Facility Manager/Shop Foreman (Contract – 6 Months) presso Space Kinetic

A New Paradigm For Space Operations.

What You’ll Do: 
We are seeking an experienced Facility Manager to oversee the buildout, setup, and launch of operations at our new manufacturing facility in El Segundo. This is a 6-month contract role focused on taking the facility from construction through full operational readiness.

The Facility Manager will serve as the primary on-site point of contact for contractors, vendors, and internal stakeholders, while also directly managing a small team of temporary workers and on-site employees. Success in this role means delivering a fully functional, safe, and compliant facility on time and within budget.

This is a contract position full-time (40 hours), on-site position in a fast-paced startup environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the buildout of the new manufacturing facility, including office, production, and warehouse areas.
• Coordinate with contractors, subcontractors, and technicians for on-site work.
• Oversee installation of critical manufacturing infrastructure (power, HVAC, compressed air, safety systems, etc.).
• Manage a team of temporary workers and select on-site employees by:
• Creating and assigning daily and weekly tasks.
• Tracking job progress, quality, and performance.
• Providing direction, coaching, and accountability.
• Support equipment delivery, installation, and commissioning to ensure operational readiness.
• Manage vendor relationships for facility services, equipment installation, and maintenance.
• Monitor project budgets, timelines, and milestones, providing regular updates to company leadership.
• Maintain accurate documentation of work orders, timecards, and reports.
• Manage inventory of parts, tools, and supplies.
• Enforce shop safety protocols and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Conduct regular inspections of equipment and tools to ensure safe operation.
• Maintain a clean and organized work environment.
• Provide training, guidance, and performance evaluations to staff.
• Ensure strict adherence to all safety policies and procedures.

Working Conditions

• Full-time position: overtime or weekend hours may be required.
• Work is primarily performed in a mechanical shop environment.
• May involve lifting heavy objects, standing for long periods, and exposure to noise, grease, and fumes.

What It Takes

• High school diploma or GED.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical systems, tools, and diagnostics.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting technical manuals, blueprints, and schematics.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Working knowledge of shop management software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including collaboration, resiliency, problem-solving, emotional intelligence, judgment, and decision-making across all organizational levels.
• Ability to develop and assess performance metrics; data-driven decision-making.
• Proven ability to handle sensitive information appropriately.
• Capability to work both independently and collaboratively to deliver innovative solutions and resolve issues.
• Must meet U.S. Government export regulations requirements: U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident (green card holder), refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

What We’d Love

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in a mechanical or maintenance shop environment, with at least 3 years in a supervisory role.
• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing or Industrial Engineering preferred (equivalent experience considered).

Where You’ll Be:

• The position is onsite in El Segundo, CA.

ITAR Requirements: 
This position is subject to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Candidates must be a U.S. Person (this includes U.S. Citizen, Permanent Resident, Protected Individual as defined by law), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR here

Equal Employment Opportunity:
Space Kinetic provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.