Director of Manufacturing

Work Arrangement

This is an onsite position.

Job Overview

The Director of Manufacturing leads all aspects of production for AEVEX Tactical Systems, ensuring product realization encompassing world-class quality, safety, and efficiency. This role drives strategic

manufacturing initiatives, continuous improvement programs, and cross-functional collaboration to meet customer, regulatory, and business performance goals.

Essential Functions

• Lead and mentor a production team who thrives on change, ready to meet all challenges and drives for success.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and innovation across all manufacturing disciplines.
• Oversee end-to-end production processes ensuring alignment with all support organizations.
• Incorporate a data driven mindset, monitor KPI’s such as (but not limited to) first pass yield, labor utilization, COGs variance/trends, WIP aging, on time to plan (OTP), etc.
• Develop and execute manufacturing strategies to support business growth, cost reduction, and on-time delivery targets.
• Lead a multidisciplinary team of managers/supervisors, manufacturing engineers, and technicians to achieve ship schedule, safety, quality, and cost targets.
• Implement Lean, Six Sigma, and advanced manufacturing methodologies to improve process capability and reduce waste.
• Manage capacity planning, resource allocation, and capital budgeting for production facilities and equipment.
• Collaborate with engineering, supply chain, quality and program management to ensure manufacturability, scalability, and product reliability.
• Ensure compliance with aerospace regulations, ISO-9001, AS9100, and customer-specific quality requirements.
• Perform other duties as required.
• Regular and reliable attendance on a full time basis [or in accordance with posted schedule].
• Responsible for exhibiting professional behavior with both internal and external business associates that reflects positively on the company and is consistent with the company's policies and practices.
• Embodies AEVEX’s cultural values and aligns daily actions with department goals and company culture.
  
  

Qualifications And Competencies

• Proven track record driving Lean transformation and process improvement in highly regulated production environments.
• Strong knowledge of ISO9001, AS9100, ITAR, and NADCAP compliance requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex programs, budgets, and cross-site operations.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Demonstrated development and use of Key Performance Metrics (KPI’s):
• On-time delivery rate and production schedule adherence.
• Cost of goods sold (COGS) and manufacturing efficiency improvement.
• Scrap and rework reduction percentages.
• Quality performance metrics (first pass yield, defect rate, etc.).
• Employee engagement and safety performance indicators.
• Directs and provides expert knowledge in the strategic function of the department.
• Develops short and long-term people and organizational strategy in alignment with AEVEX goals and direction.
• Leads with impact & influence. Establishes credibility, effectively persuades and develops others, and achieves important objectives collaboratively.
• Identifies, recruits, and retains top-notch talent.
• Champions AEVEX’s culture and empowers employees to take responsibility for their jobs and goals.
• Sets performance standards and encourages employee engagement and results through delegation, continuous feedback, goal setting, and performance management.
• Maintains transparent communication. Appropriately communicates organization information through department meetings, one-on-one meetings, and appropriate email, and regular interpersonal communication.
  
  

Education / Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Operations, Business, Industrial Engineering, or related field
• Master’s degree or MBA preferred
• Associate plus appropriate experience considered.
  
  

Experience

• 10 years of progressively responsible managerial experience in aerospace/defense manufacturing
• 5 years in a senior production management role.
  
  

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties the employee is:

Frequently required to sit, and to reach to use computers and other office equipment

Security Clearance

• Ability to obtain/maintain a Secret DoD clearance, U.S. Citizenship required.
  
  

About AEVEX

AEVEX, headquartered in Solana Beach, California, supports the U.S. national security mission and partner nation needs around the world by providing full-spectrum aviation, remote sensing, and analysis solutions. The company's capabilities include custom design and engineering; rapid prototyping; sensor integration and sustainment; aircraft modification and certification; flight test instrumentation and support; mission operations service; advanced intelligence data processing, exploitation, and dissemination solutions; and tailored hardware and software mission-system tools. AEVEX uses agile and customized approaches to rapidly define, develop, and deliver specialized solutions for airborne special mission needs for the U.S. Government, partner nations, and commercial businesses. AEVEX has major offices in California, Florida, North Carolina, Ohio, and Virginia.

AEVEX provides a full suite of comprehensive benefits, including a 401(k)-retirement plan, comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability and Life insurance group coverage with a portion of the premiums paid by the company, professional development funds, and an Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) with counseling, legal help, child and elder care support, among other benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

AEVEX is an Equal Opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, religious creed, color, sex (including pregnancy, breast feeding and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, military and veteran status, marital status, age, protected medical condition, genetic information, physical disability, mental disability, or any other protected status in accordance with all applicable federal, state and local laws.