Product Director (Space Technology)

Rock West Composites, Inc. has an exciting leadership opportunity for a Product Director in our Space Technology segment, where you'll shape strategy, guide innovation, and expand our presence in a rapidly growing market.

Rock West Composites, Inc. is an engineering and manufacturing company dedicated to providing innovative solutions for commercial and government customers. We provide cradle-to-grave services for primary and secondary composite structures. This position is located in our HQ San Diego, CA office and reports to the Segment Director-Space Technology.

Position Summary:

The Product Director for Space Technology will lead the strategic growth and execution of Rock West Composites’ space-related product portfolio and advanced composite technologies. This role combines business leadership, technical expertise, and customer engagement to drive innovation, revenue growth, and operational excellence. The Product Director will be accountable for strategy, business development, team leadership, and execution of programs, ensuring Rock West continues to expand its position as an industry leader.

Essential Functions:

• Own and execute the strategic plan for the Space product category.
• Define and achieve annual revenue, growth, and profitability targets.
• Track and manage key company metrics within the product area (orders, sales, earnings, IR&D, direct application).
• Identify new opportunities and lead internal R&D/IRAD programs to support innovation and growth.
• Build strong relationships with customers, representing RWC as a subject matter expert in the industry.
• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing team, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and professional development.
• Assess staffing and resource needs to meet growth objectives.
• Foster an engaged, collaborative, and innovative workforce.
• Directly manage key accounts or programs as needed, including proposals, budgets, schedules, and technical requirements.
• Partner with Operations, Engineering, and Program Management to ensure execution excellence and resource alignment.
• Oversee capital expenditure planning and make recommendations to support growth initiatives.
• Partner with Marketing to design and execute segment-specific campaigns.
• Support enterprise-wide planning for manpower, cash flow, and shipments.
• Ensure compliance with AS9100, ISO 9001, and company quality management systems.
  
  
  

Non-Essential Functions:

Other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience:

BS/BA in Engineering, Materials Science, or related discipline; OR 15+ years of experience in advanced materials/manufacturing.

5–10 years of leadership experience in aerospace, composites, or related industries, including managing technical and business teams.

Proven record of driving business growth (2X in <5 years preferred).

Expertise in composites, space structures, radomes, or relevant advanced material applications.

Experience in budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation.

Strong communication skills, with experience engaging customers and presenting strategic initiatives.

Familiarity with Boeing specifications, AS9100 Rev D, and NADCAP requirements is a plus.

Creative, strategic thinker with proven execution skills.

Strong business acumen with ability to balance technical expertise and commercial growth.

Passion for space technologies and an appetite for continuous learning.

Ability to network and establish credibility as an industry thought leader.

Team-oriented, humble, and driven by excellence.

Perks and Benefits:

• 100% Employer Paid Medical and Dental
• $3,000 Annual Bonus
• 401K - 5% match
• Employee Stocks Option Program
• 9/80 work schedule
• 8- paid Holidays
• PTO: Max. 4-weeks after 5 years of employment
• $2,500 tuition reimbursement
  
  
  

Compensation:

The pay range for this position falls within $140,000-$180,000 annually. The final compensation will be determined based on experience, skillset, and other factors permitted by law.

Why should you want to work with us? Rock West Composites cares about our employees! Not only do we offer great benefits to our full-time employees (Medical & Dental 100% employer paid, Vision, Paid Time Off and 401K match), we offer a fun and friendly working environment!

Rock West Composites is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the company to provide equal opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status or any other basis prohibited by state or federal law. Rock West Composites holds employees safety as a high standard and strictly enforces a No Drug and Alcohol Policy and pre-employment and random drug testing.

If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, or are limited in the ability or unable to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, you may contact 858-537-6260.