Head of Production

Head of Production (Aerospace Assembly & Test)

Our client, a manufacturer of advanced aerospace systems, is seeking a Head of Production to lead assembly, integration, and test operations within a high-volume aerospace manufacturing environment. This individual will serve as the single-point owner of engine output, responsible for ensuring products are built, tested, and delivered on schedule, to specification, and at scale.

This is a hands‑on operational leadership role for an experienced manufacturing leader who has successfully managed production teams, driven schedule execution, and resolved production and test challenges within regulated aerospace or defense environments.

• Lead end-to-end assembly, integration, and test operations for aerospace propulsion systems.
• Drive daily production execution to achieve throughput, quality, and delivery objectives.
• Develop and manage production schedules, labor plans, and operational priorities.
• Lead daily production meetings, recovery planning, and escalation management activities.
• Ensure operational readiness for production ramps, new product introductions, and configuration changes.

• Own production acceptance testing performance, yield metrics, and rework management.
• Partner closely with Engineering and Quality teams to rapidly resolve test failures and production issues.
• Implement corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives to improve throughput and reduce defects.
• Establish disciplined feedback loops between production, test, and engineering teams.
• Lead, mentor, and develop supervisors, technicians, and manufacturing personnel.
• Build staffing plans and training programs to support increasing production demand.
• Promote cross‑training and workforce flexibility across operations.
• Maintain strong floor presence and hands‑on operational leadership.

• Implement standard work, process discipline, and manufacturing best practices appropriate for high‑mix aerospace production.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, efficiency, and cost reduction.
• Collaborate with Supply Chain, Engineering, Quality, and Program teams to ensure seamless operations.
• Monitor production metrics and provide operational performance reporting to leadership.

• Promote a strong culture of safety and accountability throughout manufacturing operations.
• Ensure compliance with aerospace manufacturing standards, quality systems, and regulatory requirements.
• Support adherence to AS9100, DoD, FAA, and related operational standards.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, or a related technical discipline;
  Master’s degree preferred.
• 10+ years of manufacturing or production leadership experience within aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated industries.
• Direct ownership of leading assembly and test operations in complex manufacturing environments. (end-to-end flow)
• Proven success scaling production operations, supporting rate increases, or standing up new production lines/facilities.
• Strong understanding of production scheduling, labor planning, and operational execution.
• Experience operating within AS9100, FAA, DoD, or similarly regulated environments.
• Demonstrated leadership ability in fast‑paced, high-accountability manufacturing settings.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills.

• Experience supporting propulsion systems, turbojet engines, UAVs, missiles, or other safety‑critical aerospace hardware.
• Background in high‑mix, precision assembly and acceptance testing operations.
• Experience leading manufacturing organizations during aggressive production ramp environments.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies.
• Competitive salary and performance‑based bonus structure.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement savings plan with company match.
• Professional development and advancement opportunities.
• Collaborative and innovative manufacturing environment.