The RoleWe 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.
DisclosuresThe salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offers may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and training, critical skills, and business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in most offers and are considered part of Mach's total compensation package. Mach offers benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for professional development.
