Electronics Team Leader – Defense/Rugged Embedded Systems

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced team leader with strong hand's on experience to elevate to a Production Manager position. We DO NOT want experienced managers of any type without recent hand's on experience in rugged electronic assemblies and systems.

In this role, the new manager will lead and oversee all aspects of our manufacturing and assembly operations. In this critical role, you will manage a small production team of 3-5 technicians and be responsible for the assembly, integration, and testing of rugged embedded computer systems designed for military, defense, Homeland Security, and industrial infrastructure applications. You will ensure that our products are built to the highest quality standards, delivered on schedule, and in full compliance with applicable defense and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• THIS IS A HANDS-ON POSITION whereby the production manager is required to directly participate in production activities when necessary to maintain schedules.
• Coordinate with procurement and Order Fulfillment to Plan, schedule, and coordinate daily production activities to meet delivery commitments and program milestones.
• Manage, mentor, and develop production floor personnel including assemblers, technicians, and quality inspectors.
• Oversee the assembly, integration, and testing of rugged embedded computer systems and related hardware.
• Develop and maintain production schedules, tracking progress against targets and proactively resolving bottlenecks.
• Collaborate with engineering, procurement, and program management teams to ensure seamless product flow from design to delivery.
• Enforce adherence to work instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and quality management system (QMS) requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance throughput, yield, and operational efficiency.
• Ensure full compliance with ITAR, EAR, and other applicable defense export regulations.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and ESD-compliant production environment.
• Track and report key production metrics including on-time delivery, labor efficiency, and defect rates for QMS.
• Participate in internal and customer audits; support ISO-9001 certification activities as required.Required Qualifications
• Minimum of 5 years of production or manufacturing management experience in a defense, military, aerospace, or rugged electronics environment.
• Demonstrated experience managing personnel and production schedules in an electronics assembly or systems integration environment.
• Solid understanding of electronics manufacturing processes including PCB assembly, system integration, cable harness assembly, and functional testing.
• Familiarity with IPC-A-610 (Acceptability of Electronic Assemblies) and/or IPC-J-STD-001 workmanship standards.
• Experience working in an ITAR-controlled facility and knowledge of relevant export control regulations.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems for production scheduling and inventory management.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, Bills of Materials (BOMs), and assembly documentation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Experience with AS9100 / ISO 9001 quality management systems.
• Background in ruggedized electronics for MIL-STD environments (shock, vibration, temperature extremes).
• Familiarity with QMS systems such as CMMI, Six Sigma, or Lean manufacturing methodologies.

Work Environment

This is a full-time, on-site position based at our production facility. The role involves regular work on the production floor in an electronics manufacturing environment. Candidates must be comfortable working in an ESD-controlled setting and adhering to all applicable safety and security protocols.

Pay: $60,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person

Salary : $60,000 - $80,000