Director of Manufacturing

About the role

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the manufacturing strategy aligned with company goals, customer requirements, and public-company operational expectations.
• Lead day-to-day operations across additive printing, post-processing, machining, finishing, and assembly.
• Build capacity models, production plans, and operating metrics to support revenue growth and product expansion.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, EHS, and Program Management.
• Oversee production across metal and/or polymer AM technologies (e.g., SLS, MJF, DMLS/SLM, FDM, SLA).
• Ensure machine uptime, print quality, and process stability through robust preventive maintenance and calibration programs.
• Implement Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) feedback loops with Engineering.
• Manage and mentor a growing team of supervisors, technicians, operators, and support staff.
• Develop a high-performance team culture focused on safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Lead workforce planning, hiring, and training programs to support scale.
• Partner closely with Quality to maintain manufacturing readiness for audits, certifications, and regulatory requirements (e.g., ISO 9001, AS9100, FDA/medical standards as applicable).
• Ensure adherence to SOPs, documentation, and lot/material traceability protocols.
• Champion a strong safety culture and lead site EHS initiatives.
• Drive continuous improvement using Lean, Six Sigma, and data-driven methodologies.
• Optimize workflows, material flow, and facility layout for efficiency and scalability.
• Establish KPIs for throughput, OEE, scrap rates, cost per part, and scheduling accuracy.
• Manage production budgets and contribute to forecasting for capital equipment, staffing, and operational costs.
• Evaluate and implement new AM technologies, software, automation tools, and post-processing equipment.
• Oversee capital equipment acquisitions and the commissioning of new systems.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Materials Science, or related field.
• 10+ years of manufacturing experience, including 5+ years in additive manufacturing.
• Proven experience scaling manufacturing operations in a high-growth environment.
• Strong understanding of AM processes, materials, machine operation, and post-processing.
• Experience with ISO/AS quality systems and public-company operational rigor (documentation, controls, audits).
• Demonstrated leadership of multi-functional manufacturing teams.
• Experience with Lean/CI tools (5S, Kaizen, VSM, root-cause analysis).
• Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills
• Experience in aerospace, medical device, or industrial manufacturing regulated environments.
• Master’s degree (MBA or technical field).
• Six Sigma certification.
• Experience with ERP/MES systems (e.g., NetSuite, Odoo, Epicor, Dynamics).