Manufacturing Lead - Space Solar Products

Location

Hawthorne, CA

Full time

On-site

Starlight Solar

January 30, 2026 at 3:00 AM EST

Location: Los Angeles (Hawthorne), CA

Employment Type: Full-time

Department: Starlight Solar

Travel: Frequent

Starpath Robotics is developing a full stack solution for commercial scale rocket propellant production on the Moon and Mars. We are building one of the key enabling technologies that will make Humans a multi-planet species.

The Starlight team is focused on dramatically reducing the cost of space-rated solar power to support both Starpath's propellant production goals and the greater space economy.

If high ownership, fast pace, working with hardware, and solving challenging problems sounds like a dream come true, come join the team!

We are seeking a Manufacturing Lead to own the end-to-end manufacturing execution of Starpath’s space solar products. This role is responsible for ensuring products are delivered on time, at the required quality level, and with a clear path to continue scaling the solar business unit.

This position carries broad responsibility and authority over how our products are built, accepted, and delivered, including deep engagement with supplier teams.

• Own the full manufacturing chain for Starpath’s solar products, from released design through delivery

• Serve as the primary technical interface with key suppliers

• Spend significant time on-site with suppliers as needed to support execution, resolve issues, and align teams

• Define and maintain manufacturing workflows, work instructions, travelers, and acceptance criteria

• Drive manufacturing readiness, including DFM/DFA feedback and process qualification

• Ensure alignment between Engineering, Reliability, and manufacturing execution

• Lead resolution of manufacturing issues, nonconformances, and delivery risks

• Contribute to long‑term manufacturing strategy, including future internal capabilities

• B.S. in Engineering or equivalent practical experience

• 5+ years experience owning manufacturing execution for hardware products

• Demonstrated responsibility for delivery outcomes (schedule, quality, cost)

• Experience working closely with external manufacturing partners or suppliers

• Willingness and ability to travel frequently and be embedded with suppliers

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to integrate effectively with supplier teams

• Sound engineering judgment and comfort making trade decisions under schedule pressure

• Experience with aerospace, space, or other high-reliability hardware

• Prior experience being stationed at supplier sites during critical production phases

• Exposure to manufacturing scale‑up or industrialization planning

• Familiarity with acceptance testing and quality systems (applied, not bureaucratic)

• Experience feeding manufacturing lessons back into product design

• Location:
  
  Los Angeles (Hawthorne), CA

• Salary base rate is $120-$160k/yr, plus equity package; compensation scales with candidate experience

• PTO & health/dental/vision coverage included

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Equal Opportunity

Starpath is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.