Manufacturing Systems Manager

Sector Lead, Digital Factory

Location:

Fairborn, OH

Industry: Aerospace & Defense

Our client is a trusted partner delivering advanced engineering, digital transformation, and manufacturing solutions to U.S. DoD and aerospace clients. With a focus on digital engineering, smart manufacturing, and Industry 4.0/5.0, our client enables mission readiness and modernization across the defense industrial base.

The Sector Lead, Digital Factory, will drive the strategy, development, and execution of the digital factory capabilities across aerospace and defense programs. This leader will oversee the integration of digital engineering, smart manufacturing, and software factory principles to enable scalable, data-driven, and secure production environments. This role is responsible for advancing digital transformation initiatives, including automation, AI-driven analytics, Dev Sec Ops , and digital thread/twin implementation to support mission-critical defense programs.

• Lead the Digital Factory strategy and execution across defense and aerospace programs
• Build and scale digital manufacturing and software factory capabilities
• Partner with engineering and operations teams to implement digital thread, digital twin, and model-based enterprise (MBE) solutions
• Establish standards, governance, and best practices for digital factory operations
• Define and track KPIs and performance metrics to measure digital transformation success
• Collaborate cross-functionally with manufacturing, IT, cybersecurity, and program leadership
• Lead and mentor high-performing technical and operational teams
• Support business development efforts by shaping digital transformation solutions for defense clients

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Manufacturing, or related field (Master's preferred)
• 10–15+ years of experience in digital engineering, manufacturing, or software development within aerospace/defense or regulated industries
• 5+ years of leadership experience in digital transformation, digital factory, or software factory environments
• Strong experience with Dev Sec Ops , CI/CD pipelines, cloud infrastructure, and automation tools
• Knowledge of Industry 4.0 technologies (IoT, robotics, advanced manufacturing systems)
• Experience with digital thread, digital twin, or model-based enterprise (MBE)
• Familiarity with DoD compliance, cybersecurity frameworks (NIST, RMF), and secure systems development

• Experience supporting DoD or national security programs
• Background in smart factory or advanced manufacturing environments
• Experience integrating AI/ML solutions into manufacturing or digital operations
• Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or Black Belt)

• Must be able to attain a United States Security Clearance
• Ability to travel 30% of the time

• Strategic leadership in digital transformation and advanced manufacturing
• Strong cross-functional collaboration across engineering, IT, and operations
• Data-driven decision making and innovation mindset
• Ability to lead complex, large-scale transformation initiatives