Production Manager
Core
Lead manufacturing operations for end-to-end build of critical flight hardware, prototype systems, composite airframe structures, and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).
Role type
Senior IC Production Manager (Aerospace/Defense)
Builds
Prototype systems, composite airframe structures, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), and production flight hardware
Domain
Defense technology / Aerospace manufacturing
Deliverable
production ML models | product features | dashboards & analysis | research | client delivery | infrastructure | physical/clinical work -> physical/clinical work (manufacturing execution)
Required skills
Production planning and scheduling, frontline leadership and team development, manufacturing execution across multiple disciplines (machining, welding, composites, additive manufacturing, avionics, integration), KPI management (safety, quality, throughput, yield), Design-for-Manufacturability (DFM) and process development, capacity and constraint resolution, manufacturing systems implementation (ERP/MRP, MES, QMS), budget and capital equipment planning, continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, 5S, RCCA)
Preferred skills
Earned Value Management (EVM), manufacturing readiness assessments, leading organizations of 25+ personnel, security clearance eligibility, Lean Six Sigma certification, PMP, APICS/CPIM
Technologies
JIRA, ERP/MRP, MES, QMS, WMS, PLM
Responsibilities
Lead planning, fabrication, and testing of prototype and production systems; own production execution across soft materials, additive manufacturing, composites, avionics, and final integration; coach and develop Production Supervisors and technicians; translate program demand into executable schedules and staffing plans; own production KPIs including safety, quality, schedule attainment, and cost; partner with Engineering on DFM and manufacturing readiness; drive transition from prototype to scaled production; identify constraints and develop recovery plans; lead root cause analysis and continuous improvement; ensure compliance with AS9100, ISO 9001, and MIL-STD; support implementation of manufacturing systems; develop workforce strategies including hiring and succession planning; manage production budgets and infrastructure planning.
Seniority
Senior, hands-on IC with leadership responsibilities