Head of Production - Space Industry (f/m/d)

At Peak Technology, we develop and produce high-performance solutions for motorsport and aerospace. Our products power Formula 1 cars, launch rockets into space, accompany satellites in orbit, and win the 24 Hours of Le Mans. What drives us? The next tenth of a second, the next orbit. If you’re ready to push boundaries, join our team.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

We are at a turning point. For years, we have built prototypes, one-off parts and small batches to the highest standards of quality. We are now transforming this highly capable manufacturing organization into an automated series production environment for the next generation of satellite constellations and launch vehicle programs.

Scaling this operation is the key challenge of the coming years — and we are looking for you to lead it.

As Head of Production, you will be responsible for our entire manufacturing organization of around 50 employees and report directly to the COO. You will lead the areas of Machining, Composite Manufacturing, Assembly, Integration & Test, and Quality Assurance, while also being responsible for production planning.

You will take over an established, technically highly capable organization and turn it into a production system that reliably delivers increasing volumes — efficiently, economically and to aerospace quality standards.

Leadership and Organization

● Provide technical and disciplinary leadership for the manufacturing departments, including their respective department heads

● Develop a leadership structure and culture that can grow with the transition to series production

● Plan and build up the workforce in coordination with HR, including shift and capacity models

Series Production Ramp-Up and Processes

● Transition from workshop-based and prototype manufacturing to a paced, standardized series production environment

● Further develop production systems and methodologies such as Lean, Shopfloor Management, Continuous Improvement (KVP), 5S, etc.

● Take responsibility for the transfer from development into series production in close cooperation with Engineering, based on a defined gate model

Performance Management and Results Responsibility

● Take responsibility for on-time delivery, productivity, lead times, scrap and rework

● Lead production planning and manage capacity and bottlenecks across all manufacturing resources

● Plan and manage the production budget and investments

● Establish and utilize robust KPIs as a basis for decision-making

Quality and Collaboration

● Ensure product quality and process compliance in accordance with EN 9100, ISO 9001 and ECSS requirements

● Work closely with Product Assurance, Engineering, Project Management and Supply Chain

YOUR PROFILE

Education

● Completed university or university of applied sciences degree with a focus on Production & Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Production Engineering

● A technical foundation (e.g. HTL) combined with a relevant university degree is considered an ideal qualification

Experience

● Several years of leadership experience in a manufacturing organization, ideally as Head of Production, Plant Manager or Head of a larger manufacturing function

● Proven experience in establishing or ramping up series production — you have personally been responsible for a production launch before

● Experience in industries with high quality and documentation requirements, such as aerospace, medical technology, automotive or comparable sectors

● Experience with special processes, process qualification and first article inspection is an advantage

● Knowledge of machining or composite manufacturing technology is an advantage

Methodological Expertise

It is important to us that you do not rely solely on experience when making decisions, but work with a structured and systematic approach:

● Strong knowledge of production systems and Lean Management

● Confident use of KPI-based performance management, capacity planning and bottleneck management

● Experience with ERP-based production planning and control

● Structured problem-solving and systematic root cause analysis

● A strong understanding of the commercial implications of your decisions

Personality

Your personality is just as important to us as your professional qualifications:

● You are the link between the organization and the people on the shop floor — you are present, approachable and stand behind your team

● You lead with clarity and empathy, listen to others and still make decisions when required

● You can drive change without disregarding the experience and pride of an established team

● You address conflicts rather than simply managing them

● You maintain and enforce standards, even when deadlines make this challenging

Languages

● Very good command of German

● Good written and spoken English for collaboration in international space projects

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM US

● A key role during one of the most exciting growth phases in our company — you will shape the series production ramp-up of a European space industry supplier

● Significant freedom to shape the organization, processes and structures, with direct access to the executive management team

● A state-of-the-art machinery portfolio with automated manufacturing as well as in-house inspection and test infrastructure

● A technically excellent and highly committed team with a strong sense of ownership

● Catering provided by our company kitchen, with freshly prepared meals every day

● Flexible working hours

● Various company events

● Additional benefits such as a company bicycle, KlimaTicket, corporate benefits, company mobile phone, and more

The actual salary will be based on the candidate’s qualifications, educational or academic degree, and relevant professional experience. The stated salary range is intended as a guideline and may be adjusted depending on the individual candidate’s profile.