Production Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Location: Clearwater, FL
Job Type: Full-Time
Work Arrangement: Onsite

Production Manager – Scale Manufacturing Operations

Nokturnal AI is seeking an experienced Production Manager who has successfully transformed manufacturing operations from low-volume production into a highly efficient, scalable manufacturing environment.

This is not a role for someone who simply supervises a production floor.

We're looking for a manufacturing leader who has designed production systems, selected and sourced equipment, optimized factory layouts, implemented lean processes, and dramatically increased manufacturing capacity. If you've helped a company double or triple production output while improving quality and reducing waste, we want to talk to you.

As our Production Manager, you'll play a critical role in building the manufacturing infrastructure that supports the next generation of unmanned aircraft systems. You'll work directly with executive leadership, engineering, and operations to develop a world-class manufacturing organization capable of supporting rapid growth.

What You'll Do

• Develop and execute a manufacturing strategy capable of tripling production capacity while maintaining quality and efficiency.
• Design and continuously improve manufacturing workflows, work cells, and factory floor layouts to maximize throughput.
• Evaluate, specify, source, and implement manufacturing equipment, tooling, fixtures, CNC machines, and automation solutions.
• Lead capital equipment planning, vendor selection, procurement support, installation, and production startup.
• Optimize production scheduling, labor utilization, inventory flow, and manufacturing processes.
• Implement Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Kaizen, visual management, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Establish standardized work instructions, process documentation, and manufacturing best practices.
• Build KPIs that measure throughput, cycle time, efficiency, quality, labor utilization, and overall equipment effectiveness.
• Partner with Engineering to transition new products from prototype into repeatable production.
• Develop preventative maintenance programs for manufacturing equipment and production assets.
• Identify manufacturing bottlenecks and implement long-term solutions that support sustained growth.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop high-performing production personnel.
• Foster a culture focused on accountability, safety, quality, innovation, and continuous improvement.

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate has already built or significantly scaled a manufacturing operation. You understand how to take a growing company from limited production capability to a mature manufacturing organization.

You have experience with:

• Scaling manufacturing operations by two to three times or more.
• Manufacturing process design and optimization.
• Factory floor planning and production line layout.
• CNC machine selection, implementation, and production integration.
• Capital equipment planning and vendor sourcing.
• Production automation and manufacturing technology.
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, 5S, and continuous improvement.
• Capacity planning and production forecasting.
• Production scheduling and workflow optimization.
• Root cause analysis and process improvement.
• Manufacturing KPIs and operational performance metrics.
• Cross-functional collaboration with engineering and product development.

Preferred Qualifications

• 8+ years of manufacturing leadership experience.
• Experience scaling production within aerospace, defense, robotics, automotive, advanced manufacturing, or similar industries.
• Demonstrated success selecting, sourcing, and implementing CNC equipment and manufacturing technologies.
• Strong understanding of fabrication, machining, assembly, and manufacturing operations.
• Experience implementing ERP/MRP systems and manufacturing controls.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or a related discipline preferred.

Compensation: Competitive salary based on experience

Benefits Include:

• Employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Automatic 5% company contribution to your 401(k) (no employee match required)
• Professional development and continuing education opportunities

Additional Requirement

To comply with U.S. Government export control regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), applicants must qualify as a U.S. person as defined by applicable law.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the production facility.
• Frequently bend, kneel, reach, and lift materials or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds .
• Work safely around manufacturing equipment, tools, and machinery.
• Use computers and manufacturing software for planning, reporting, and documentation.
• Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) in designated production areas.

Security Requirements

This position supports U.S. Government programs. The selected candidate must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance and satisfy applicable export control requirements.

Nokturnal AI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by law.

Nokturnal AI is an advanced technology company focused on developing cutting-edge systems in aerospace, AI/ML, and defense-related integration. Our work centers on building high-performance, mission-critical solutions with a strong emphasis on innovation, precision, and operational excellence.

Company Description

Nokturnal AI is an advanced technology company focused on developing cutting-edge systems in aerospace, AI/ML, and defense-related integration. Our work centers on building high-performance, mission-critical solutions with a strong emphasis on innovation, precision, and operational excellence.