R&D Manufacturing Director

Location: Herndon, VA (20171)

Salary: $150,000 – $225,000/year

The Role

We are seeking a hands-on R&D Manufacturing Director to lead the manufacturing of first-of-kind prototypes, demonstration units, and initial low-rate production units for aerospace and space programs.

This is not a purely managerial role. You will be actively involved in day-to-day manufacturing execution while improving our core processes, leading the implementation of a Manufacturing Execution System (MES), and scaling production capacity.

Key Responsibilities

• Shop & Operations: Provide technical oversight for optical and electronics assembly, parts cleaning, and machine shops. Identify bottlenecks and drive floor improvements.
• Planning & Execution: Develop efficient work instructions with design engineers. Ensure build packages, schedules, and resources are complete and realistic.
• Process Improvement: Lead Design for Manufacturing (DFM) strategy. Standardize processes for repeatability and throughput. Implement an MES tailored to optical/laser manufacturing.
• AI&T Process Ownership: Own the process from released design through assembly and integration. Act as the link between engineering, quality, supply chain, and builders.
• Leadership: Lead and develop the manufacturing engineering team. Partner with leadership to plan facility improvements.

Requirements

• 10–15 years in manufacturing engineering or production leadership.
• Experience with optical, laser, electro-optical, aerospace, or space-qualified hardware.
• Track record of transitioning new designs through prototype, development, and initial production.
• Direct experience with Assembly Integration and Test (AI&T) and controlled build environments.
• Strong grasp of configuration control, traceability, and build documentation.
• Experience with ERP systems (e.g., Deltek Costpoint) and ISO-9001/AS9100 environments.
• Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline (Engineering preferred).
• Proven hands-on leadership style.

What Success Looks Like

• AI&T activities are disciplined, repeatable, and audit-ready.
• Manufacturing issues are caught early and resolved quickly via root-cause analysis.
• Hardware transitions smoothly from engineering to production.
• Lessons learned drive long-term gains in production efficiency.

Benefits & Perks

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) plan with company match and immediate vesting
• Flexible Spending (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
• Disability, Life, and AD&D insurance
• Education assistance & Employee Assistance Program
• Paid time off and holidays
• Flexible work schedules, including a 9/8/80 alternate workweek option

About Us We are a recognized leader in advanced lasers, lidars, and laser communication systems, providing DoD, NASA, and aerospace customers with discriminating capabilities. We foster a progressive learning environment that values inspiration, promotes professional challenge, and encourages personal growth.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on individual merit, skills, and experience.