Director, Stage Manufacturing

The Director of Stage Manufacturing at Relativity Space will oversee the manufacturing and scaling of primary structure and final integration production for the Terran R rocket. This includes ensuring precision, quality, and efficiency in the assembly process and leading a diverse team focused on high-rate production while adhering to aerospace quality standards.

To qualify for the Director of Stage Manufacturing role at Relativity Space, candidates should have a Bachelor’s Degree in mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related discipline, along with at least 8 years of experience in manufacturing, including 3 years in a senior leadership role within industries such as aerospace or automotive.

The Director of Stage Manufacturing is integral to achieving Relativity Space's vision by leading the team responsible for the efficient manufacturing of the Terran R rocket. Their expertise in process optimization and collaboration with other teams ensures that production demands are met, enabling the company to maintain its ambitious launch schedule and contribute to interplanetary manufacturing efforts.

Essential skills for the Director of Stage Manufacturing include a strong understanding of manufacturing processes, leadership in scaling teams and production lines, knowledge of aerospace manufacturing standards, and experience with automation and lean manufacturing principles. Interpersonal communication skills for cross-functional collaboration are also crucial.

Relativity Space offers a competitive compensation package for the Director of Stage Manufacturing, which includes a generous salary range, equity options, comprehensive PTO and sick leave policies, an annual learning and development stipend, and parental leave, along with additional perks that support a balanced work-life experience.

When answering this question, focus on specific examples from your past work where you successfully led the scaling of manufacturing processes. Be sure to highlight challenges faced, how you overcame them, and the impact of your decisions on production efficiency and quality.

Discuss your approach to integrating quality control measures at every stage of production. Mention methodologies like lean manufacturing or Six Sigma, and provide examples of how you've applied these strategies in previous roles to maintain high standards.

Explain your communication strategy and how you encourage input and cooperation from engineering, supply chain, and quality teams. Share past experiences where your collaborative efforts led to successful outcomes in project execution.

Articulate your process for researching, evaluating, and integrating new technologies into existing workflows. You can provide examples of technologies you've implemented previously and the benefits they brought to production processes.

Describe your experience with adaptive manufacturing strategies, such as flexible scheduling, resource management, and process optimization. Use examples to illustrate how you've effectively navigated changes and ensured operational resilience.

Focus on your preferred communication tools and practices that promote transparency and clarity among team members. Highlight examples where effective communication led to streamlined processes and better results on production targets.

Discuss your criteria for assessing supplier capabilities, such as quality, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. Provide insights into your negotiation strategies and how you cultivate long-term partnerships with suppliers.

Offer a compelling example that details the problem, the steps you took to analyze and develop a solution, and the measurable outcomes of your improvements. Highlight the importance of data-driven decision-making in your process.

Highlight your commitment to safety by discussing the training programs you implement, safety protocols you advocate, and any safety records or achievements that demonstrate your proactive approach to workplace safety.

This is your opportunity to convey your passion for aerospace and additive manufacturing. Connect your professional goals to Relativity Space’s vision and mission, and articulate how you see yourself contributing to the company's innovative journey.