Sign up to access all features of our service.
  • Job search
  • Favorites
  • Create a CV
    New
  • Salaries
  • Subscriptions

Director of Engineering Aerospace Manufacturing

Nickerson Talent Solutions

Position Summary

The Senior Manager / Director of Engineering is responsible for leading day-to-day engineering execution within an AS9100-accredited aerospace manufacturing facility. This role provides operational leadership to Manufacturing Engineering, Engineering Technicians, Test Engineering, and Configuration Management, ensuring engineering rigor, production readiness, and compliance across all programs.

Reporting to the Vice President of Engineering, this position serves as a critical cross-functional leader, working closely with Program Management, Quality, Supply Chain, and Manufacturing to drive performance, scalability, and continuous improvement. The role plays a central part in New Product Introduction (NPI), tooling and automation development, and error-proofed manufacturing processes.

Key Responsibilities

Engineering Leadership & Execution

  • Lead and manage day-to-day activities for Manufacturing Engineering, Engineering Technicians, Test Engineering, and Configuration Management.
  • Translate program requirements into executable manufacturing plans that meet cost, Quality, schedule, and compliance objectives.
  • Ensure engineering resources are aligned to production priorities and program ramp-ups.
  • Establish clear accountability, metrics, and performance expectations across the engineering organization.

Manufacturing & Program Support

  • Serve as the primary engineering interface to Program Management, supporting proposal activities, production planning, and execution.
  • Partner with Manufacturing leadership to ensure process readiness, capacity planning, and efficient production flow.
  • Collaborate with Supply Chain to support make/buy decisions, tooling strategies, supplier readiness, and manufacturability.
  • Work closely with the Quality Director to ensure robust process controls, FAI readiness, and continuous compliance with AS9100 and customer requirements.

New Product Introduction (NPI)

  • Lead engineering execution for New Product Introduction efforts, ensuring a disciplined transition from development to production.
  • Establish and lead formal NPI gate/phase reviews, ensuring technical, manufacturing, Quality, and supply chain readiness at each phase.
  • Drive manufacturability reviews, risk assessments, and production readiness reviews as part of the gated NPI process.
  • Ensure tooling, fixtures, test equipment, and work instructions are developed, validated, and released prior to production authorization.
  • Identify and mitigate technical, schedule, and manufacturing risks early in the NPI lifecycle.

Tooling, Automation & Process Improvement

  • Lead development and deployment of production tooling, fixtures, and test equipment.
  • Drive automation initiatives to improve safety, Quality, throughput, and cost.
  • Implement error-proofing (poka-yoke) strategies across manufacturing and test processes.
  • Champion continuous improvement initiatives leveraging Lean, Six Sigma, and aerospace manufacturing best practices.

Configuration Management & Compliance

  • Ensure disciplined configuration management, change control, and documentation practices.
  • Oversee engineering change implementation to minimize disruption to production.
  • Maintain compliance with AS9100, customer specifications, and internal engineering standards.
  • Support internal and external audits, including customer and regulatory audits.

People Development & Organizational Growth

  • Mentor and develop engineering leaders and technical staff.
  • Support workforce planning, hiring, and succession development within the engineering organization.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

Required

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Manufacturing, Electrical, Aerospace, or related field).
  • Familiarity with ERP and MES systems in a regulated manufacturing environment.
  • 12+ years of progressive experience in aerospace or defense manufacturing.
  • Proven leadership experience managing multidisciplinary engineering teams.
  • Strong working knowledge of AS9100, FAI, configuration management, and production engineering.
  • Demonstrated success leading NPI, tooling development, and manufacturing process improvements.
  • Excellent cross-functional communication and leadership skills.

Preferred

  • Master’s degree in engineering or business (MBA).
  • Experience with automation, robotics, and advanced manufacturing technologies.
  • Lean Six Sigma certification or equivalent continuous improvement experience.
  • Experience supporting government or defense programs.

Leadership Competencies

  • Operationally focused, hands-on leadership style.
  • Strong decision-making and prioritization skills.
  • Ability to balance engineering rigor with production urgency.
  • Collaborative mindset with the ability to influence across organizations.
  • Commitment to Quality, safety, and compliance.

Vacancy posted 10 hours ago
Similar jobs that could be interesting for youBased on the Director of Engineering Aerospace Manufacturing in Meridian, MS vacancy
  •  ...position. Summary: Develops, evaluates, and enhances safe manufacturing methods by utilizing knowledge of the design of products,...  ...specification to production release. Collaborate with design engineers and product managers on product design and tooling to ensure... 
    Suggested
    Full time
    Work experience placement
    Work at office

    Fairbanks Scales

    Meridian, MS
    9 days ago
  • Job Description POSITION SUMMARY A Cooling CE is responsible for installation, commissioning, scheduled and emergency service on Liebert Air products. The Cooling CE is required to establish, promote and maintain excellent rapport with all customers, co-workers...
    Suggested
    Temporary work
    Work at office
    Local area
    Flexible hours
    Weekend work
    Afternoon shift

    Vertiv Group Corp.

