R&D Manufacturing Director

TalentRemedy • Herndon, VA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Our client is seeking a hands-on R&D Manufacturing Director to lead the manufacturing of first-of-kind prototypes, demonstration units, and low-rate initial production hardware for advanced laser and electro-optical systems used in aerospace and space applications. This includes engineering development units (EDUs), flight units, and early production builds. This is a highly technical, execution-focused leadership role. The Director will be deeply involved in day-to-day manufacturing operations while driving long-term capability improvements, updating core processes, implementing a Manufacturing Execution System (MES), and helping scale production capacity. The role serves as the operational bridge between engineering, configuration management, quality, supply chain, planning, and the build teams. This position is onsite in Herndon, VA.

Requirements

• 10–15 years of experience in manufacturing engineering or production leadership.
• Background in optical, laser, electro-optical, aerospace, or space-qualified hardware.
• Experience transitioning designs through prototype, development, and early production.
• Direct experience with Assembly, Integration & Test (AI&T) in controlled build environments.
• Strong understanding of configuration control, build documentation, and traceability.
• Experience with ERP systems; Deltek Costpoint is preferred.
• Experience in ISO-9001 or AS9100 manufacturing environments.
• Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline; engineering preferred.
• Proven hands-on leadership style.

Responsibilities

• Oversee production shops, including optical assembly, electronics assembly, parts cleaning, and machine shop operations.
• Identify constraints and drive continuous improvement across the production floor.
• Develop work instructions with design engineers to support efficient, predictable assembly and test.
• Ensure build packages, travelers, drawings, and procedures are complete and build-ready.
• Validate build schedules and resource plans for feasibility.
• Serve as the primary escalation point for manufacturing execution issues.
• Provide Design for Manufacturing (DFM) feedback and define build strategy and flow.
• Standardize and improve manufacturing processes for repeatability, traceability, and throughput.
• Select, implement, and operationalize a Manufacturing Execution System (MES).
• Resolve nonconformances using structured root-cause analysis.
• Own the process from released design through assembly and integration.
• Act as the integration point across engineering, configuration management, quality, safety and mission assurance, supply chain, planning, and build teams.
• Lead and develop the manufacturing engineering team while remaining hands-on.
• Partner with leadership to plan facility improvements aligned with future program needs.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package
• Strong benefits
• Collaborative and flexible work environment
• Progressive learning culture that values curiosity and encourages professional challenge
• Support for long-term growth
• Opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge programs with mission impact

What This Job Offers

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