R&D Manufacturing Director- Aerospace

Job Description

Job Description

We are seeking a hands-on R&D Manufacturing Director to lead the manufacturing of first-of-kind

prototypes, demonstration units, and initial low-rate production units for aerospace and space programs.

This is not a purely managerial role. You will be actively involved in day-to-day manufacturing execution

while improving our core processes, leading the implementation of a Manufacturing Execution System

(MES), and scaling production capacity.

Key Responsibilities

 Shop Operations: Provide technical oversight for optical and electronics assembly, parts

cleaning, and machine shops. Identify bottlenecks and drive floor improvements.

 Planning Execution: Develop efficient work instructions with design engineers. Ensure build

packages, schedules, and resources are complete and realistic.

 Process Improvement: Lead Design for Manufacturing (DFM) strategy. Standardize processes

for repeatability and throughput. Implement an MES tailored to optical/laser manufacturing.

 AI&T Process Ownership: Own the process from released design through assembly and

integration. Act as the link between engineering, quality, supply chain, and builders.

 Leadership: Lead and develop the manufacturing engineering team. Partner with leadership to

plan facility improvements.

Requirements

 10–15 years in manufacturing engineering or production leadership.

 Experience with optical, laser, electro-optical, aerospace, or space-qualified hardware.

 Track record of transitioning new designs through prototype, development, and initial production.

 Direct experience with Assembly Integration and Test (AI&T) and controlled build environments.

 Strong grasp of configuration control, traceability, and build documentation.

 Experience with ERP systems (e.g., Deltek Costpoint) and ISO-9001/AS9100 environments.

 Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline (Engineering preferred).

 Proven hands-on leadership style.

What Success Looks Like

 AI&T activities are disciplined, repeatable, and audit-ready.

 Manufacturing issues are caught early and resolved quickly via root-cause analysis.

 Hardware transitions smoothly from engineering to production.

 Lessons learned drive long-term gains in production efficiency.

Benefits Perks

 Medical, dental, and vision coverage

 401(k) plan with company match and immediate vesting

 Flexible Spending (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA)

 Disability, Life, and AD&D insurance

 Education assistance Employee Assistance Program

 Paid time off and holidays

 Flexible work schedules, including a 9/8/80 alternate workweek option

About Us We are a recognized leader in advanced lasers, lidars, and laser communication systems,

providing DoD, NASA, and aerospace customers with discriminating capabilities. We foster a progressive

learning environment that values inspiration, promotes professional challenge, and encourages personal

growth.

Great Company culture

Company Description

Great Company culture