Operations Program Manager (Aerospace)

TL;DR

Operations Program Manager (Aerospace): Designing and scaling production systems for advanced hardware programs with an accent on factory planning, facility activation, and production ramp. Focus on optimizing production system architecture, leading equipment commissioning, and executing New Product Introduction (NPI) to ensure scalable hardware delivery.

Location: Huntsville, AL. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen, national, permanent resident (Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted refugee/asylee.

Company

hirify.global develops reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems to enable millions of people to live and work in space for the benefit of Earth.

What you will do

• Develop production system architecture, including process flow, work cell layout, and material flow.
• Own and execute the integrated factory plan, defining equipment lists, facility requirements, and production milestones.
• Build data-driven capacity models to drive equipment procurement and hiring decisions.
• Lead facility planning and activation, coordinating floor layouts and utility requirements with contractors.
• Manage equipment procurement and commissioning, from writing specifications to operational qualification.
• Lead New Product Introduction (NPI) and define make/buy strategies for product value streams.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering.
• 10+ years of experience in manufacturing operations or industrial engineering with progressive responsibility in hardware production.
• Proven experience in factory planning and designing production systems from process flow through facility requirements.
• Expertise in equipment commissioning and qualifying capital equipment in a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to lead NPI and transition products from engineering development into production.
• Must meet U.S. export control regulations (Citizen, Permanent Resident, Refugee, or Asylum status).

Nice to have

• Experience in greenfield or brownfield facility activation.
• Background in aerospace, industrial gas turbines, or precision industrial hardware manufacturing.
• Lean/Six Sigma certification or equivalent operational excellence experience.
• Proficiency with CAD software such as Creo or CATIA V5.
• Familiarity with MES/ERP systems like SAP, Oracle, or Plex.

Culture & Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%.
• Stock options for all regular employees.
• Generous paid time off (up to 4 weeks per year) and 14 company-paid holidays.
• Education Support Program for professional growth.