Job Description
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Job Title: Director of Advanced Manufacturing
(Alternative: Director of Additive & Advanced Manufacturing)
Position Overview:
We are seeking a highly skilled Director of Advanced Manufacturing with a mechanical engineering background to lead the development, implementation, and optimization of cutting-edge manufacturing processes tailored to small-scale, high-precision defense production. This role is critical to enhancing efficiency, precision, and compliance while integrating advanced machining, additive manufacturing, and automation technologies to maintain our competitive edge.
As a key executive leader, the Director will oversee technical production strategy, process innovation, and regulatory compliance, ensuring our manufacturing capabilities align with defense industry requirements and DoD contract specifications. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), this role is ideal for a hands-on leader with the technical expertise and business acumen to drive cost-effective production, lean operations, and high-quality output in a low-volume, high-complexity manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership & Process Innovation:
• Develop and implement a manufacturing roadmap to modernize production capabilities, integrating precision machining, additive manufacturing (metal & polymer), and automation where applicable.
• Direct the design and execution of mechanical process improvements, optimizing thermal, structural, and material properties for mission-critical defense applications.
• Establish lean manufacturing methodologies to maximize efficiency and throughput while maintaining compliance with DoD, ITAR, AS9100, and MIL-SPEC standards.
• Evaluate and implement hybrid manufacturing strategies (e.g., CNC + Additive Manufacturing) to reduce lead times and production costs.
Mechanical Process Optimization & Defense Manufacturing Compliance:
• Lead precision machining, metal fabrication, and advanced welding techniques, ensuring tight tolerances required for defense components.
• Oversee testing, validation, and failure analysis for mechanical and electromechanical systems, ensuring durability and compliance with defense and military specifications.
• Develop predictive maintenance strategies for high-precision CNC machines, laser cutters, and additive manufacturing equipment to minimize downtime.
• Ensure adherence to defense procurement and production regulations, including DFARS, ITAR, and export control laws, mitigating compliance risks.
Manufacturing Operations, Quality & Small-Batch Production Strategy:
• Direct low-volume, high-complexity manufacturing workflows, ensuring efficient use of specialty materials, composites, and exotic metals used in defense applications.
• Oversee quality assurance programs, implementing precision metrology, automated inspection, and AI-driven defect detection to maintain the highest manufacturing standards.
• Collaborate with engineering and procurement teams to evaluate and onboard suppliers specializing in defense-grade materials and components.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to reduce costs, enhance manufacturing agility, and ensure on-time delivery of classified and non-classified defense components.
Executive-Level Financial & Operational Management:
• Oversee a $5M–$15M annual capital and operations budget, justifying investments in automation, equipment upgrades, and process enhancements.
• Develop data-driven cost-reduction strategies, optimizing labor efficiency and material usage while maintaining the highest defense industry standards.
• Lead the selection, implementation, and optimization of ERP/MRP systems, ensuring seamless integration with DoD reporting and compliance tracking.
• Align production objectives with long-term DoD contract requirements, ensuring capacity meets demand while maintaining profitability and scalability.
Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration:
• Build and develop a high-performance advanced manufacturing team, mentoring mechanical engineers, machinists, and additive manufacturing specialists.
• Work closely with R&D and product design teams to ensure manufacturability is integrated into the early design phase, reducing production lead times and costs.
• Serve as the technical liaison with government agencies, defense contractors, and industry partners, ensuring compliance and fostering strategic collaborations.
• Lead the company’s efforts in securing Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and other DoD grants for manufacturing process improvements and technology development.
Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (preferred) or Industrial Engineering.
• 10+ years of experience in manufacturing leadership, specifically in small-scale defense manufacturing.
• Proven expertise in precision machining, mechanical process design, and automation in a defense environment.
• Extensive experience in additive manufacturing, CNC machining, and material science applications for military-grade components.
• Strong understanding of DoD manufacturing requirements, ITAR, AS9100, and MIL-SPEC regulations.
• Demonstrated success in leading capital investments, securing government contracts, and optimizing small-batch production strategies.
• Hands-on experience with ERP/MRP systems, digital manufacturing platforms, and Industry 4.0 technologies.
• Exceptional leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making skills in low-volume, high-value production environments.
• U.S. Citizenship required
Compensation & Reporting Structure:
• Base Salary: $180,000 - $230,000, plus performance-based incentives for operational efficiency and contract performance.
• Reports directly to the Chief Operating Officer (COO).
• Works closely with Engineering, R&D, Procurement, Quality, and Compliance teams.
Location:
On-site – South Hackensack, NJ