands-on mentality with a strong sense of ownership, accountability, and willingness to support operational activities when necessary.
• Experience building, improving, or scaling production capabilities, infrastructure, and processes.
• Ability to motivate, develop, and lead teams in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across multiple disciplines and organizational level
• Excellent computer skills, including MS Office, ERP/MRP/MES systems, and custom-developed software tools.
• Strong English communication skills, both written and spoken.
• Willingness to support shift-based operations when required.