Senior Manufacturing Manager

We are seeking an experienced Senior Manufacturing Manager to oversee and lead manufacturing operations within a fast-paced aerospace and defense composite manufacturing environment. This individual will be responsible for driving production performance, improving operational efficiency, maintaining quality standards, and developing a high-performing manufacturing team.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in composite manufacturing, experience operating within an AS9100 quality management system, and familiarity with NADCAP requirements. This individual must be a hands-on leader capable of balancing production demands, quality requirements, employee development, and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Oversee daily manufacturing operations, ensuring production schedules, quality standards, and delivery commitments are consistently met.
• Lead, mentor, and develop manufacturing supervisors, production personnel, and other operational team members.
• Manage production planning, workflow, labor utilization, equipment capacity, and manufacturing resources.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, cost reduction, scrap reduction, and operational efficiency.
• Ensure manufacturing processes comply with AS9100 quality management system requirements and applicable NADCAP accreditation standards.
• Partner with Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Program Management to resolve production challenges and improve manufacturing processes.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), including on-time delivery, throughput, labor efficiency, scrap, and production costs.
• Identify and implement process improvements to increase manufacturing capacity, reduce bottlenecks, and improve overall performance.
• Ensure compliance with aerospace and defense industry requirements, customer specifications, and internal quality procedures.
• Support new product introductions, manufacturing process development, and production transitions.
• Promote a culture of accountability, safety, quality, and continuous improvement throughout the manufacturing organization.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective action initiatives related to manufacturing and quality issues.

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field preferred.
• 7+ years of manufacturing leadership experience, preferably within aerospace, defense, or advanced manufacturing.
• Strong background in composite manufacturing processes and production environments.
• Experience working within an AS9100-certified manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with NADCAP accreditation, audits, compliance requirements, and special process controls.
• Proven experience managing manufacturing teams, production schedules, and operational performance.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, lean manufacturing, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience working cross-functionally with Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Operations teams.
• Strong leadership, communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.

• Experience with aerospace composite materials and manufacturing processes, including prepreg, layup, curing/autoclave operations, bonding, and composite assembly.
• Experience supporting NADCAP special process audits and corrective actions.
• Knowledge of aerospace customer requirements and defense industry manufacturing standards.
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement certifications.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and manufacturing performance metrics.
• Experience supporting aerospace OEMs and Tier 1/Tier 2 suppliers.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on manufacturing leader who understands the complexities of aerospace composite manufacturing. They should be comfortable working on the production floor while also developing long-term manufacturing strategies.

This individual must be quality-driven, operationally focused, and capable of leading teams through growth, process improvements, and increased production demands.