Work Arrangement This is an onsite position.  Job Overview The Manufacturing Manager oversees end‑to‑end production of unmanned systems (UAV and USV), ensuring safe, efficient, and high‑quality manufacturing of drone vehicles, propulsion systems, electronics, and final assembly. This role leads production teams to meet delivery schedules, maintain compliance with industry and regulatory standards, and drive continuous improvement in a fast‑paced aerospace manufacturing environment. Essential Functions •    Lead daily operations across drone assembly lines, including composites, machining, electronics integration, propulsion, and final system build. •    Foster a culture of success and accountability. •    Ensure all products meet required aerospace, quality, and regulatory standards (e.g., ISO, AS9100). •    Drive a culture of safety, ensuring compliance with all company and industry safety requirements. •    Direct, mentor, and develop production supervisors and assembly technicians. •    Monitor production KPIs and deliverables, adjusting resources and processes to meet demand. •    Coordinate with Engineering to support new product introductions (NPI), prototype builds, and design-for-manufacture (DFM) improvements. •    Partner with Quality Assurance to resolve nonconformances and implement corrective actions. •    Work with Maintenance and Automation teams to ensure high equipment uptime and implementation of new manufacturing technologies. •    Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, 5S, and root‑cause analysis to improve throughput, reduce waste, and lower cost. •    Ensure accurate documentation, including build instructions, process control plans, and production records. •    Support capacity planning, facility layout changes, and capital equipment projects as demand scales. •    Perform other duties as required. •   Regular and reliable attendance on a full-time basis [or in accordance with posted schedule]. •   Responsible for exhibiting professional behavior with both internal and external business associates that reflects positively on the company and is          consistent with the company's policies and practices. •   Embodies AEVEX’s cultural values and aligns daily actions with department goals and company culture. Qualifications and Competencies •    Strong knowledge of assembly processes involving electronics, wiring harnesses, composite structures, mechanical integration, and                               calibration/testing. •    Strong communication, leadership, and decision‑making skills. •    Strong familiarity with AS9100 quality systems, FAA requirements, or defense compliance standards. •    Working knowledge of ERP/MES systems. Leadership Competencies •    Directs and provides expert knowledge in the day-to-day function of the department. •    Identifies, recruits, and retains top-notch talent. •    Champions AEVEX’s culture and empowers employees to take responsibility for their jobs and goals. •    Coaches, mentors, engage and develop the team, including overseeing new employee onboarding and providing career development planning and        learning opportunities. •    Sets performance standards and encourages employee engagement and results through delegation, continuous feedback, goal setting, and                   performance management. •    Maintains transparent communication. Appropriately communicates organization information through department meetings, one-on-one meetings,         and appropriate email, and regular interpersonal communication. •    Provides oversight and direction to the employees in accordance with AEVEX’s policies and procedures. Education/Certifications •    Associate’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Aerospace Technology, Operations Management, or equivalent experience. •    Lean Six Sigma certification. Experience •    5+ years of manufacturing experience in aerospace, drones, electronics, robotics, or advanced manufacturing. •    2+ years of leadership experience in a production environment. •    Experience with Lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies. •    Experience with unmanned systems (UAV and USV) or related aerospace systems. •    Experience scaling from prototype to volume production. Physical Requirements The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties the employee is: Frequently required repetitive movements of wrists, hands, and/or fingers Frequently required to stand for extended periods of time Security Clearance • Ability to obtain/maintain a Secret DoD clearance, U.S. Citizenship required.   About AEVEX  AEVEX, headquartered in Solana Beach, California, supports the U.S. national security mission and partner nation needs around the world by providing full-spectrum aviation, remote sensing, and analysis solutions. The company's capabilities include custom design and engineering; rapid prototyping; sensor integration and sustainment; aircraft modification and certification; flight test instrumentation and support; mission operations service; advanced intelligence data processing, exploitation, and dissemination solutions; and tailored hardware and software mission-system tools. AEVEX uses agile and customized approaches to rapidly define, develop, and deliver specialized solutions for airborne special mission needs for the U.S. Government, partner nations, and commercial businesses. AEVEX has major offices in California, Florida, North Carolina, Ohio, and Virginia.     AEVEX provides a full suite of comprehensive benefits, including a 401(k)-retirement plan, comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability and Life insurance group coverage with a portion of the premiums paid by the company, professional development funds, and an Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) with counseling, legal help, child and elder care support, among other benefits for qualified employees.   Equal Employment Opportunity: AEVEX is an Equal Opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, religious creed, color, sex (including pregnancy, breast feeding and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, military and veteran status, marital status, age, protected medical condition, genetic information, physical disability, mental disability, or any other protected status in accordance with all applicable federal, state and local laws.