Manufacturing Manager – Aerospace & Defense | Phoenix, AZ | High-Mix Manufacturing

🏭 Manufacturing Manager

High-Mix, Low-Volume Aerospace Manufacturing

📍 Location: Phoenix, Arizona (Onsite)
🏭 Industry: Aerospace · Defense · Advanced Manufacturing
🧠 Level: Mid–Senior
👥 Management: Yes (Direct leadership responsibility)
✈️ Travel: Up to 10%
💼 Employment Type: Full-Time | Permanent
🛂 Visa Sponsorship: Not available
🔐 Export Controls: U.S. work authorization required

🚀 The Opportunity

A highly respected aerospace and defense technology organization is seeking a Manufacturing Manager to play a pivotal role in supporting advanced manufacturing operations in Arizona.

This role is ideal for a hands-on manufacturing leader who thrives in a high-mix, low-volume environment, enjoys solving complex production challenges, and is passionate about continuous improvement, automation, and developing high-performing technical teams.

You’ll be instrumental in both new product introduction (NPI) and the ongoing optimization of mature production programs—bridging engineering, operations, and quality to drive world-class manufacturing outcomes.

🎯 What You’ll Be Responsible For

• Lead qualification of manufacturing processes for new products and drive continuous improvement across existing operations

• Manage, mentor, and develop Manufacturing Technicians and Engineers

• Define and document manufacturing procedures, routing, and work instructions

• Establish time standards, cost estimates, and economic run quantities

• Evaluate, justify, and implement new manufacturing equipment and technologies

• Own and support automated manufacturing cells, improving stability and reducing labor variability

• Partner with engineering, quality, operations, and suppliers to resolve process issues

• Ensure manufacturability through drawing reviews and design-for-manufacturing input

• Support NC programming, tooling, fixturing, and program prove-outs

• Lead or support cost estimating and manufacturing input for new proposals

• Champion safety, compliance, and continuous improvement culture

🧩 Required Experience & Qualifications

• 5+ years experience in manufacturing engineering or operations

• 3+ years of direct people management experience

• Experience manufacturing circuit card assemblies (CCAs) and sensitive electronics

• Strong background in process engineering from raw material to finished goods

• Working knowledge of IPC and NASA manufacturing standards

• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills

⭐ Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

• Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma certification

• Hands-on experience setting up and operating SMT machines

🧠 What Sets You Apart

• Comfortable operating in non-routine, complex manufacturing environments

• Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence across disciplines

• Passion for automation, process optimization, and operational excellence

• Ability to think creatively and apply “out-of-the-box” solutions

• Proven track record of developing technical teams and driving results

💰 Compensation & Benefits

• Salary Range: $140,000 – $155,000 (Phoenix, AZ)

• Comprehensive benefits package including:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage

• Paid time off

• Retirement programs

• Annual bonus opportunities

• Employee stock purchase plan (where applicable)

• Relocation assistance may be available for the ideal candidate

Final compensation will be based on experience, skills, and overall fit.

🏢 Work Environment & Culture

• Fully onsite role in Phoenix, AZ

• Collaborative, performance-driven culture

• Engineers and leaders trusted to own outcomes

• Emphasis on integrity, accountability, and technical excellence

📌 Candidate Snapshot

Attribute

Details

Role

Manufacturing Manager

Industry

Aerospace / Defense

Location

Phoenix, AZ (Onsite)

Experience

5–7+ years

Management

Yes

Manufacturing Focus

Electronics / CCAs

Environment

High-mix, low-volume

✨ Why This Role Matters

This is a high-impact leadership role where your decisions directly influence product quality, production efficiency, and the success of advanced aerospace programs. You’ll be empowered to lead change, introduce new technologies, and build manufacturing processes that support mission-critical systems.

Program Manager - Electronics Manufacturing | Phoenix, AZ | $81,000 - $100,000/year

Job Title: Program Manager

Location: Phoenix, AZ (On-site)
Experience Level: Associate
Experience Required: 3+ Years
Education Level: Bachelor’s Degree
Industry: Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing
Compensation: $81,000 - $100,000 per year
Relocation Assistance: No
Visa Sponsorship: No

Job Description

The Program Manager is responsible for executing customer strategies across multiple programs or products, from new product introduction (NPI) to volume production. The role involves ensuring customer satisfaction, fostering profitable relationships, driving sales growth, and leading customer focus teams to meet or exceed commitments.

This position requires a background in Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) or Contract Manufacturing (CM), with a strong understanding of the production lifecycle, customer relationships, and business operations.

Key Responsibilities

Customer Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for customers.

• Maintain and strengthen customer relationships.

• Resolve customer issues and ensure high satisfaction levels.

• Monitor customer product knowledge, market trends, and competition.

Project Leadership

• Lead customer focus teams (CFT), prioritizing and monitoring activities.

• Execute NPI processes, including pricing, ECO prioritization, and resource allocation.

• Oversee demand management, forecasting, and delivery schedules.

Financial & Contract Management

• Manage recurring pricing activities and cost reduction obligations.

• Ensure adherence to contractual terms, including flexibility allowances, warranty terms, and inventory recovery.

• Monitor and drive financial performance, including gross margin and cost variance alignment.

Operational Excellence

• Ensure the achievement of key performance indicators (KPIs), including on-time delivery and quality metrics.

• Conduct monthly program reviews and manage business reviews (EBR/QBR).

• Identify and implement process improvements to reduce costs and enhance efficiency.

Continuous Improvement & Problem-Solving

• Utilize tools like root cause analysis, 8D, and 5 Why’s for problem-solving.

• Promote lean practices and DFx methodologies (Design for Manufacturing/Test/BOM).

Qualifications

Must-Have Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Business.

• Experience in EMS or CM environments.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and conferencing tools.

• Proven ability to manage global business operations.

• Strong customer service, communication, and leadership skills.

Additional Skills

• Solid financial understanding and risk analysis capabilities.

• Proficiency in continuous improvement tools and methodologies.

• Experience with supply chain strategy and inventory management.

• Effective negotiation, problem-solving, and organizational skills.

• Enthusiastic communicator with multi-cultural experience.

Key Metrics & Tools

• Operational KPIs: On-time delivery, inventory turns, DPPM/DPU/DPMO, COPQ.

• Tools: Root Cause Analysis, Risk/Liability Tool, ECO processes, S&OP.

Travel Requirements

• Up to 25% travel, including international trips.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to lead key programs, strengthen client relationships, and drive results within a dynamic electronics manufacturing environment.