Vice President of Manufacturing - Defense & Aerospace Systems

Location: Gilbert, Arizona, United States

Salary: $210,000–$235,000 annually, based on experience

Description

Position Summary

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Vice President of Manufacturing provides strategic and hands-on leadership across manufacturing, production, quality, procurement, materials management, and facilities for complex defense and government programs.

This executive oversees end-to-end manufacturing operations, from low-rate initial production (LRIP) through full-rate production, ensuring cost-effective, high-quality, and on-time delivery of mission-critical systems.

The role drives operational excellence, production scalability, automation, financial performance, and regulatory compliance while leading cross-functional teams and supporting the company's expanding portfolio of multimillion-dollar government contracts.

Key Responsibilities

Manufacturing Operations & Production Execution

• Lead plant operations, manufacturing engineering, production teams, and multi-shift workforces to meet cost, schedule, quality, and safety objectives.
• Oversee production planning, capacity management, manufacturing readiness reviews, and transitions from LRIP to full-rate production.
• Coordinate with Program Management, Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain to align production schedules, material availability, and Earned Value Management (EVMS) reporting.

Financial Performance & Operational Excellence

• Manage manufacturing budgets, labor, factory overhead, capital expenditures, and cost-center or P&L performance.
• Improve operational KPIs, including on-time delivery, first-pass yield, overall equipment effectiveness (OEE), cycle time, and cost per unit.
• Lead Lean Six Sigma initiatives, process improvements, and automation strategies involving robotics, automated testing, and MES/ERP integration.

Procurement, Materials & Quality Management

• Direct procurement, supplier performance, sourcing, inventory control, kitting, receiving, shipping, and storeroom operations.
• Oversee manufacturing resource planning and procurement systems, including Costpoint MRP and Purchasing, ensuring data accuracy and effective cross-functional integration.
• Ensure manufacturing quality, configuration management, process controls, and compliance with AS9100, ITAR, DFARS, CMMC, and customer requirements.

Facilities, Compliance & Leadership

• Oversee facilities, maintenance, environmental health and safety (EHS), secure manufacturing areas, and capacity expansion.
• Lead manufacturing readiness for DCMA, customer, and third-party audits and inspections.
• Build and develop high-performing leadership teams across manufacturing, quality, procurement, materials, and facilities.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 15+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership, including at least 7 years at the Director or VP level overseeing complex electromechanical, electronic, or aerospace hardware production.
• Proven experience scaling and automating manufacturing operations supporting large U.S. defense or military contracts, from LRIP through full-rate production.
• Demonstrated P&L or cost-center accountability, including labor, overhead, and capital budgets.
• Strong knowledge of AS9100, ITAR, DFARS, CMMC, EVMS, and DCMA oversight.
• Hands-on experience implementing automation, robotics, Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), and data-driven process controls.
• Experience leading procurement, supplier management, materials operations, inventory control, and manufacturing planning systems such as Costpoint MRP and Purchasing.
• Proven ability to lead large, multi-shift teams, including hourly or union workforces.
• Must be a U.S. citizen with an active Secret security clearance or the ability to obtain one.
• Must be able to work full-time on-site in Gilbert, Arizona.

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA or Master's degree in Engineering or Operations Management.
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt certification.
• Experience establishing new manufacturing facilities, production lines, or negotiating with contract manufacturers and key suppliers.
• Background with defense prime contractors or growing defense technology companies specializing in unmanned systems, Counter-UAS, C4ISR, or missile systems.

Salary: $210,000–$235,000 annually, based on experience.

Compensation is determined by factors including geographic location, experience, education, technical expertise, executive leadership responsibilities, and program requirements.

Benefits

Eligible employees (30+ hours/week) may enroll in benefits starting the first of the month after hire. Offerings include:

• Multiple Medical, Dental, and Vision plan options
• Prescription coverage with mail-order option
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, Life, and Voluntary Insurance
• 401(k) with John Hancock (eligible after 6 months)
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Wellness and Employee Discount programs
• Paid Time Off (2 weeks), 3 Sick Days (prorated), and Paid Holidays, including Winter Break (Dec 24–31)
• Semi-monthly payroll (10th & 25th)