DescriptionAbout the Position:Flytrex is seeking an experienced, hands-on Assembly & Manufacturing Manager to lead our manufacturing and assembly operations in Pilot Point, TX.
This leader will oversee production, assembly, testing, conformity, and manufacturing quality for the Flytrex Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), while developing the team, processes, and production capabilities required to support continued growth.
The Manager will work closely with Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, Flight Operations, and our Tel Aviv Headquarters to maintain configuration control, transition new designs into production, drive operational excellence, and ensure safe and reliable aircraft delivery.
Essential Responsibilities:- Lead daily manufacturing and workshop operations, including production planning, workflow, staffing, priorities, and performance.
- Manage and develop assembly technicians through training, coaching, technical guidance, and performance management.
- Own production execution and ensure aircraft are assembled, tested, documented, and delivered according to approved design and quality requirements.
- Establish and maintain standardized assembly procedures, work instructions, build records, inspections, and product traceability.
- Ensure compliance with configuration control, Quality Management System (QMS), conformity, and applicable regulatory requirements.
- Manage non-conforming materials and assemblies and drive root-cause investigations and corrective actions for recurring or critical issues.
- Work closely with Engineering on New Product Introduction (NPI), engineering changes, and transitioning new designs into repeatable production processes.
- Provide Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA) feedback to improve quality, reliability, manufacturability, and production efficiency.
- Oversee sub-assembly and final assembly activities, including structural, electrical, mechanical, and system-level integration.
- Develop and improve tooling, fixtures, jigs, workstations, and manufacturing processes.
- Ensure proper maintenance and control of production equipment, calibrated tools, and manufacturing assets.
- Coordinate with Supply Chain and Tel Aviv Headquarters to maintain component availability and support configuration and engineering changes.
- Establish and track manufacturing KPIs, including production output, cycle time, first-pass yield, defects, rework, and on-time completion.
- Drive continuous improvement in safety, quality, workflow efficiency, production throughput, and scalability.
- Conduct or oversee final functional testing, system validation, and production readiness prior to aircraft release.
- Maintain a safe, organized, and professional manufacturing environment, including proper handling of composites, adhesives, electrical systems, tools, and equipment.
- Remain hands-on and support assembly, testing, troubleshooting, and technical investigations when needed.
- Training and supporting operator's maintenance team as required.
Requirements- 7+ years of experience in aerospace, UAS, robotics, automotive, or advanced electromechanical manufacturing, including experience leading production or technical teams.
- Strong hands-on mechanical and electrical aptitude with experience assembling and troubleshooting complex systems.
- Proven experience managing manufacturing, production, workshop, or assembly operations.
- Ability to read and understand engineering drawings, electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, BOMs, and technical documentation.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing quality, configuration control, inspection, documentation, and traceability.
- Experience with root-cause analysis, corrective actions, and continuous improvement.
- Experience developing or improving manufacturing processes, work instructions, tooling, and production workflows.
- Strong leadership, organizational, problem-solving, and cross-functional communication skills.
- Ability to operate independently in a fast-paced, growth-stage environment.
- Legal authorization to work in the United States.
Preferred Qualifications:- Experience with UAS, aviation, aerospace, robotics, autonomous systems, or other safety-critical products.
- Experience with NPI and transitioning engineering designs into production.
- Familiarity with QMS, Lean Manufacturing, DFMA, CAPA, and configuration management.
- Experience with ERP/MRP or manufacturing execution systems.
- Experience with composites, structural bonding, wiring/harness assembly, soldering, crimping, mechanical assembly, and production testing.
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Technology, Aerospace Engineering, Aviation Management, or a related field.
Physical & Operational Requirements:- Ability to lift and handle components up to 50 lbs.
- Ability to sit or stand for extended periods in a manufacturing environment.
- Valid Driver's License.
- Domestic and international travel may be required.
What Success Looks Like:Success means building and leading a manufacturing operation that is safe, compliant, measurable, repeatable, and scalable.
The team consistently delivers conforming, high-quality aircraft on schedule; production issues are identified and resolved systematically; configuration and documentation remain controlled; and manufacturing processes continuously improve as Flytrex grows.
