Manufacturing Director

Hidden Level is transforming airspace safety with innovative, scalable drone detection and airspace technology. We provide real-time, actionable data to enhance security across various environments. Hidden Level is rapidly expanding our capacity and production infrastructure to support the next stage of the company’s growth. The Director of Manufacturing will lead Hidden Level’s manufacturing operations and play a critical role in scaling production to meet increasing demand. The leader will be responsible for manufacturing execution, Manufacturing and Service Engineering, production capacity, manufacturing technology, test capability and infrastructure, and the continued development of scalable, repeatable production processes for complex RF and electromechanical products.

The Director will lead efforts to increase throughput, strengthen production readiness, remove manufacturing constraints, and develop the people, processes, equipment, tooling and systems required to support sustained growth. The role will work closely with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Product Management, and other cross-functional teams to ensure products can be produced efficiently, reliably, and at increasing scale while maintaining Hidden Level’s high standards for quality, performance, and customer responsiveness.

Location: This position is on-site in East Syracuse, NY.

Responsibilities:

Manufacturing Operations & Leadership:

• Oversee all manufacturing activities, ensuring operational efficiency, quality, and safety.
• Manage Manufacturing Engineering functions, including process optimization, tooling, and automation initiatives.
• Lead a team of Technicians and Assemblers, ensuring productivity and adherence to best practices.
• Develop and implement manufacturing strategies to meet production goals and business objectives.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations, quality standards, and company policies.
• Work with the supply chain and production planning team to develop and implement capacity planning strategies.
• Oversee PCBA (Printed Circuit Board Assembly) testing processes to ensure product functionality, quality, and reliability.

• Implement best practices in PCBA testing, including functional testing, in-circuit testing (ICT), and automated test procedures.
• Responsible for the implementation, maintenance and improvement of the Quality Management System in conformation to ISO 9001.

Production Optimization & Process Improvement:

• Focus on optimizing production processes to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
• Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance manufacturing performance.
• Implement Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other best practices to optimize production.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive process improvements and technological advancements.

Quality Assurance:

• Ensure that manufacturing processes meet stringent quality standards and industry best practices.
• Work closely with Quality teams to maintain and improve product reliability.

Cost Reduction & Efficiency:

• Identify and implement cost-reduction initiatives without compromising quality or performance.
• Develop strategies to enhance operational efficiency while maintaining high product standards.

New Technology Implementation:

• Champion research and investment in new areas of technology across the manufacturing function.
• Oversee implementation planning and execution to ensure successful new capability and technology rollout.

Safety Compliance:

• Ensure that all manufacturing operations adhere to safety regulations and best practices.
• Promote a culture of safety and risk management across the manufacturing floor.

Team Development & Leadership:

• Lead and mentor a team of manufacturing professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-performing manufacturing team.
• Foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement among team members.
• Implement training programs to enhance skills and knowledge within the manufacturing team.

Collaboration & Cross-Functional Support:

• Work closely with R&D Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and other departments to ensure seamless production. Work with Manufacturing Program Management to align production schedules and resources.
• Support new product introductions and transition products from development to full-scale production.
• Drive collaboration between engineering and manufacturing to enhance product manufacturability.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related technical field 12 years of experience in technical manufacturing leadership roles within a complex, highly regulated, or advanced-technology environment, Strong understanding of manufacturing processes used to to produce complex electromechanical systems, electronic products, sensors, or similar hardware.
• Experience applying Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Lean Six Sigma Belt certification.

• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and develop engineering and production teams.
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree is engineering, business, operations or a related field.
• Experience in aerospace, defense, RF technology, radar, electronic warfare, sensing systems, or a related industry. `

Compensation and Benefits: Hidden Level offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, paid parental leave, flexible time off, 401(k) with employer contributions, life insurance, disability insurance, and potential stock options.

Salary Range: The anticipated salary range for this position based out of Syracuse, NY is estimated at $140,000 to $190,000 annually. Please note that the salary information is a general guideline only. Hidden Level considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market and business considerations when extending an offer.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Hidden Level is an Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action employer. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply and will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran, disability status, or any other federal, state, or locally protected category.

Security Note: Due to the nature of Hidden Level’s technology, only U.S. citizens can be considered for this position. Hidden Level Employees must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Security Clearance, if required for the position. Please click here to review the National Security Clearance Adjudicative Guidelines.