Head of Manufacturing

About the Role

TRL11, Inc. is a venture-backed deep-tech startup focused on advanced video and camera technology for space and aerospace missions. The company is creating space-qualified imaging systems in an environment where precision, reliability, and quality are critical at every stage.

This position is a senior leadership opportunity for someone who wants to influence how advanced aerospace hardware is manufactured. As the Head of Manufacturing, you will oversee the production function for camera, avionics, and payload products, managing near-term output while also driving ongoing operational improvements. You will collaborate closely with teams across the business to build a structured, scalable manufacturing setup while remaining close enough to day-to-day work to step in hands-on when needed.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end manufacturing workflow, including manufacturing engineering, cleanroom operations, production planning, and quality assurance.
• Make sure space-grade hardware is built to a consistently high standard.
• Help implement and support certification efforts for AS9100 compliance.
• Confirm that team members are trained and prepared for their assigned work.
• Keep tools and equipment ready so production can run smoothly without interruption.
• Contribute directly to production when required, given the team’s small size.

Requirements

Required

• Practical, hands-on production experience in an aerospace environment.
• At least 5 years of experience spanning manufacturing, production, quality, and/or engineering work.
• Experience using MES and inventory management systems in structured production and material-control settings.
• Working knowledge of AS9100, root cause analysis and corrective action, traceability, configuration control, and nonconformance handling.
• Ability to work effectively with design engineering, quality, supply chain, procurement, executive leadership, program management, and IT teams.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States.

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline.
• 10+ years of experience across manufacturing, production, quality, and/or engineering functions.
• Background in test and quality assurance, manufacturing engineering, and inventory management.
• Experience deploying or maintaining an MES platform.
• Exposure to ISO8 through ISO5 cleanroom environments.
• Experience with avionics and electro-optical hardware such as cameras, sensors, and optical components; prior space hardware experience is an advantage.
• Manufacturing engineering experience in aerospace, military, defense, or other high-reliability industries.
• Knowledge of NIST calibration practices and inspection of electronics to IPC and J-STD standards.
• IPC and J-STD certifications, or previous certification, are considered a plus.

Benefits

• Opportunity to work in a fast-moving, high-energy startup environment with strong learning and impact potential.
• 401(k) retirement plan plus medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Unlimited paid time off, subject to prior approval, including vacation, sick leave, and public holidays.
• Potential eligibility for stock options based on performance and length of service.