    Meridian, MS
    6 days ago
  • $75 - $80 per hour

     ...Immediate need for a talented Manufacturing Engineer . This is a 12+ Months Contract opportunity with long-term potential and is located in McHenry, MS (Onsite) . Please review the job description below and contact me ASAP if you are interested. Job ID:26-17823... 
    Suggested
    Contract work
    Local area
    Immediate start

    Pyramid Consulting, Inc

    Meridian, MS
    10 hours ago
  • $65 - $70 per hour

     ...Immediate need for a talented Manufacturing Engineer. This is a 06-12+ Months Contract opportunity with long-term potential and is located...  ...: - MBOMs or Bill of Materials, Rocket motor casting or Aerospace domain exp We are seeking a qualified Manufacturing Engineer... 
    Suggested
    Contract work
    Local area
    Immediate start

    Pyramid Consulting, Inc

    Meridian, MS
    10 hours ago
  •  ...global automotive supplier engaged in the design, development and manufacturing of metal parts, assemblies and modules, complex fluid...  ...approximately 15,000 skilled and motivated people at manufacturing, engineering and technical centers in Canada, the United States, Mexico,... 
    Suggested
    Work at office

    Martinrea International

    Meridian, MS
    10 hours ago
  •  ...the Vehicle & Propulsion Controls organization. Our mission is to identify software defects in electrified and internal combustion engine (ICE) powertrains, ensuring the delivery of robust, high-quality software. Our team is global, and we are seeking strong entry level... 
    Full time
    Immediate start

    Stellantis

    Meridian, MS
    4 days ago
  •  ...Job Summary We are seeking a Manufacturing Process Engineer with a strong background in workflow optimization and steel manufacturing operations. This role is responsible for analyzing and improving production flow, labor utilization, material movement, and manufacturing... 
    Work at office

    Top Gun Staffing, Inc

    Meridian, MS
    1 day ago
  •  ...Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program, including reactor design, fleet operations, and eventual defueling and decommissioning of nuclear... 
    Apprenticeship
    Work at office

    US Navy

    Meridian, MS
    10 hours ago
  •  ...Description: The Mechanical Design Engineer will be responsible for the design and...  ...and skills. This role will report to the Director of Engineering. Role...  ...Knowledgeable of the differences in manufacturing processes of 3D printing, waterjet cutting... 

    Ocean Aero Inc

    Meridian, MS
    4 days ago
  •  ...Job Description Our Client is currently seeking a Construction Materials Engineering and Testing Manager will manage projects while maintaining our high standards of services. Projects and clients will be varied, ranging from public to private, roads to structures,... 

    eZone Staffing, LLC

    Meridian, MS
    10 hours ago
  •  ...Position Title: Senor Mechanical Engineer Hire Type: Full-Time, Permanent Hire Location: Jackson, MS | Gulf Coast Region (Biloxi, MS) Schedule: Onsite Position Summary: Stoneway Talent is conducting a confidential search on behalf of a well-established... 
    Permanent employment
    Full time
    For contractors
    Work at office
    Flexible hours

    Stoneway Talent Solutions

    Meridian, MS
    3 days ago
  • $48k - $52k

     ...destination and #1 music attraction in the world, Smiffys , a leading global innovator in fancy dress, Halloween and Carnival manufacturing since 1894, and Party City , the global leader in the celebrations industry helping tens of millions of people create unforgettable... 
    Work at office
    Local area
    Worldwide
    Shift work

    Diamond Comic Distributors, Inc

    Meridian, MS
    1 day ago
  • $65k - $85k

    Waffle House offers fantastic opportunities for growth and career advancement within the company! Our emphasis on promoting from within, coupled with the potential for leadership roles, creates a strong foundation for long-term success. Here's a breakdown of what makes...
    Day shift

    Waffle House, Inc.

    Meridian, MS
    3 days ago
  • $100k - $120k

     ...Overview Our client is a global leader in advanced manufacturing, supporting highly regulated industries such as aerospace and automotive. This facility is part of a...  ...leader , or A Manufacturing/Process Engineer ready to step into leadership Key Responsibilities... 
    Work at office
    Relocation

    Aegis Worldwide

    Meridian, MS
    1 day ago
  • $70k - $75k

     ...top destination and #1 music attraction in the world, Smiffys, a leading global innovator in fancy dress, Halloween and Carnival manufacturing since 1894, and Party City, the global leader in the celebrations industry helping tens of millions of people create... 
    Work at office
    Local area
    Worldwide

    Ad Populum

    Meridian, MS
    10 hours ago
  • Position: Project Manager - Dining Facility Operations Location: Roy M. Wheat Galley Dining Facility, NAS Meridian, MS Schedule: Mon-Sun, 4:30 AM - 6:30 PM (On-site; 24/7 emergency availability) Key Responsibilities: Lead all dining facility operations...

