Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Position Summary

The Manager of Manufacturing Engineering is responsible for leading the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of manufacturing processes, tooling, production systems, and engineering support activities for Blue Ops' unmanned maritime platforms and related products.

This position serves as the primary link between Engineering and Production, ensuring products are designed and built for manufacturability, quality, efficiency, and scalability. The Manager of Manufacturing Engineering leads manufacturing engineering personnel while driving process improvements, production readiness, cost reduction initiatives, and operational excellence throughout the manufacturing lifecycle.

The role requires a hands-on leader capable of working closely with Design Engineering, Production, Supply Chain, Quality, and Operations teams to support prototype development, production ramp-up, and ongoing manufacturing operations at the Valdosta facility.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Manufacturing Engineering Leadership

• Lead and develop the Manufacturing Engineering team, including Manufacturing Engineers, Engineering Technicians, and technical support personnel.
• Establish priorities, workloads, and project schedules for manufacturing engineering activities.
• Mentor team members and support technical and professional development.
• Develop departmental goals, metrics, and performance objectives aligned with company priorities.
• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, safety, and continuous improvement.

Manufacturing Process Development

• Develop, implement, and optimize manufacturing processes for vessel assembly, electrical integration, testing, and final production.
• Design and implement manufacturing workflows that improve throughput, quality, and efficiency.
• Evaluate manufacturing methods and recommend process improvements.
• Support new product introduction (NPI) activities from prototype through production release.
• Ensure manufacturing processes support production scalability and repeatability.

Tooling, Fixtures, and Production Support

• Lead the design and implementation of manufacturing fixtures, tooling, jigs, workstations, and test equipment.
• Support production teams by resolving manufacturing challenges and technical issues.
• Develop standardized manufacturing methods and assembly procedures.
• Ensure production personnel have the tools, equipment, and documentation necessary to perform their work effectively.
• Collaborate with Engineering to improve product designs for manufacturability and assembly.

Continuous Improvement and Operational Excellence

• Drive Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement initiatives throughout the facility.
• Analyze production performance metrics and implement corrective actions where needed.
• Identify opportunities to reduce costs, improve quality, shorten cycle times, and eliminate waste.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective action efforts related to manufacturing issues.
• Support capacity planning and production optimization efforts.

Documentation and Configuration Control

• Oversee development and maintenance of manufacturing work instructions, process documentation, and production standards.
• Support engineering change implementation and configuration management activities.
• Ensure manufacturing documentation accurately reflects current production configurations.
• Collaborate with Quality to establish process controls and inspection requirements.
• Maintain manufacturing engineering records and technical documentation.

Quality and Compliance

• Partner with Quality Assurance to improve product quality and manufacturing consistency.
• Ensure manufacturing processes comply with applicable company, customer, and regulatory requirements.
• Support audits, inspections, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Develop process validation and verification methods.
• Promote safe manufacturing practices throughout the facility.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Design Engineering, Production, Supply Chain, Program Management, and Executive Leadership teams.
• Support prototype builds, production readiness reviews, and manufacturing planning activities.
• Provide technical leadership during product launches and production ramp efforts.
• Participate in strategic planning for future manufacturing capabilities and facility growth.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• Minimum of 7 years of manufacturing engineering experience in a production environment.
• Minimum of 3 years of leadership or supervisory experience.
• Experience developing and implementing manufacturing processes and production systems.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing principles, process optimization, and production workflows.
• Experience supporting products through prototype, pilot, and production phases.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and bills of materials.
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and project management skills.
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities.

Additional Desired Qualifications

• Experience in marine manufacturing, boat building, aerospace, defense, robotics, or advanced manufacturing environments. 
• Experience with composites, aluminum fabrication, welding, machining, or electrical integration processes.
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement certification.
• Experience with ERP, MRP, PLM, and manufacturing execution systems.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001, AS9100, or similar quality management systems.
• Experience supporting low-volume, high-mix manufacturing operations.
• Knowledge of autonomous systems, maritime technologies, or defense products.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Ability to work in office, manufacturing, warehouse, and testing environments.
• Ability to stand, walk, and work on the production floor for extended periods.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to safely access manufacturing equipment, vessels, and testing locations.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is required in designated production areas.
• Occasional travel may be required to support suppliers, customers, demonstrations, or testing activities.
• Occasional evening and weekend work may be required to support production schedules and critical project milestones.

Background Check

This position will require successfully completing a post-offer background check. Qualified candidates with a criminal history will be considered and are not automatically disqualified, consistent with federal and state law.

EEO and ITAR/EAR Work Authorization Disclosure

Red Cat Holdings provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This position requires direct or indirect access to hardware, software, technology or technical data controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Successful candidates for positions subject to ITAR/EAR restrictions must provide proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residence and must not require sponsorship for export-restricted work authorization.

E-Verify

The company participates E-Verify ensure eligibility for employment and compliance with Right to Work rules.

Compensation: Salary plus generous annual equity package and potential bonuses