Production Manager

Job description

Job 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.

Job requirements

• 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.