Production Manager

Company Overview ARA is a leading C5ISR company that designs, manufactures, tests and installs innovative technologies that provide the national security community with unparalleled situational awareness, threat detection, and communications capabilities. Brief Description Our disruptive, integrated solutions, assemblies and subsystems rise to the challenging demands of discerning, mission‑critical customers. We leverage our capabilities to meet and exceed the requirements of our customers and empower them to remain ahead of evolving threats and complexities in a dynamic security landscape. Job Summary We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Production Manager who manages the operations of all production areas to ensure that volume, cost, and quality standards are achieved. The Production Manager will plan and establish work schedules, staffing requirements, and production sequences to maximize productivity. They will provide production process analysis and make recommendations on solutions to process improvements. The ideal candidate will not only have hands‑on experience in production but also a deep understanding of how to identify and anticipate potential problems, improve processes, and bring designs to the manufacturing floor. This role requires a strong problem‑solver who can drive efficiency and quality improvements across the production process. Essential Functions Manage day‑to‑day production activities, ensuring all processes run smoothly and efficiently, meeting quality standards and production targets. Oversee and manage the priorities, equipment, and personnel associated with the production line. Set priorities and direct daily operations, including timely issuing and completion of work orders on the production floor. Contribute to the smooth transitions from design to production, addressing potential production issues early in the design phase. Monitor production performance metrics and prepare detailed reports for senior management. Provide insights and recommendations for continuous improvement, focusing on efficiency and quality. Partner with program managers to align production schedules with project timelines, ensuring on‑time and within‑budget delivery of all deliverables. Develop, maintain, and adjust detailed production schedules using operational capacity, labor availability, and duration estimates to ensure on‑time job completion and delivery performance. Provide high‑level reports to VP of Operations, Directors, and the Head of Manufacturing as needed, ensuring transparency and accountability in production operations. Ensure all operators follow safety procedures, maintain current safety training, and document any EHS (Environmental, Health, and Safety) incidents. Proactively correct workplace hazards and empower teams to continuously improve safety and operational processes. Manage, coach, mentor, and support production supervisors, prioritizing work activities to achieve on‑time delivery goals. Ensure quality standards are consistently met throughout the production process, supporting zero‑defect outcomes from all stations. Review available information to allocate resources effectively, maximizing the efficiency of the manufacturing operation. Manage or delegate Six Sigma and other continuous improvement projects within the department, refining planned hours for future orders. Assist in compiling information for Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) monthly. Position Qualifications In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Competency Statements Adaptability - Adapts to change, open to new ideas and responsibilities Communication - Ability to communicate thoughts clearly, both oral and written in an honest, open and timely manner Job Knowledge - Understands facets of job, aware of duties and responsibilities, keeps job knowledge current Technical Skill - Possesses the knowledge and skills needed to perform a job or role effectively Dependability - Meets deadlines, works independently or in a team environment, is accountable, maintains focus, good attendance record Quality - Strives to eliminate errors, accurate work is a priority, seeks opportunities to improve products Ethics - Honest, accountable, maintains confidentiality Initiative / Take Ownership - Takes action, seeks new opportunities, strives to see projects to completion, meaning own your job and see it through Customer Focus - Understands and can meet the needs in a customer‑centric (Internal and External) environment and build strong relationships. Promotes a positive image of the company and strives to solve issues raised by customers Employee Management & Development - Manage day‑to‑day performance, guides, motives, coaches and develops employees to reach their potential, provides and requests employee feedback Leadership - Provides strong leadership, sets a good example, skilled decision maker, motivator and encourager Experience And Skills 8‑10 years of manufacturing experience, 3+ years in operations management in a supervisory role in the electronics industry. Experience with MRP systems, Costpoint preferred. Working in environments and familiar with IPC‑A‑610 / J‑STD‑001; ISO‑9001 knowledge required. Led cross‑functional collaboration with design and engineering teams to successfully transition product designs into production. Partnered with program managers to align project schedules, coordinate deliverables, and achieve key milestones. Applied Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies to drive process improvements, increase efficiency, and support continuous improvement initiatives. Background with DoD/DoW environment including MIL‑STDs, FAR, DFAR, typical government deliverable formats, and government contracting. Highly proficient with MS office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Project). Education BS or BA degree in manufacturing or engineering, or relevant experience in a manufacturing operations management role. Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement training or certification. Antenna Research Associates, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to a policy of non‑discrimination and affirmative action. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status. #J-18808-Ljbffr