Blackwave stands for passion and innovation in aerospace. What began as a small start-up in Munich, Germany with a genuine bottom-up mentality has developed into a leading player in the space and aerospace industry all the way to the USA. Our focus is on the development and production of standardized pressure vessels (COPVs) and complex carbon structures. With our “off-the-shelf” approach to COPVs, we are setting new standards – efficient, reliable, and future-oriented. Progress is what drives us: with courage, creativity, and technical expertise, we are shaping the next generation of space technologies.

The mission of the Production Lead is to ensure stable, efficient, and high-quality production of advanced material products by leading on-site manufacturing operations, processes, and teams. The role is responsible for operational excellence, process reliability, and continuous improvement in a hands-on production environment.

Expected Outcomes

A successful Production Lead will:

• Ensure safe, stable, and efficient daily production operations

• Achieve consistent product quality in line with specifications and standards

• Meet production targets for output, efficiency, and yield

• Identify and resolve production issues proactively

• Establish clear structures, processes, and responsibilities on the shop floor

• Support scalability and operational readiness as production grows

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee on-site production operations and workflows

• Ensure compliance with production plans, work instructions, and quality requirements

• Monitor and improve production performance, efficiency, and output

• Identify deviations, root causes, and implement corrective actions

• Coordinate closely with engineering, quality, logistics, and operations teams

• Ensure proper use, setup, and maintenance of production equipment

• Enforce safety, cleanliness, and workplace standards

• Train, guide, and support production staff on-site

• Contribute to continuous improvement of processes, layouts, and workflows

• Support introduction of new processes, materials, or production methods

Competencies

Technical and Operational Know-how

• Strong understanding of manufacturing and production processes

• Ability to work with technical equipment, materials, and process parameters

• Experience with structured production environments and documentation

• Understanding of quality, safety, and process control principles

Leadership and Professional Skills

• Hands-on leadership approach with strong presence on the shop floor

• Structured, reliable, and solution-oriented working style

• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage daily operational challenges

• Strong communication and coordination skills

• Ability to lead by example in an on-site environment

Required Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Technical education, vocational training, or engineering background

• Several years of experience in production, manufacturing, or industrial operations

• Proven experience in a lead, supervisor, or senior operator role

• Experience working in structured, process-driven environments

Language Skills

• English is required

• Ability to communicate clearly in spoken English in a production environment

• Ability to read, understand, and apply technical documentation in English

Work Model

• On-site work is mandatory

• Willingness to work closely with production teams and equipment on a daily basis

• Our current facility is located in Lockhart, Texas (near Austin/San Antonio)

• In mid-2026, Blackwave will relocate to a new site in the Port San Antonio aerospace hub

Equal Opportunity Employer

Blackwave Texas Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected characteristics under applicable law.

ITAR Requirement

This position requires eligibility under U.S. export regulations (ITAR). Candidates must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, or otherwise authorized to access export-controlled information.

For this U.S.-based role, your application will be managed by our global People Team in Germany.