Director, Production Operations

Company Overview

At Performance Drone Works (PDW), we're at the forefront of creating custom small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) for the modern warfighter. PDW is proudly American owned, with all design, engineering, and manufacturing of our products taking place domestically.

Role

PDW is seeking a Director of Production to join our team, leading the organization's electro-mechanical sub-systems, final assemblies, RMA and rework teams. The ideal candidate will thrive working in an innovative and fast-paced work environment, have excellent critical thinking skills, and play a pivotal role in shaping and operating PDW's manufacturing operations for multiple best-in-class sUAS products.

Responsibilities

• Ownership of production operations including management of subassembly and final assembly lines, interfacing with engineering and manufacturing engineering stakeholders translating design intent to final product.
• Partner to PDW's growing quality assurance program including attainment of AS/ISO certifications, resourcing and execution plans, reinforcement of a quality-focused work environment in partnership with PDW's Quality Assurance Director.
• Coordination with flight test team to ensure product quality and customer on-time shipments.
• Ownership of RMA and Rework executing to meet quality and delivery customer requirements with close partnership with Customer Success, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Planning Teams.
• Ownership of training and cross training program for Production, RMA, and Rework team members ensuring utilization and adherence to work instructions, critical to quality product characteristics, and work standards.
• Closely partner with PDW supply chain operations including logistics, inventory, and fulfillment teams as enablement to Production.
• Act as operational partner to sales, engineering, and other organizational functions in fulfillment and support of PDW products.
• Lead collaboration with design engineering to implement engineering changes and new products by partnering closely with technical team, production control, supply chain, and manufacturing engineering.
• Sustainment of production department operations with focus on cost tracking/variances, manufacturing performance metrics, and health of production operation.
• Active engagement, planning, and implementation in Design For Manufacturing (DFM) and Design For Testability (DFT) feedback with engineering stakeholders and forward-looking strategies towards maximizing production efficiency, scaling, repeatability, and quality.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree with MBA preferred
• 7 - 10 years' experience managing manufacturing operations including assembly, rework, and quality functions.
• Direct experience bootstrapping manufacturing programs from low level of maturity into high performing, high throughput operations.
• Direct experience scaling production while maintaining and controlling safety, quality, and cost.
• Experience in an electro-mechanical manufacturing environment highly preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of configuration control policies, BOM management, and quality assurance controls.
• Strong working knowledge of DFM/DFT theory and application in a modern manufacturing environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze data and make informed decisions.
• Organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Experience managing performance metrics, problem solving, and bottleneck resolution.
• Knowledge and demonstrated application of lean principles and methodologies such as 5S, line balancing, problem solving, Kanban, waste reduction, etc.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Ability to sit, stand, bend, reach, climb, and move about regularly throughout the day and lift / carry up to 25 pounds. Must have manual dexterity to operate standard office equipment.

Work Environment

This position may have exposure to outdoor weather conditions, noise, and non-climate-controlled environments. May require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) depending on the environment. This is a fast-paced work environment and requires cross departmental collaboration with independent and team-based responsibilities.

ITAR Requirement

In compliance with International Traffic Arms Regulations (ITAR), candidates must be U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents (Green Card holders) or individuals granted asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).

Compensation and Benefits

PDW values our team, and we offer a compensation package reflective of your experience and capabilities. Benefits include:

• Comprehensive BCBS medical, dental, and vision coverage; 80% sponsored by the company.
• Safe Harbor 401(K) with company match.
• Paid Parental Leave.
• A work environment that encourages teamwork and innovation.
• Competitive salary, generous paid time off (PTO), and flexible leave options.

EEO Statement

PDW is an equal opportunity employer that upholds all federal and state non-discrimination laws. We ensure a fair and unbiased evaluation for employment for all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, medical condition, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.