Director, Avionics Manufacturing

About the Team: 

The Avionics Manufacturing team is responsible for building and testing the electronic systems that power, control, and connect every aspect of Terran R—from flight computers and sensors to wiring and integrated avionics assemblies. We operate at the intersection of hardware, software, and operations, working closely with design engineering, vehicle integration, and systems test to ensure every component is built and verified to the highest standards. As we march toward first flight, the team is focused on transitioning from development to high-rate production while improving reliability, reducing cycle time, and driving cross-functional alignment across the vehicle program. 

About the Role:

• Own the end-to-end manufacturing and test of all avionics hardware—from process development and test infrastructure setup through full-rate production and vehicle integration readiness. 
• Lead and grow a multidisciplinary team across manufacturing engineering, environmental & functional test, and production operations, ensuring executional excellence and team development. 
• Develop and implement scalable, high-reliability manufacturing processes for avionics components including PCBs, wire harnesses, and integrated avionics units. 
• Drive cross-functional collaboration with design engineering, test engineering, systems engineering, vehicle integration, supply chain, and quality to ensure products are manufacturable, testable, and deliverable at rate. 
• Ensure production and test operations run to schedule, yield, and quality targets, using data to identify risks and drive continuous improvement. 
• Champion automation, digital production tools, and lean practices to improve throughput, reduce cycle time, and ensure traceability and compliance. 

About You:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field, with 10+ years of experience in aerospace, automotive, electronics, or high-reliability manufacturing, including at least 5 years in a leadership role. 
• Proven experience managing complex electro-mechanical manufacturing and test operations, including PCBAs, wire harnesses, and integrated avionics units. 
• Deep understanding of electronics manufacturing processes, including PCB assembly, conformal coating, potting, ESD protocols, and wire harness fabrication. 
• Strong familiarity with functional and environmental test execution, including RF/electrical validation, thermal, and vibration testing. 
• Demonstrated success building and scaling engineering and operations teams in high-mix or high-rate production environments. 
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams, manage shifting priorities, and drive execution under aggressive schedules.

Nice to haves but not required:  

• Experience with spaceflight avionics testing, including functional and environmental tests (thermal, vibration, EMC) to standards such as SMC-S-016, MIL-STD-810, RCC-319/324, or equivalents. 
• Familiarity with electronics manufacturing standards and processes, including IPC-610, IPC-J-STD-001 (Space Addendum), IPC/WHMA-A-620, and PCB assembly line operations (e.g., solder paste, pick & place, AOI, X-ray, flying probe). 
• Experience with hardware/software integration, automated test development, ground support equipment design, and manufacturing of high-voltage lithium-ion battery assemblies. 
• Demonstrated success applying lean manufacturing or Six Sigma principles and standing up new production or test lines, including equipment selection, layout, staffing, and process validation.