The Why
Blackwave designs, manufactures and ships flight-qualified, commercial off-the-shelf composite overwrapped pressure vessels (COPVs) for launch vehicles and satellites. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Munich, Germany, the company delivers COPVs from a standardized portfolio with flight heritage. The approach reduces lead time from months to days while ensuring that each tank is qualified and flight-ready. Blackwave's mission is to end COPV failure in spaceflight. The company employs more than 150 people across manufacturing facilities in Germany and Texas. More information at Blackwave.com and the procurement platform COPV.com. THE WHY To end COPV failure in spaceflight. Blackwave manufactures carbon structural components for rockets, and satellites – with the ambition to make space access as reliable and scalable as automotive production. That demands a manufacturing operation that grows with us: process-stable, reproducible, and ramp-up-proof. That's where you come in.
Your Responsibilities
THE WHY To end COPV failure in spaceflight. Blackwave manufactures carbon structural components for rockets, and satellites – with the ambition to make space access as reliable and scalable as automotive production. That demands a manufacturing operation that grows with us: process-stable, reproducible, and ramp-up-proof. That's where you come in. THE WHAT Be the process mastermind of our manufacturing operation. At Blackwave, you coordinate production engineering across all teams, set priorities on open issues, and drive our manufacturing processes toward serial production standards – scalable, resilient, and ready for every ramp-up. Drive & Improve Processes Systematically analyze production processes for scalability and robustness – then actively raise the bar. Own and maintain a structured, always-current list of open points across all production steps. Set the Standards Implement 5S standards at workstations and in material handling – consistently and sustainably. Push fixture and tooling improvements from concept through manufacturing, implementation, and verification. Machine Performance Coordinate stakeholders and engineers when scoping new machines, ensuring performance reliably meets requirements.
Your Profile
- Space-to-Automotive Mindset: you understand the sensitivity of the space industry and translate it into robust, scalable manufacturing processes
- Lean & CI Methods: proven experience with Kaizen, SMED, 5S, and related tools to improve throughput, reduce waste, and drive continuous improvement
- Risk Management: identify production risks early, develop mitigation plans, and support successful production ramp-ups
- Root Cause Mastery: experienced in structured problem-solving methods such as 5 Whys, Ishikawa, and FMEA, turning production issues into sustainable corrective actions
- Cross-functional Communicator: translate shopfloor realities into clear inputs for Planning, Engineering, QA, and Management while keeping stakeholders aligned
- Shopfloor Driven: enjoy working hands-on with Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, and operators to solve problems where they occur
- Thrives in Complexity: comfortable operating in fast-changing environments, balancing immediate production needs with long-term process improvements
- Change Agent: support the introduction of new technologies, equipment, and processes while helping teams adapt and grow
- Languages: Fluent German and English (C1 level) essential
- Location: Regular on-site presence required across our Garching and Taufkirchen locations
What we offer
- Ownership & creative freedom – you actively shape how we bring aerospace components to serial production
- Flexible hours & mobile working – work-life balance is a real commitment, not a talking point
- Start-up spirit meets aerospace – flat hierarchies, fast decisions, genuine room for initiative
- Personalized benefits – choose between Germany Ticket, Egym Wellpass, or a tax-free Givve Card
- Fresh food daily – shared lunches with healthy, varied dishes
Your contact