Joblaze summary

In the role of Production Manager for Machining and Fabrication at K2 Space, the individual will oversee the machine shop and fabrication teams, ensuring timely delivery of critical components for satellite production. Key skills include hands-on experience in machining and fabrication, along with leadership in a fast-paced environment. This position is suited for someone with significant experience in aerospace or complex hardware manufacturing, particularly those who thrive in dynamic settings. The role involves close collaboration with engineering and facilities teams to support the company's ambitious production goals.

Joblaze insights

Listed today — first seen on Joblaze November 6, 2026. Last confirmed on K2 Space's careers page November 6, 2026.
Salary band is below the typical range for Management roles (median ~$170,000).
Starts above 23% of 318 comparable lead management roles in United States we track (median $192,000 across 96 companies).

Quick facts

Is the Production Manager, Machining & Fabrication role remote?: No — this is an on-site role in Los Angeles, CA, United States.
What's the salary range?: K2 Space lists $150,000–$190,000 for this role.
How much experience is required?: At least 8 years of relevant experience for this Production Manager, Machining & Fabrication role.
Where is the role based?: K2 Space is hiring for this position in Los Angeles, CA, United States.
What seniority level is this role?: K2 Space targets lead candidates for this position.
Is this full-time or contract?: Full-time for this Production Manager, Machining & Fabrication role at K2 Space.

From the original posting

K2 is building the largest and highest-power satellites ever flown, unlocking performance levels previously out of reach across every orbit. Backed by over $1 billion in total funding from leading investors including Altimeter Capital, ICONIQ, Kleiner Perkins, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Redpoint Ventures, and T. Rowe Price — and with over $1 billion in signed contracts across commercial and US government customers, we're mass-producing the highest-power satellite platforms ever built for missions from LEO to deep space.

The Role

This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who has run a fast-moving shop and wants to scale the next one. As Manager, Machining and Fabrication you’ll lead the machine shop, development fabrication shop, precision inspection (CMM), and spacecraft paint teams. These teams deliver K2’s flight parts, prototype hardware, tooling, fixtures, and GSE on timelines too tight to wait on outside suppliers. When a design changes overnight or a test campaign needs a fixture tomorrow, your team makes it happen.

You’ll serve as site production leader for our new K2 hardware development and manufacturing facility, accountable for safety, facilities coordination, and day-to-day operations. You’ll own shop performance end to end and make the calls on equipment, staffing, layout, and what we build in-house. As we scale from development spacecraft to high-rate production, you’ll build the shop, team, and systems needed to keep up.

Responsibilities

Manage and develop a talented team of specialized work centers including machine shop, development fabrication shop, precision inspection (CMM), and spacecraft paint

Ensure a strong sense of safety, quality, and turn time is communicated and upheld by all members of your team

Manage the schedule and delivery of precision machined parts, welded assemblies, prototype hardware, tooling, fixtures, and GSE for development, production, and test

Set daily priorities for the team, adjusting quickly and effectively when engineering needs change

Identify and remove constraints that block hardware delivery, whether they’re equipment, resources, material, or process

Drive capability expansion, including equipment selection, capital investment, new processes, and make vs. buy decisions

Support the buildout of new manufacturing and development areas, including layout, infrastructure, and equipment installation in partnership with Engineering, Production, and Facilities

Establish metrics for throughput, schedule adherence, utilization, equipment readiness, and quality to drive continuous improvement

Serve as site lead for the building, coordinating with Facilities, Design Engineering, and Test on shared resources and operational readiness

Qualifications

4+ years of direct people leadership in a fast-paced machining or fabrication environment

8+ years of hands-on experience in machining, fabrication, or precision manufacturing in a high volume, rapid environment in aerospace, defense, or complex hardware manufacturing industries

Demonstrated experience leading multiple work centers in a high-mix, low-volume development or quick-turn environment

Nice to Have

Demonstrated success leading from the floor in a fast-moving manufacturing environment

Hands-on experience with CNC machining, fabrication processes, and interpreting engineering drawings, including GD&T

Experience with CMM and dimensional inspection

Working knowledge of AS9100 quality systems, NCRs, and FAI (AS9102)

Experience with MES/ERP systems

Background in capacity modeling, shop layout, and capital equipment justification

Track record of making fast decisions with incomplete information and owning the outcome

Excellent conflict resolution and negotiation skills

Additional Requirements

Must be able to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed to support critical production and test milestones

Must be comfortable spending significant time on the shop floor daily

Must be able to travel occasionally to suppliers, test facilities, or other company locations as required

Compensation and Benefits:

Base salary range for this role is $150,000 - $190,000 + equity in the company

Salary and level will be based on several factors including, but not limited to: knowledge and skills, education, and experience level

Comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and many other perks

If you don’t meet 100% of the preferred skills and experience, we encourage you to still apply! Building a spacecraft unlike any other requires a team unlike any other and non-traditional career twists and turns are encouraged!

Standard company text repeated across K2 Space's postings is omitted here.

Production Manager, Machining & Fabrication

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