Production Manager – UAS Manufacturing

Young Community Developers • Irvine, CA

2d • $135,000 - $155,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Ondas Sentinel is seeking a Production Manager to lead execution for assigned product lines during early build phases and transition to full-rate production. The role manages day-to-day production activities for demonstration and low-rate initial production (LRIP) builds, while providing technical oversight and coordination with Engineering.

The Production Manager is the single point of accountability for product flow, schedule, and delivery performance across the value stream. The role works with New Product Introduction (NPI) and Programs teams to prepare for future production ramps and support continuity of leadership as the position transitions to Manufacturing. The position is based onsite in Irvine, California, and requires up to 10% travel. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States full time without current or future employment visa sponsorship. The role requires access to information and technology subject to U.S. export control laws and regulations, including ITAR. No clearance is required.

The position offers an annual salary of $135,000–$150,000, depending on relevant factors, and eligibility for an annual bonus. Benefits include comprehensive healthcare coverage, paid time off, paid holidays, and a 401(k) plan with employer match and immediate vesting. Base dental, vision, life, accident, disability, and other core benefits are fully covered by DZYNE.

The work environment ranges from general office settings to warehouses and other facilities. The employee must be able to stoop, stand, climb, occasionally lift at least 25 pounds, and move between departments, floors, and worksites.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of experience in manufacturing leadership or technical program roles.
• Proven experience managing production performance and technical coordination.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for current or future employment visa sponsorship.
• Ability to meet the position’s physical demands, including stooping, standing, climbing, occasional lifting of at least 25 pounds, and movement between departments, floors, and worksites.

Nice To Haves

• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing and flow-based production.
• Experience with prototype or demonstration builds, NPI, and production ramp activities.
• Ability to work across functional boundaries and influence without authority.
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and production scheduling.
• Hands-on leadership style and technical problem-solving capability.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred; Engineering or Operations preferred.

Responsibilities

• Own daily execution and performance of assigned demonstration and LRIP builds.
• Coordinate with Programs, Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Quality to ensure technical and production requirements are met.
• Interpret engineering data, resolve build issues, and drive configuration control.
• Identify and remove production-flow blockers, escalate risks early, and implement corrective actions.
• Lead daily management, tier meetings, and production reviews.
• Drive continuous improvement using lean tools and structured problem solving.
• Prepare for production ramps and transition to full-rate manufacturing leadership.
• Track and report schedule, work in progress (WIP), throughput, on-time delivery, and internal lead-time (flow time) metrics.

Benefits

• Comprehensive healthcare benefits package.
• Base dental, vision, life, accident, disability, and other core benefits fully covered by DZYNE.
• Paid time off.
• Paid holidays.
• 401(k) plan with employer match and immediate vesting.
• Eligible for an annual bonus.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager