R&D Manufacturing Director

Our client is seeking a hands-on R&D Manufacturing Director to lead the manufacturing of first‑of‑kind prototypes, demonstration units, and low‑rate initial production hardware for advanced laser and electro‑optical systems used in aerospace and space applications. This includes engineering development units (EDUs), flight units, and early production builds.

This is a highly technical, execution-focused leadership role. The Director will be deeply involved in day‑to‑day manufacturing operations while also driving long‑term capability improvements, updating core processes, implementing a Manufacturing Execution System (MES), and helping scale production capacity. The role serves as the operational bridge between engineering, configuration management, quality, supply chain, planning, and the build teams. This position is onsite in Herndon, VA.

Key Responsibilities

:Shop & Operations Leadershi

• pOversee production shops including optical assembly, electronics assembly, parts cleaning, and machine shop operation
• sIdentify constraints and drive continuous improvement across the production floo

rProduction Planning & Executio

• nDevelop work instructions with design engineers to ensure efficient, predictable assembly and tes
• tEnsure build packages, travelers, drawings, and procedures are complete and build‑read
• yValidate build schedules and resource plans for feasibilit
• yServe as the primary escalation point for manufacturing execution issue

sManufacturing Engineering & Process Improvemen

• tProvide Design for Manufacturing (DFM) feedback and define build strategy and flo
• wStandardize and improve manufacturing processes for repeatability, traceability, and throughpu
• tSelect, implement, and operationalize a Manufacturing Execution System (MES
• )Resolve nonconformances using structured root‑cause analysi

sAI&T Process Ownershi

• pOwn the process from released design through assembly and integratio
• nAct as the integration point across engineering, configuration management, quality, safety & mission assurance, supply chain, planning, and build team

sFacilities & Team Leadershi

• pLead and develop the manufacturing engineering team while remaining hands‑o
• nPartner with leadership to plan facility improvements aligned with future program need

s
Requiremen

tsMinimum Requiremen

• ts10–15 years of experience in manufacturing engineering or production leadersh
• ipBackground in optical, laser, electro‑optical, aerospace, or space‑qualified hardwa
• reExperience transitioning designs through prototype, development, and early producti
• onDirect experience with Assembly, Integration & Test (AI&T) in controlled build environmen
• tsStrong understanding of configuration control, build documentation, and traceabili
• tyExperience with ERP systems (Deltek Costpoint preferre
• d)Experience in ISO‑9001 or AS9100 manufacturing environmen
• tsBachelor’s degree in a technical discipline (engineering preferre
• d)Proven hands‑on leadership sty

le
Benef

itsOur client is a recognized leader in advanced laser, lidar, and laser‑communication technologies, delivering high‑performance electro‑optical solutions for defense, space, and aerospace missions. The organization is known for its innovation, technical excellence, and customer‑focused culture, supported by a collaborative and flexible work environme

nt.They foster a progressive learning culture that values curiosity, encourages professional challenge, and supports long‑term growth. Employees enjoy a competitive compensation package, strong benefits, and the opportunity to contribute to cutting‑edge programs with real mission impa

ct.
Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on individual merit, skills, and experience. Our client does not engage in nor permits any discrimination in the workpl