Sr. Manager – Propulsion Systems

Be more than just an employee number! Join Terran Orbital, a leader in innovation, manufacturing, and operations in the satellite industry. We are a pioneer in the miniaturization of space technologies and the delivery of responsive space solutions. We are a unique, fast-growing, and trusted team focused on quickly and economically designing, building, launching, and operating state-of-the-art modules and satellites for advanced mission constellations.  

Terran Orbital is seeking an experienced Sr. Manager – Propulsion Systems to join our growing Components & Modules team. Reporting to the VP of Components & Modules, the Sr. Manager of Propulsion Systems will have a goal to grow & support a portfolio of procured or developed systems and provide high-quality, high-performance modules ready for high-volume manufacturing at an affordable price.  The Sr. Manager will be responsible for supporting a portfolio of Electric Propulsion Systems (Hall effect thrusters, Gridded ion thrusters, Electrospray thrusters, etc.) that include thrusters, cathodes, PPUs, feed systems, tanks, etc. 

Key Duties and Responsibilities  

• Responsible for overseeing procurements of propulsion systems/components and providing technical/supplier oversight to ensure product delivery
• Responsible for product development, product production, and post-delivery support working with manufacturing, mission assurance, AI&T, and supplier management
• Has responsibility, authority, and accountability for the product cost, schedule, and technical scope, along with driving critical risk-based decisions throughout the program life cycle
• Responsible Project management of New Product Development and Introduction
• Responsible for executing product development processes & planning
• Develop a direct reporting multi-functional organization that will scale for the growth of your product area
• Support resource and facility planning to ensure that each product group has the resources it needs (people, technology, equipment, infrastructure) to scale for growth
• Champion product improvements to achieve efficient high rate-production

Qualifications and Skills 

• Bachelor's degree in engineering
• 10+ years of experience with product development with a demonstrated reputation for driving business goals and objectives to completion
• Experience in building and testing EP Systems (Hall effect thrusters, Gridded ion thrusters, Electrospray thrusters, Hollow cathode electron sources)
• Experience in the use and commissioning of high vacuum test facilities
• Experience working within R&D and production environments
• Experience in development and qualification of space qualified power systems
• Working knowledge of multilayer PCB fabrication techniques per IPC standards
• Strong leadership & team building skills, candidate must be able to lead and motivate cross functional teams as well as have proven experience in a team environment and interfacing successfully across organizational boundaries
• Exhibited capability to foster an environment which enables application of continuous improvement, novel thinking, and fresh ideas to business challenges resulting in creative and competitive solutions.
• Experience in Program/Project management of new product development and existing product lines
• Demonstrate a keen understanding of financials, manage to established metrics. Ensure that budgets and forecasts are aligned.
• Ability to define and utilize metrics, manage external suppliers, and manufacturing
• Per the requirement of certain Terran Orbital facilities, the applicant must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. TS/SCI Security Clearance and all special accesses required to work at such facilities

Additional Differentiators  

• Master’s degree in engineering and/or business administration
• Experience leading a P&L
• Experience in systems engineering & integration of spacecraft systems
• An understanding of GSFC-STD-7000 General Environmental Verification Standard (GEVS), and SMC-S-016, test requirements for launch, upperstage and space vehicles

Benefits 

• 100% Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents
• Employee Equity Incentive Program
• 401(k) Match
• Unlimited PTO

Salary Range $150,000-$200,000 

Your actual level and base salary will be determined case-by-case and may vary based on the job-related qualification, knowledge, skills, education, and experience. In addition to base salary, we offer equity for each employee, 100% covered medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) match, unlimi