Manufacturing Manager, Aircraft Production

Archer•Covington, GA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Manufacturing Manager is the operational heartbeat of our Covington facility. In this role, you aren’t just overseeing a floor; you are architecting the daily execution of aircraft assembly and integration. You will lead a multi-shift team of aerospace technicians through the critical evolution from low-rate initial production (LRIP) to high-volume manufacturing. You are a decisive leader who balances the "now" (daily shift targets and safety) with the "next" (process optimization and scaling). As a central bridge between Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Program Management, you will ensure that design intent translates perfectly into flight-ready hardware, delivered on time and without compromise.

Requirements

10+ years of aerospace experience with at least 5 years in a supervisory role, directly managing team performance and production output in a multi-shift environment.
Deep, hands-on expertise in full aircraft assembly, including avionics integration, wire harness fabrication, and complex mechanical systems.
A track record of success in New Product Introduction (NPI), specifically navigating the transition from prototype builds to scalable, full-rate manufacturing.
Expert-level knowledge of AS9100 standards, FAA airworthiness requirements, and RCCA methodologies, with a relentless focus on FOD prevention and tool control.
Proficiency in using ERP and MES systems for production scheduling, alongside modern collaboration tools like Jira, Slack, Microsoft, and Google Workspace.
The ability to distill complex floor issues into actionable insights for leadership while remaining a grounded, trusted mentor for the technician workforce.
The "grit" to operate in ambiguity and the decisiveness to make sound, safety-critical calls in a fast-paced, evolving production environment.
High school diploma or GED required.
Must be able to distinguish colors for avionics work.
Must be able to lift 25 lbs.
Must be able to remain mobile on the production floor for extended periods.

Nice To Haves

Technical Degree preferred.
FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certification.
Deep familiarity with IPC 610/610 or AC 43.13 standards.
Technical background in high-voltage systems, battery assemblies, and electric motor integration, particularly within eVTOL, UAM, or advanced air mobility programs.
Mastery of Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies.
Hands-on experience using enterprise-grade platforms like SAP, Teamcenter, or equivalent MES/ERP systems.
Direct experience with aircraft configuration management and participating in formal FAA conformity inspections.

Responsibilities

Own the full talent lifecycle for a multi-shift aerospace technician team, including recruitment, mentoring, and building a high-accountability culture.
Own the daily assembly rhythm, leading high-impact stand-ups and shift handovers to ensure aircraft integration hits program milestones.
Lead the transition from low-rate prototype builds to high-volume manufacturing, partnering with Engineering to refine MES routings, optimize workflows, and reduce cycle times using Lean methodologies.
Ensure every build exceeds AS9100, IPC, and FAA standards, championing a rigorous FOD prevention and "zero-defect" floor culture.
Monitor and report on production KPIs, including first-pass yield, defect rates, and on-time delivery, to drive continuous operational improvement.
Act as the primary manufacturing interface for Engineering, Supply Chain, and Program Management, solving material shortages and ensuring design intent is manufacturable.
Facilitate FAA conformity inspections and airworthiness activities, and influence capital equipment planning and facility readiness.