Manufacturing Manager, Aircraft Production

Archer is an aerospace company based in San Jose, California building an all-electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft with a mission to advance the benefits of sustainable air mobility. We are designing, manufacturing, and operating an all-electric aircraft that can carry four passengers while producing minimal noise.

Our sights are set high and our problems are hard, and we believe that diversity in the workplace is what makes us smarter, drives better insights, and will ultimately lift us all to success. We are dedicated to cultivating an equitable and inclusive environment that embraces our differences, and supports and celebrates all of our team members.

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.

• Lead & Scale the Workforce
  :
  Own the full talent lifecycle for a multi-shift aerospace technician team. You will recruit, mentor, and build a high-accountability culture that evolves from a startup mindset to a disciplined production engine
• Drive Production Execution
  :
  Own the daily assembly rhythm. You will lead high-impact stand-ups and shift handovers to ensure aircraft integration hits program milestones with 100% situational awareness of every serial number
• Industrialize for Rate
  :
  Lead the transition from low-rate prototype builds to high-volume manufacturing. You will partner with Engineering to refine MES routings, optimize workflows, and slash cycle times through Lean methodologies
• Uphold Aerospace Standards
  :
  Serve as the final word on quality and safety. You ensure every build exceeds AS9100, IPC, and FAA standards while championing a rigorous FOD prevention and "zero-defect" floor culture
• Master the Data
  :
  Own the metrics that matter. You will monitor and report on production KPIs—including first-pass yield, defect rates, and on-time delivery—to drive continuous operational improvement
• Bridge Cross-Functional Gaps
  :
  Act as the primary manufacturing interface for Engineering, Supply Chain, and Program Management. You’ll solve material shortages before they hit the line and ensure design intent is manufacturable
• Support Certification & Growth
  :
  Facilitate FAA conformity inspections and airworthiness activities. You will also influence capital equipment planning and facility readiness to support the next generation of production volume

• Proven Aerospace Leadership
  : 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
• Technical Mastery
  :
  Deep, hands‑on expertise in full aircraft assembly, including avionics integration, wire harness fabrication, and complex mechanical systems
• NPI & Scaling Expertise
  : A track record of success in New Product Introduction (NPI), specifically navigating the high‑pressure transition from prototype builds to scalable, full‑rate manufacturing
• Regulatory & Quality Rigor
  :
  Expert‑level knowledge of AS9100 standards, FAA airworthiness requirements, and RCCA methodologies, with a relentless focus on FOD prevention and tool control
• Operational Systems Fluency
  :
  Proficiency in using ERP and MES systems for production scheduling, alongside modern collaboration tools like Jira, Slack, Microsoft, and Google Workspace
• Executive-Level Communication
  :
  The ability to distill complex floor issues into actionable insights for leadership while remaining a grounded, trusted mentor for the technician workforce
• Adaptability & Decision-Making
  :
  The "grit" to operate in ambiguity and the…