Prototype & Production Lab Manager; Navy Systems

Position Summary:

We are seeking a highly skilled and versatile Prototype & Production Lab Manager to run a specialized prototype and low-volume production lab in support of a U.S. Navy Engineering Service Contract. In this dynamic role, you will wear multiple hats: you will manage the daily operations and workflow of the lab, serve as the technical Subject Matter Expert (SME) bridging the gap between engineering design and physical production, and perform hands‑on fabrication, assembly, and testing.

The ideal candidate possesses a unique blend of mechanical expertise, hands‑on electrical/RF skills, and a deep understanding of manufacturing processes. You will review engineering designs to ensure they are physically producible, ruggedized for naval applications, and optimized for manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage all incoming work requests for the prototype/production lab, prioritizing tasks to meet project deadlines.
• Oversee Bill of Materials (BOM) management; ensure the correct components, hardware, and materials are sourced and ordered for all prototype and production builds.
• Maintain lab equipment, tools, and inventory to ensure a safe and highly efficient working environment.

• Act as the primary SME for translating engineering drawings into actionable manufacturing steps.
• Review Technical Data Packages (TDPs) to identify design weaknesses, missing information, or manufacturing hurdles before production begins (Design for Manufacturability).
• Recommend material substitutions, structural enhancements, and design adjustments to ensure prototypes are sufficiently robust for harsh Navy operational environments.
• Provide actionable feedback to the engineering team regarding tolerances, machining, and assembly feasibility.

• Perform mechanical assembly and prototype fabrication based on complex schematics and mechanical drawings.
• Build, route, and terminate custom electrical cables and wire harnesses to military/industry standards.
• Perform high‑quality soldering for circuit boards, connectors, and internal wiring.

• Utilize Keysight Field Fox handheld analyzers (and similar test equipment) to test, troubleshoot, and validate RF components and systems.
• Apply a deep understanding of Radio Frequencies (RF) to evaluate how components will integrate and perform within broader U.S. Navy communication, radar, and electronic warfare systems.
• Verify impedance matching, insertion loss, VSWR, and overall RF system integrity on completed assemblies.

Required Qualifications:

• Experience: 7+ years of experience in prototyping, manufacturing engineering, or a highly technical lab management role, preferably within the defense or aerospace sector.
• Mechanical & Material SME: Extensive knowledge of mechanical assembly, fabrication processes, and material sciences (knowing what metals, plastics, or composites to use for specific ruggedized applications).
• TDP & BOM Proficiency: Proven ability to read, interpret, and critique complex Engineering Drawings, schematics, and Technical Data Packages (TDPs).
• Hands‑on Electrical: Demonstrated expertise in custom cable/harness building, routing, and precision soldering.
• RF Expertise: Strong working knowledge of Radio Frequency (RF) principles and practical experience testing RF systems.
• Equipment Mastery: Hands‑on proficiency using a Field Fox analyzer (Network/Spectrum Analyzer) for RF measurements.
• Navy/DoD Familiarity: Understanding of how RF systems are deployed and utilized within U.S. Navy platforms and environments.
• Problem Solver: Exceptional critical thinking skills to bridge the gap between "what…