R&D Manufacturing Director
fibertekHerndon, VA
$150,000-$225,000APPLY NOW
R&D Manufacturing Director
fibertekHerndon, VA
17 days ago
Occupations
Industrial Production ManagersArchitectural and Engineering ManagersFirst-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating WorkersIndustries
Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument ManufacturingOther Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment ManufacturingOther Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing$150,000-$225,000
APPLY NOWAbout the role
Job TitleR&D Manufacturing Director LocationHerndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary)
Job Description:
Fibertek is seeking a hands-on R&D Manufacturing Director to lead manufacturing of first-of-kind prototypes, demonstration units, and initial low-rate production units for laser and electro-optical systems used in aerospace and space programs. This includes deliverable engineering development units (EDUs) and flight units as well as low-rate initial production. In addition to manufacturing execution, this role oversees production planning, Assembly Integration and Test (AI&T) processes, and manufacturing engineering across the R&D organization. This is not a purely managerial role. The Director will be actively involved in day-to-day manufacturing execution while improving Fibertek's manufacturing capability, including updating core processes, leading implementation efforts for a Manufacturing Execution System (MES), and helping to scale production capacity. The role serves as the operational link between engineering, configuration management, quality, supply chain, planning, and the build teams.
Job Duties and Responsibilities:
- Shop & Operations Ownership
- Provide technical & execution oversight of production shops, including optical and electronics assembly, parts cleaning, and machine shop operations
- Identify constraints and drive improvements across the production floor
- Production Planning & Execution
- Develop work instructions in collaboration with design engineers that result in efficient assembly and testing with predictable hardware delivery outcomes Ensure build packages, travelers, drawings, and procedures are complete, controlled, and build-ready
- Ensure build schedules and resources are realistic and executable
- Serve as the primary escalation point for manufacturing execution issues
- Manufacturing Engineering & Process Improvement
Responsible for Design for Manufacturing (DFM) feedback and definition of build strategy and flow.
Standardize and continuously improve manufacturing processes for repeatability, traceability, and throughput
Select, implement, and operationalize a Manufacturing Execution System (MES) aligned with optical and laser manufacturing needs
Resolve nonconformances and production issues using structured root cause analysisAI&T Process Ownership
Serve as the process owner from released design through assembly & integration
Act as the integration point between engineering, configuration management, quality, safety & mission assurance, supply chain, planning, and builders
Facilities & Team Leadership
Lead and develop the manufacturing engineering team while remaining hands-onPartner with leadership to plan facility improvements aligned with future program needs
Job Requirements:
- Experience and Expertise Required:10–15 years of experience in manufacturing engineering or production leadership
- Experience with optical, laser, electro-optical, aerospace, or space-qualified hardware Experience with transitioning new engineering designs through prototype, manufacturing development, and initial production phases
- Direct experience with AI&T and controlled build environments
- Strong understanding of configuration control, build documentation, and traceability
- Experience with an ERP system such as Deltek Costpoint
- Experience in an ISO-9001 (or AS9100) certified manufacturing environment
- Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline (engineering preferred)
- Proven hands-on leadership style
- Success in This Role Looks Like: AI&T activities are disciplined, repeatable, and audit-ready Manufacturing issues are identified as early as possible, and resolved quickly Hardware transitions smoothly from engineering into production
- Manufacturing lessons learned are documented and applied organization-wide resulting in continuous improvement and long-term gains in production efficiency
Salary Range:
The annual base salary range for this position is $150,000-$225,000. This range reflects the compensation Fibertek reasonably expects to offer for this role. Placement within the range will depend on factors such as the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's experience, education and training, key skills, and relevant market and business considerations. Benefits offered: The company provides a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage; disability, life insurance, and AD&D; a 401(k) plan with a company match and immediate vesting; Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts; an Employee Assistance Program; education assistance; paid time off and holidays; flexible work schedules; and a 9/8/80 alternate workweek option. FIBERTEK, Inc. is a recognized leader in advanced lasers, lidars and laser communication systems providing our DoD, NASA and aerospace customers discriminating capabilities. We pride ourselves in our innovation and customer success focused culture enabled by a creative and relaxed work environment. Fibertek fosters a progressive learning environment that values inspiration, promotes professional challenge and encourages personal growth. We offer a competitive and incentivized compensation package with excellent benefits. Fibertek, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on individual merit, skills, and experience. Fibertek does not engage in nor permits any discrimination in the workplace.-
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JOB OVERVIEW
Salary
$150,000-$225,000
Experience level
Manager
Location
Herndon, VA
Occupation
Industrial Production Managers
Industry
Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing
Posted
17 days ago
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