What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Manufacturing Engineering position at Office Collective?
Director, Manufacturing Engineering – Capacity Expansion
Huntsville, Alabama | Aerospace & Defence | Onsite
I’m currently partnering with a leading aerospace and defence technology organisation looking to appoint a Director of Manufacturing Engineering to lead a major multi-billion-dollar manufacturing expansion programme.
This is a rare opportunity for a highly experienced manufacturing leader who has successfully built factories, launched production lines and scaled manufacturing operations within complex industrial or defence environments.
This is not a traditional engineering leadership role.
The business is looking for someone who can take large-scale strategic growth plans and turn them into fully operational manufacturing facilities — driving projects from concept and construction through to commissioning and full-rate production.
Key responsibilities include:
• Leading large-scale manufacturing capacity expansion projects across multiple sites
• Designing, building and activating new manufacturing facilities and production lines
• Driving facility layouts, equipment procurement and production system implementation
• Leading cross-functional engineering, operations, quality and supply chain teams
• Managing aggressive project timelines, budgets and operational performance targets
• Implementing lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives
• Supporting high-volume production capability and operational readiness
• Managing technical risks, stakeholder communication and expansion strategy execution
• Leading manufacturing system and operational optimisation initiatives
What they’re looking for:
• 15 years’ manufacturing engineering or operations experience
• Strong experience leading manufacturing facility construction or production line activation projects
• Proven track record delivering greenfield or major brownfield expansion programmes
• Experience leading large cross-functional teams within complex industrial environments
• Strong capital project management experience ($50M projects preferred)
• Excellent leadership, decision-making and stakeholder management skills
Additional experience of interest:
• Aerospace or defence manufacturing experience
• Solid Rocket Motor manufacturing experience highly desirable
• Lean Six Sigma certification
• PMP or equivalent project management certification
• ERP/MES implementation experience
• Active or obtainable US Secret Security Clearance
Why this role stands out:
• Opportunity to lead one of the most significant manufacturing expansion programmes in the sector
• Highly visible leadership role with major strategic impact
• Work within cutting-edge aerospace and defence manufacturing environments
• Long-term career progression and executive exposure
• Strong compensation and benefits package
• 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off
This role would suit a highly driven manufacturing leader who thrives in large-scale operational build environments and enjoys turning ambitious growth plans into manufacturing reality.
Competitive salary & benefits
Please apply directly or get in touch for further information.