Director of Production Assembly

Rugged Science is hiring a Director of Production Assembly. This is a full‑time role in Sparks. Full responsibilities, required qualifications, and the apply link are listed in the description below. Job Description Rugged Science builds rugged computer systems for the U.S. military and some of the most innovative industrial companies in the world — and business is growing fast. As we scale our production operations to meet growing demand, we are seeking a technically grounded Director of Production Assembly to take ownership of our production floor and drive the next phase of operational excellence. This is a high‑impact leadership role for a senior manufacturing engineer. You will have direct ownership of day‑to‑day production operations and a mandate to modernize processes, elevate efficiency, and build upon an existing culture of continuous improvement. You will also serve as a visible face of manufacturing operations to customers and executive leadership — communicating production status, capability, and strategy with confidence and clarity. Key Responsibilities Develop and implement a digital Manufacturing Execution System (MES) to replace paper‑based workflows and deliver real‑time visibility into work orders, build status, component traceability, and production metrics. Lead, mentor, and grow the production team — fostering accountability, technical development, and a high‑performance culture. Drive workflow efficiency improvements by analyzing process flows, identifying bottlenecks, and implementing data‑driven changes that reduce cycle time, labor hours and rework. Establish and enforce build quality and consistency standards through detailed work instructions, digital traveler packages, and visual aids — ensuring every unit is built the same way, every time. Own and manage the production schedule by balancing competing priorities and protecting customer commitments. Qualifications Education: Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a closely related field. Experience: 8–12 years in a leadership role in manufacturing of computers, electronics, electro‑mechanical systems, for defense or other high‑reliability applications. Experience implementing or administering a Manufacturing Execution System (MES) or equivalent digital shop floor management platform. Demonstrated experience leading or mentoring teams. Hands‑on experience with box‑build or systems‑level assembly of complex electronic products. Proven track record of process improvement — reducing cycle time, improving yield, or implementing new manufacturing systems. Strong working knowledge of IPC‑A‑610, J‑STD‑001, and MIL‑SPEC production requirements. Comfortable presenting to customers, program managers, and senior leadership; polished written and verbal communication skills. Proficiency with CAD tools (Autodesk) and ERP/MRP systems (Global Shop, Clickup). Familiarity with AS9100 quality management systems and audit processes. Must be a U.S. citizen. Why Join Us Competitive salary and benefits package. Collaborative and supportive team environment. Opportunities for professional development and career growth. Be part of a dynamic company driving innovation and customer success. Location Sparks, Nevada. No remote or hybrid options are available; candidates should plan for on‑site work. #J-18808-Ljbffr TryApplyNow