Production & Prototype Manager

5–8 years of experience in fabrication or production within aerospace, automotive, defense, or similar sectors.
5+ years of experience managing teams in a manufacturing and prototype environment.
Strong knowledge of machining, welding, composite fabrication, and electrical harnessing.
Experience with GD&T, ASME Y14.5, and AS9100 / ISO9001 quality standards.
Proficient in manufacturing software systems (e.g., JIRA, ERP/MRP, MES, PLM).
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or related technical discipline—or equivalent experience.
Strong problem-solving skills with demonstrated ability to lead complex builds under tight timelines.
Experience managing 2-shift operations and managing large and small teams.
Experience with hiring and building a world class team.
Experience with capital equipment planning and production ramp-up.
Familiarity with MIL-STD, DoD quality standards, and government compliance protocols will be a plus.
Working knowledge of lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and 5S.
Hands-on experience in prototype through low-rate initial production (LRIP) environments.
Experience with composite bonding, robotic automation, or high-volume CNC workflows.

Lead the planning, fabrication, and testing of prototype hardware and pre-production systems.
Manage teams across multiple shifts, supporting both prototype and production builds.
Develop and maintain production schedules, staffing plans, and KPIs aligned with company targets.
Coordinate daily operations across CNC machining, welding, composites, harnessing, and assembly.
Partner with manufacturing engineering on Design-for-Manufacturability (DFM), PFMEAs, and work instructions.
Support implementation of ISO, ANS, MES, QMS, and WMS systems and standards.
Manage production budgets and capital equipment planning.
Implement lean principles and drive continuous improvement.
Support hiring, training, and development of technicians and supervisors.
Ensure facility readiness, safety compliance, and equipment uptime.
Maintain production quality standards in accordance with AS9100 and MIL-STD requirements.
Track and improve process yield, labor efficiency, and material utilization.
Collaborate cross-functionally with Quality, Engineering, and Supply Chain teams.

Willingness to work extended hours and weekends to meet aggressive program milestones.
Drive and enforce a culture of accountability, quality, and safety.
Lead by example—hands-on when needed, strategic when required.
Support organizational growth through scalable systems and strong leadership.
Align daily execution with long-term product and company goals.