The Role

We are seeking a highly driven and experienced Production Manager to lead manufacturing operations supporting the end-to-end build of critical flight hardware, prototype systems, composite airframe structures, and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).

This role will own production execution across multiple manufacturing work centers and serve as a key bridge between Manufacturing Engineering, Program Management, Quality, Supply Chain, and fabrication to transition innovative hardware from prototype development into repeatable, scalable manufacturing. The ideal candidate is a hands-on manufacturing leader who can balance immediate production execution with long-term manufacturing strategy.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, fabrication, and testing of prototype hardware and production systems.

• Own production execution across soft materials fabrication, additive manufacturing, composites fabrication, avionics, final integration, and end-of-line vehicle validation.

• Lead, coach, and develop Production Supervisors, Lead Technicians, and technicians across multiple shifts, establishing clear expectations for performance and accountability.

• Translate program demand into executable production schedules, staffing plans, capacity requirements, and daily manufacturing priorities.

• Own production KPIs including safety, quality, schedule attainment, labor efficiency, throughput, yield, rework, equipment utilization, and cost.

• Partner with Manufacturing Engineering on Design-for-Manufacturability (DFM), PFMEA, work instructions, process development, and manufacturing readiness.

• Drive the transition of new products and processes from prototype development through LRIP and scaled production.

• Identify labor, material, tooling, equipment, and facility constraints and develop recovery or capacity expansion plans.

• Lead root cause, corrective action, and continuous improvement efforts to improve manufacturing flow, quality, and efficiency.

• Develop scalable production systems, operating rhythms, visual management, and escalation processes that provide clear visibility into performance and constraints.

• Ensure manufacturing execution complies with engineering documentation, configuration control, product traceability, workmanship standards, and applicable AS9100, ISO 9001, and MIL-STD requirements.

• Support implementation and continuous improvement of manufacturing systems including ISO, ERP/MRP, MES, QMS, and WMS systems and standards.

• Develop workforce strategies including hiring, onboarding, qualification, cross-training, succession planning, and frontline leadership development.

• Manage production budgets and support capital equipment, facility, and manufacturing infrastructure planning.

• Build and maintain a culture of accountability, quality, safety, operational discipline, and continuous improvement while supporting critical production milestones as needed.

Required Qualifications 

• 5+ years of experience in aerospace, defense, aviation, automotive, or another high-reliability manufacturing environment, with 3+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience.

• Demonstrated ability to develop frontline leaders and build high-performing manufacturing teams in a fast-paced, evolving production environment.

• Experience across manufacturing disciplines such as machining, welding, fabrication, composites, additive manufacturing, electrical/avionics, mechanical integration, or final assembly.

• Hands-on experience supporting prototype development, NPI, LRIP, production ramp, or high-mix manufacturing environments.

• Demonstrated experience with production scheduling, workforce and capacity planning, KPI management, and manufacturing constraint resolution.

• Strong understanding of production flow, configuration control, nonconformance management, product traceability, and controlled manufacturing documentation.

• Working knowledge of GD&T, ASME Y14.5, AS9100, ISO 9001, and aerospace workmanship requirements.

• Experience with manufacturing software systems such as JIRA, ERP/MRP, MES, QMS, WMS, and PLM or equivalent platforms.

• Experience with manufacturing improvement methodologies including DFM, PFMEA, RCCA, Lean manufacturing, 5S, and visual management.

• Strong cross-functional leadership and communication skills across Production, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Planning, Test, and Program teams.

• Experience with production budgets, capital equipment planning, manufacturing capacity models, or production ramp strategies is a plus.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Familiarity with Earned Value Management (EVM), program execution metrics, and manufacturing cost control within government or defense-funded programs.

• Strong understanding of manufacturing readiness assessments, production qualification, process validation, and rate readiness planning.

• Experience leading organizations of 25+ manufacturing personnel, including supervisors, technicians, inspectors, and production support staff.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance; active clearance preferred.

• Master's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Operations Management, or a related technical discipline.

• Professional certifications such as Lean Six Sigma Green Belt/Black Belt, PMP, APICS/CPIM, or CMfgE are a plus.

Additional Requirements