Head of Manufacturing

Aerospace & Defense UAV Manufacturing

Sterling, VA (Open to hybrid with necessary travel)

$220-$280K Annually plus benefits

COMPANY PROFILE:

A rapidly growing aerospace and defense technology company developing next-generation unmanned aerial systems powered by advanced alternative-energy propulsion solutions. The company builds high-endurance UAV platforms designed for mission-critical applications across defense, emergency response, logistics, and specialized commercial operations.

Focused on innovation in power systems, airframe design, reliability, and manufacturability, the organization combines cutting-edge engineering with an agile, execution-driven culture. The product line includes modular, heavy-lift, and long-range UAV platforms engineered for demanding operational environments.

WHY JOIN US?

Play a defining role in scaling a next-generation UAV manufacturing division in the United States.
Lead the transformation from prototype development to disciplined, repeatable, high-rate production.
Build a world-class manufacturing organization that integrates advanced composites, propulsion, avionics, and mission-critical assembly.
Competitive executive compensation package, with flexibility in salary, incentives, and growth-based components tied to impact.

THE ROLE YOU WILL PLAY:

Seeking a high-impact, execution-focused Top Manufacturing Executive to own all manufacturing operations in the U.S. This leader will architect, build, and scale the manufacturing organization responsible for delivering advanced UAV platforms that meet strict performance, quality, and delivery standards.

This role requires deep expertise in aerospace or complex hardware production, strong command of manufacturing systems, and the ability to scale from low-rate initial production to full serial manufacturing. The ideal candidate builds teams, processes, and factories—while partnering closely with engineering, supply chain, and quality organizations to ensure robust, efficient, cost-effective production.

Key Responsibilities:

Build and lead the U.S. manufacturing organization, including production, assembly, integration, test, quality, and manufacturing engineering.
Translate product designs into scalable, repeatable manufacturing processes and production lines.
Drive full lifecycle manufacturing readiness—from prototype transition, pilot line, low-rate initial production, to serial production.
Establish detailed manufacturing processes, work instructions, configuration control, and quality standards across all product lines.
Oversee factory layout, tooling strategy, equipment selection, automation opportunities, and throughput optimization.
Lead production staffing, workforce planning, and talent development across technicians, operators, manufacturing engineers, and quality teams.
Implement lean manufacturing practices, continuous improvement programs, and cost-reduction strategies without compromising quality.
Strengthen the supply chain for critical aerospace components (composites, propulsion systems, avionics, energy systems) and maintain vendor performance.
Collaborate with engineering to integrate DFM/DFA principles, ensuring manufacturability and reliability in all new designs.
Own production KPIs: yield, throughput, takt time, cost per unit, quality escapes, rework, and on-time delivery.
Oversee regulatory, compliance, and safety standards aligned with aerospace and defense expectations.
Partner with executive leadership to align manufacturing capability with product roadmap, customer demand, and strategic growth objectives.

BACKGROUND PROFILE:

Required Competencies:

10+ years of proven leadership as a Head of Manufacturing, VP Manufacturing, Director of Operations, or equivalent in aerospace, defense, UAVs, robotics, or complex hardware manufacturing.
Experience scaling a manufacturing operation from prototype or engineering builds into disciplined, repeatable serial production.
Strong background in assembly of electro-mechanical systems, avionics integration, propulsion systems, composite structures, or related aerospace hardware.
Demonstrated ability to develop manufacturing strategy, organizational structure, and production systems in a high-growth environment.
Hands-on experience with lean manufacturing, quality systems, process control, documentation, and continuous improvement.
Proven success building and mentoring strong production, quality, and manufacturing engineering teams.
Ability to work closely with design and systems engineering teams to drive DFM, reliability, and manufacturability improvements.
Deep understanding of supply-chain management, vendor performance, cost control, and component sourcing for complex hardware.
Strong operational discipline with a metrics-driven approach; able to quickly identify bottlenecks, risks, and corrective actions.
Experience preparing manufacturing operations for defense-oriented customers, audits, or mission-critical reliability requirements.
Education: BS in Mechanical, Aerospace, Manufacturing, or related engineering field (advanced degrees a strong plus).

The Patriot Group, Inc. (TPGI)

Latest Jobs

Vice President of Manufacturing