Production Manager

Production Manager

Full Time Management Laurel, MD, Laurel, MD, US

5 days ago Requisition

Salary Range: $ To $ Annually

ARA is a leading C5

ISR company that designs, manufactures, tests and installs innovative technologies that provide the national security community with unparalleled situational awareness, threat detection, and communications capabilities.

Our disruptive, integrated solutions, assemblies and subsystems rise to the challenging demands of discerning, mission‑critical customers.

We leverage our capabilities to meet and exceed the requirements of our customers and empower them to remain ahead of evolving threats and complexities in a dynamic security landscape.

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Production Manager who manages the operations of all production areas to ensure that volume, cost, and quality standards are achieved. The Production Manager will plan and establish work schedules, staffing requirements, and production sequences to maximize productivity. They will provide production process analysis and make recommendations on solutions to process improvements. The ideal candidate will not only have hands‑on experience in production but also a deep understanding of how to identify and anticipate potential problems, improve processes, and bring designs to the manufacturing floor.

This role requires a strong problem‑solver who can drive efficiency and quality improvements across the production process.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Manage day‑to‑day production activities, ensuring all processes run smoothly and efficiently, meeting quality standards and production targets.
• Oversee and manage the priorities, equipment, and personnel associated with the production line.
• Set priorities and direct daily operations, including timely issuing and completion of work orders on the production floor.
• Contribute to the smooth transitions from design to production, addressing potential production issues early in the design phase.
• Monitor production performance metrics and prepare detailed reports for senior management.
• Provide insights and recommendations for continuous improvement, focusing on efficiency and quality.
• Partner with program managers to align production schedules with project timelines, ensuring on‑time and within‑budget delivery of all deliverables.
• Develop, maintain, and adjust detailed production schedules using operational capacity, labor availability, and duration estimates to ensure on‑time job completion and delivery performance.
• Provide high‑level reports to VP of Operations, Directors, and the Head of Manufacturing as needed, ensuring transparency and accountability in production operations.
• Ensure all operators follow safety procedures, maintain current safety training, and document any EHS (Environmental, Health, and Safety) incidents.
• Proactively correct workplace hazards and empower teams to continuously improve safety and operational processes.
• Manage, coach, mentor, and support production supervisors, prioritizing work activities to achieve on‑time delivery goals.
• Ensure quality standards are consistently met throughout the production process, supporting zero‑defect outcomes from all stations.
• Review available information to allocate resources effectively, maximizing the efficiency of the manufacturing operation.
• Manage or delegate Six Sigma and other continuous improvement projects within the department, refining planned hours for future orders.
• Assist in compiling information for Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) monthly.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

• Adaptability – Adapts to change, open to new ideas and responsibilities
• Communication – Ability to communicate thoughts clearly, both oral and written in an honest, open and timely manner
• Job Knowledge – Understands facets of job, aware of duties and responsibilities,…