    LADGOV CORPORATION

    Meridian, MS
    1 day ago
  • Come join a team that brings a people-first approach to everything we do! bealls and Home Centric are a part of Bealls Inc., a family owned and operated business where “We Outfit the Family for Less”. Being a growing organization with our eye to the future, we continue...
    Flexible hours
    Night shift
    Weekend work
    Day shift
    Early shift

    Bealls

    Meridian, MS
    1 day ago
  •  ...Construction (Process Piping) – O&G, Chemical, Mining & Industrial Manufacturing – Pascagoula, Mississippi Gryphon Oakwood is currently...  ...skills. ~ Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field preferred. If this role is of interest... 
    Contract work
    For contractors

    Gryphon Oakwood

    Meridian, MS
    2 days ago
  • Major Job Responsibilities Financial Establishes labor and material budgets Review budget to actual labor and material report Manages all purchases Understands and reviews the P&L Client Management Day to day client contact ...

    U.S. Lawns

    Meridian, MS
    3 days ago
  •  ...General Assembly Launch Industrial Engineer - Working along with Workstation Designers to design workstations which are friendly to operators on the shop floors so that they can produce quality vehicles in the most efficient way. Collaborate with cross functional teams... 
    Full time
    Immediate start

    Stellantis

    Meridian, MS
    2 days ago
  • Company Description Gautier's At The Harbor, located in the charming town of Pass Christian, MS, specializes in seafood operations, delivering exceptional products and services. Known for its dedication to quality, the company plays a significant role in the local wholesale...
    Full time
    Local area

    Gautier's At The Harbor

    Meridian, MS
    1 day ago
  • Our Company: We care about helping people. Our purpose is to provide help and inspire confidence in our clients and communities everywhere. Our associates feel a sense of belonging in an inclusive place with an amazing history and a sharp focus on our future. Our connected...
    Work experience placement
    Seasonal work
    Work at office
    Relocation

    H&R Block

    Meridian, MS
    10 hours ago
  • OPERATIONS SPECIALIST Do you have what it takes to lead in the heart of Naval combat? As an Operations Specialist, you will serve as a supervisor and leader in the top−secret Combat Information Center. From the ocean surface, to outer space, you have a complete picture...
    Full time
    Part time
    Worldwide
    Overseas
    Night shift

    U.S. Navy

    Meridian, MS
    1 day ago
  •  ...Electrical Industrial Automation Engineer Howard Industries is the nation’s leading manufacturer of distribution transformers, with over 10 million overhead, single-phase and three-phase pad mounted, and network transformers in service throughout the United States... 

    Howard Industries

    Meridian, MS
    1 day ago
  • Description & Requirements Essential Duties and Responsibilities: - Plan and implement a talent acquisition marketing and employer branding strategy to attract high-quality applicants. - Responsible for developing and deploying integrated marketing campaigns including...
    Minimum wage
    Full time
    Contract work
    Temporary work
    Traineeship
    Work experience placement
    Remote work

    Maximus

    Meridian, MS
    4 days ago
  •  ...transition into a full-time role supporting federal operations and growth initiatives similar to a senior program manager/senior director. Minimum Requirements - Currently enrolled in an accredited college or university and pursuing a college degree in a related... 
    Minimum wage
    Full time
    Contract work
    Temporary work
    Work experience placement
    Internship

    Maximus

    Meridian, MS
    1 day ago
  •  ...strict compliance iQor company policy and local legislation, he/she will support the goals of the Business Unit Leader and Account Director and work closely with our approved service provider in the country. IN OFFICE: MERIDIAN, MS Responsibilities:... 
    Work at office
    Local area

    iQor

    Meridian, MS
    10 hours ago
  •  ...Director of Test Site Operations Hancock County, Mississippi An innovative space technology...  ...propulsion test facility supporting engine development through to high-cadence...  ...Experience: ~ Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or a related technical discipline. ~1... 
    For contractors

    EVONA

    Meridian, MS
    2 days ago
  • $155.66k - $225.16k

     ...positive impact and make a significant change in the world. About the Team and Role: We’re hiring our first AI Automation Engineer to lead how we apply AI internally across the company. This is a unique opportunity to shape how LLMs become embedded in our daily... 
    Remote job
    Full time
    Shift work

    Quora

    Meridian, MS
    2 days ago

Do you want to receive more vacancies?

Subscribe and receive similar vacancies to Director of Engineering Aerospace Manufacturing. Be the first to apply!