Director of Industrial Management

OW is transitioning from startup mode into an industrialized space-systems manufacturer and were looking for a Director of Industrial Management to help lead that shift. This role works across all Operations functions AIT QA Supply Chain Manufacturing Engineering Facilities and Test to drive alignment readiness and execution for near-term deliveries and long-term scaling.

Youll partner closely with the VP of Operations and functional leaders to build the processes capacity models and operational rhythms that support reliable production and prepare the organization for higher throughput. The ideal candidate brings deep aerospace or avionics manufacturing experience strong cross-functional leadership and a talent for turning complex operational challenges into clear executable plans.

If youre motivated by enabling teams improving execution and helping shape the operational backbone of a growing space company this role offers meaningful impact and room to grow.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic & Transverse Leadership
• Act as the chief integrator across OPS (AIT QA Facilities Supply Chain Manufacturing Eng Test Eng) ensuring alignment between daily execution and long-term strategic objectives.
• Translate high-level company milestones into OPS strategies execution roadmaps and capacity models.
• Anticipate operational bottlenecks risks and resource needs before they materialize designing mitigation strategies proactively.
• Serve as a trusted deputy to the VP of OPS able to step in as acting lead when needed.
• Execution & Program Management
• Lead and coordinate operations programs ensuring all functions deliver to cost schedule and quality targets.
• Manage the flow of material tooling and workforce capacity to support a high-mix mid-volume production environment.
• Ensure digital manufacturing and data-driven tools are implemented and adopted effectively across the org.
• Drive OPS readiness reviews to ensure facilities people materials and processes are prepared ahead of program needs.
• People & Organizational Development
• Directly manage and grow a small cross-functional OPS program team (planner project engineer industrial engineer).
• Coach functional leaders in execution discipline planning rigor and continuous improvement.
• Build a culture of accountability autonomy and systems thinking across the organization.
• Influence without authority across senior engineering manufacturing and corporate teams.
• Continuous Improvement & Scalability
• Deploy lean and digital manufacturing initiatives to reduce cycle time and improve quality.
• Standardize OPS processes and governance mechanisms to enable scale-up of production.
• Champion lessons-learned and post-mortem reviews to drive organizational learning.

Experience - Must Haves

• 1215 years in Operations/Manufacturing leadership roles in space aerospace avionics or adjacent high-reliability industries.
• Proven experience in mid-volume high-mix production environments (satellites avionics systems or complex electromechanical hardware).
• Strong background in operational management and planning and cross-functional operational leadership.
• Demonstrated success influencing and aligning across multiple technical functions without direct authority.
• Track record of building teams and processes capable of scaling from startup mode to industrialized operations.

Skills & Attributes

• Systems thinker with strong ability to zoom in/out (from floor-level detail to strategic planning).
• Exceptional leadership presence: able to coach challenge and inspire across functions.
• Strong command of capacity planning industrial engineering and material flow.
• Adept at digital tools and modern manufacturing systems (ERP/MRP PLM digital data flows).
• Excellent communication negotiation and conflict-resolution skills.
• Hands on experience in operational crises but able to remain calm structured and forward-looking.

Education

• Bachelors in Engineering or Operations-related field (Mechanical Electrical Industrial Aerospace).
• Advanced degree (MBA MSc or equivalent) preferred.

Orbitworks mission is to make space simple for organizations that want to deploy physical and virtual missions to space. Building on Loft Orbitals heritage Orbitworks will be the first commercial firm in the United Arab Emirates to mass-manufacture satellites. Orbitworks aims to manufacture tens of satellites annually and operates out of a 50000-square-foot facility in Abu Dhabi.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process such as reviewing applications analyzing resumes or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed please contact us.

Required Experience:

Director

Employment Type : Full-Time
Experience: years
Vacancy: 1