What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Production position at SkyRunner, LLC?
Company Description
SkyRunner, LLC is a privately held aircraft manufacturing company headquartered in Shreveport, LA, USA. SkyRunner designs and manufactures the MK 3.2, a special light sport aircraft for civilian and military end users. SkyRunner earned full S-LSA FAA certification July 2017.
SkyRunner is a multi-modal FAA certified aircraft (TRL-9) without the need for runways or other infrastructure, and it is capable of traversing rough terrain. SkyRunner has two engines (specializing in air but ground capable for short field takeoff) and can operate in complex, dynamic and contested environments where traditional vehicles may face challenges or risks of damage.
SkyRunner is specifically designed for rapid and agile transportation, reconnaissance, surveillance, and communication for troops and equipment, as well as delivering humanitarian aid and disaster relief.
Director of Production
Location: Shreveport, Louisiana | Full‑Time | Leadership
Summary
SkyRunner is seeking a Director of Production who can scale a regulated aerospace assembly line, lead a high‑performance team, and solve complex problems in real time. This role owns the full build of the SkyRunner MK 3.2 and future platforms—from raw materials to final flight test.
Role Overview
You are the operational center of SkyRunner’s manufacturing ecosystem. You will drive throughput, quality, safety, and cost discipline while building a lean, resilient, and innovative production culture. This role blends aerospace rigor with hands‑on mechanical leadership, especially around aircraft engine integration and fine‑tolerance assembly.
Key Responsibilities
• Lead and scale production for manned and unmanned SkyRunner platforms.
• Own the manufacturing floor: workflow design, takt‑time optimization, tooling, quality, and safety.
• Oversee assembly of chassis, suspension, drivetrain, electrical systems, and avionics.
• Ensure compliance with FAA S‑LSA, ASTM standards, and defense‑grade reliability.
• Partner with engineering design, continuous improvement, and rapid prototyping.
• Manage supply chain resilience and vendor performance for critical components.
• Recruit, train, and mentor technicians and production leads.
• Lead aircraft engine installation, tuning, and troubleshooting.
• Implement lean manufacturing to increase throughput and repeatability.
• Coordinate with flight test, safety, and compliance teams to ensure readiness.
Required Experience & Skills
• Proven leadership in manufacturing or assembly environments.
• Background in fine mechanical assembly and quality‑controlled environments.
• Demonstrated success scaling production lines and implementing lean systems.
• Familiarity with FAA S‑LSA or other regulated manufacturing frameworks.
• Ability to read engineering drawings, wiring diagrams, and mechanical schematics.
• Strong communication, critical thinking, and real‑time problem‑solving abilities.
Preferred Qualifications
• Hands‑on experience with aircraft engines.
• Experience with aircraft, off‑road vehicles, or powersports systems.
What Success Looks Like
• A production line that scales from single‑unit builds to multi‑unit defense orders without sacrificing quality.
• A disciplined, motivated team executing fine‑tolerance assembly with consistency.
• Predictable delivery schedules that strengthen SkyRunner’s credibility with government and international customers.
• A culture of innovation, safety, and craftsmanship aligned with SkyRunner’s mission.