Manufacturing Manager

JOB SUMMARY

The Manufacturing Manager leads the technical and operational execution of aerospace and defense wire harness, cable assembly, and related electromechanical manufacturing. The position translates released engineering requirements into controlled, repeatable shop-floor processes while ensuring tooling, materials, workmanship, staffing, and schedules supporting safe and efficient production. This manager serves as the primary manufacturing subject matter expert for harness-building methods, parts and tooling selection, process development, workforce mentoring, and continuous improvement. The position works with considerable independence under the Director of Logistics and Manufacturing and directs day-to-day production through the Production Manager.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as the technical authority for wire harness and cable assembly manufacturing processes and workmanship practices.
• Review engineering drawings, bills of material, wire lists, schematics, specifications, and work instructions for manufacturability and production readiness.
• Work with Engineering to resolve production questions, clarify released requirements, improve manufacturability, evaluate parts and tooling options, and reduce execution risk without assuming design authority.
• Provide hands-on technical mentoring and troubleshooting support for crimping, soldering, contact insertion and removal, connector assembly, back shells, shielding, splicing, routing, lacing, sleeving, marking, and electrical testing.
• Evaluate, specify, validate, and implement crimp tools, dies, applicators, wire-processing equipment, harness boards, fixtures, assembly aids, and test equipment.
• Ensure production tooling is properly identified, qualified, calibrated when required, maintained, and available to support scheduled work.
• Develop, improve, and maintain executable manufacturing processes, work instructions, labor standards, and production documentation for shop-floor use.
• Lead production readiness, prototype and first-build execution, process prove-out, and transition into repeatable production.
• Direct daily manufacturing operations through the Production Manager, including labor allocation, capacity planning, workflow, schedule execution, and issue escalation.
• Coordinate priorities and production risks with Program Management, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Planning, and other supporting functions.
• Establish and monitor performance indicators such as on-time delivery, schedule attainment, first-pass yield, labor efficiency, rework, scrap, and safety performance.
• Lead root-cause analysis and corrective actions for workmanship defects, test failures, tooling problems, process escapes, customer returns, and recurring production issues.
• Ensure manufacturing compliance with AS9100, IPC/WHMA-A-620, J-STD-001 as applicable, customer requirements, ESD controls, FOD prevention practices, and internal procedures.
• Support customer, AS9100, and government audits and ensure timely closure of manufacturing-related findings and corrective actions.
• Lead Lean and continuous-improvement initiatives that improve quality, throughput, cost, safety, and use of floor space.
• Mentor and develop the Production Manager, production leads, technicians, and assemblers; identify training and certification needs and promote a culture of craftsmanship and accountability.
• Participate in recruiting, interviewing, hiring, onboarding, performance management, and succession planning for manufacturing personnel.
• Promote safe work practices and support equipment, facility, and capital planning for manufacturing growth.

WHY WORK FOR GMRE?

GMRE is a small veteran-owned company who cares about our employees. We offer health, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k), vacation, Paid Time Off (PTO), or Paid Sick Leave (PSL) based on state laws, paid holidays, and life insurance to all permanent full-time employees. GMRE’s mission is to provide high quality engineering and technical services to help our customers grow and succeed. 

GMRE is an equal opportunity employer. GMRE is committed to making employment decisions based on valid requirements, without regard to age 40 and over, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or any other applicable status protected by state or local laws.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Advanced practical knowledge of aerospace and defense wire harness and cable assembly manufacturing.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, wiring diagrams, wire run lists, bills of material, specifications, and acceptance criteria.
• Demonstrated ability to select and apply wire, cable, contacts, connectors, back shells, shielding, sleeving, labels, splices, and related harness components.
• Demonstrated ability to select, validate, and troubleshoot crimp tooling, applicators, wire-processing equipment, assembly fixtures, harness boards, and electrical test equipment.
• Working knowledge of IPC/WHMA-A-620, AS9100, AS9102, ESD controls, FOD prevention, and applicable military or aerospace specifications.
• Strong production planning, capacity management, data analysis, root-cause analysis, and corrective-action skills.
• Strong supervisory, coaching, delegation, conflict-resolution, and performance-management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to coordinate effectively with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Program Management, and Production.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, make timely decisions, and function effectively in a high-mix, schedule-driven environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and experience using ERP/MRP and production planning systems.
• Ability to maintain regular attendance, professional conduct, and flexibility to respond to production needs.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Technology, Operations Management, Industrial Technology, Business Management, or a related technical field preferred; an equivalent combination of education and directly relevant hands-on experience may be considered.
• Minimum eight years of experience in aerospace, defense, electronics, or another high-reliability manufacturing environment.
• Minimum five years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, including responsibility for front-line supervisors or production leaders.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience building, troubleshooting, and improving wire harnesses and cable assemblies.
• Experience developing manufacturing processes, selecting tooling, supporting production planning, and leading corrective actions.
• IPC/WHMA-A-620 certification, J-STD-001 certification, Lean Six Sigma certification, and experience with DoD or aerospace programs are preferred.

SECURITY CLEARANCE AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Must be a U.S. Citizen and be eligible to work on defense and aerospace programs.
• Must be able to pass company and customer background screening and obtain access to controlled work areas as required.
• A valid driver’s license may be required for company business and occasional travel.
• Must comply with all company quality, safety, security, export-control, and information-protection requirements.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Directly supervise the Production Manager and other assigned manufacturing or technical production-support personnel.
• Oversee the daily workflow, priorities, staffing, and performance of the manufacturing organization through subordinate leaders.
• Participates in recruiting, interviewing, hiring, training, performance evaluations, coaching, corrective action, and termination decisions in accordance with company policy.
• Establishes clear expectations, develops leaders and technical talent, and ensures appropriate cross-training and succession coverage.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to alternate between office work and regular presence on the manufacturing floor.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer, with frequent standing and walking in production areas.
• Ability to visually inspect detailed harness workmanship and manipulate small components and tooling as needed for demonstrations or troubleshooting.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 25 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment and work in a manufacturing environment.

TRAVEL REQUIRED

• Occasional travel, generally up to 10%, may be required for customer or supplier visits, training, audits, equipment evaluations, or other business needs. Some travel may be overnight.