VP Manufacturing – High Performance Composites and Defense Hardware

Vice President of Manufacturing – Build Next Generation Additive Production for Aerospace and Defense!

Broomfield, CO | On-Site

Opportunity Summary

A fast-growing pre-seed defense and deep-tech startup is building an advanced manufacturing platform that enables rapid, cost-effective production of high-performance composite hardware. With multiple government programs gaining traction and commercial interest accelerating, the company is scaling its manufacturing organization to support increasing demand for aerospace-grade components built through next-generation additive processes. As the Vice President of Manufacturing, you will guide all factory operations and develop a scalable production ecosystem centered around cutting-edge materials, automated workflows, and integrated digital systems. You will work closely with founders and technical leaders to transform early-stage technology into a robust manufacturing operation capable of delivering high-reliability hardware for mission-critical applications. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in fast-paced environments, enjoys building processes from the ground up, and wants to influence how the next wave of aerospace and defense manufacturing comes to life.

About Us

We are an emerging advanced manufacturing startup focused on composite systems, high-performance materials, and automated production technologies for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets. Our team combines expertise in additive manufacturing, materials science, automation, and factory systems to overcome long-standing supply chain bottlenecks in critical hardware. With early customer adoption and expanding program scope, we are investing in the tools, infrastructure, and leadership needed to support production at scale.

Job Duties

• Lead all daily operations across production, post-processing, facilities, logistics, and quality control for composite hardware
• Build and refine scalable systems for materials preparation, additive manufacturing workflows, curing, machining, testing, and inspection
• Drive deployment of new equipment, fixtures, and tooling supporting increased throughput and evolving program requirements
• Translate R&D developments into stable, repeatable manufacturing processes through close collaboration with engineering teams
• Develop and manage multidisciplinary teams responsible for factory operations, manufacturing engineering, and continuous improvement
• Use data-driven analysis and first-principles reasoning to identify inefficiencies and accelerate cycle times
• Integrate digital tools, real-time monitoring, and automation into production workflows to support smart-factory growth
• Ensure compliance with applicable quality and safety standards including AS9100, ITAR, OSHA, and internal control frameworks
• Oversee facility buildout, production line launch, capacity planning, and operational scaling across programs
• Support internal and external technical reviews, contributing manufacturing insights that shape product design and development
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, manufacturing engineering, or a closely related discipline
• 6 years of experience in hardware manufacturing, factory operations, or complex production environments
• Strong understanding of composite materials, advanced fabrication workflows, or multi-stage manufacturing processes
• Hands-on experience launching or scaling production lines in fast-paced, high-complexity settings
• Familiarity with additive manufacturing, thermoset or ceramic composites, resin systems, curing processes, machining, or inspection techniques
• Experience with ERP or MRP systems and comfort using operational metrics to drive decision-making
• Demonstrated leadership experience building and managing technical teams in manufacturing or operations
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
  
  

Preferred Experience

• 10 years in advanced manufacturing leadership or hardware operations management
• Experience deploying automated manufacturing lines, digital factory systems, or smart production environments
• Background in composite or metal additive manufacturing technologies
• Familiarity with thermal protection materials, lightweight structures, propulsion-adjacent components, or other aerospace hardware domains
• Exposure to facility infrastructure such as materials logistics, power systems, gas delivery, or safety compliance
• Strong analytical skills for capacity planning, modeling, or operational forecasting
• Understanding of high performance composite systems including carbon fiber, epoxy systems, ceramic composites, or carbon-carbon materials
  
  

Why Join Us

• Lead the development of a first-of-its-kind manufacturing capability with national impact
• Shape factory culture, systems, and long-term production architecture from the earliest stages
• Work directly with founders on advanced materials, automation, and next generation additive manufacturing
• Significant ownership and influence over technical outcomes, operational strategy, and organizational growth
• Early-stage equity opportunity with strong long-term upside
• Collaborative, mission-driven environment focused on solving critical manufacturing challenges
  
  

Compensation Details

$150,000 - $200,000