Senior Manager, Manufacturing Engineering

Description
Position Summary
We are seeking a highly experienced and results-oriented Senior Manager of Manufacturing Engineering to lead and drive excellence across our manufacturing engineering function. Reporting to VP of operations, the Senior Manager of Manufacturing Engineering will be responsible for developing and implementing manufacturing and test strategies, ensuring capable assembly and test processes, jigs and fixtures for new product introductions as well as for existing products. The position will be the focal point for generating DFM and DFT guidance to the design engineering teams and driving consensus on them. This role requires a strong technical background, exceptional leadership skills, and a deep understanding of lean manufacturing methodologies in a low-mix, medium-volume environment. One measure of success will be their ability to lead the team data driven decision in achieving target yields on time.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute the manufacturing engineering strategy aligned with the company's overall business and operations objectives and lean manufacturing philosophy.
• New Supplier Validation: Lead the qualification, validation, and onboarding of new suppliers to ensure compliance with quality, reliability, and delivery standards, while mitigating supply chain risk and supporting long-term scalability.
• Process Optimization: Lead the design, development, and implementation of efficient and robust manufacturing processes for new and existing products, ensuring manufacturability, scalability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Equipment and Technology: Oversee the selection, installation, validation, and maintenance of manufacturing and test equipment and technologies that support NPI efforts, while ensuring optimal performance and alignment with lean principles.
• Product Industrialization: Collaborate closely with product development teams to ensure smooth and efficient transition of new products from design to manufacturing, incorporating design for manufacturability (DFM), design for test (DFT), and design for assembly (DFA) principles.
• Cost Management: Drive initiatives to reduce manufacturing costs through process improvements that reduce touch time and flow time and increase yield.
• Quality Assurance: Partner with the Quality team to establish and maintain robust manufacturing processes that consistently meet or exceed quality standards.
• Team Leadership and Development: Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing team of manufacturing and test engineers, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning.
• Problem Solving: Lead and facilitate the resolution of complex manufacturing issues, implementing effective root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Safety and Compliance : Ensure all manufacturing processes and equipment comply with relevant safety regulations and company policies.
• Data Analysis and Reporting: Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for manufacturing processes, analyze data to identify trends and areas for improvement, and provide regular reports to senior management. Lead the team in implementing systems to capture yield and defect data, translate it into actionable Pareto charts, and drive root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Supplier Collaboration: As requested by the Supply Chain organization, collaborate with suppliers to optimize quality, delivery and cost.

Required Qualifications

• BS in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Possess 8+ years of experience building high-performing Manufacturing Engineering teams, applying strong Program Management skills, and executing hands-on engineering solutions when needed.
• Expertise process optimization, lean manufacturing, and advanced manufacturing systems.
• Advance understanding of statistical analysis using Minitab or JMP software
• Proven innovation and efficiency achievements within manufacturing.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively.
• Extensive experience in manufacturing complex electromechanical products, including assembly, testing, and integration.
• Strong understanding of DFM/DFT/DFA principles and their application in product development.
• Experience with PDM systems (e.g., Arena or Agile) and MES for capturing & analyzing data.
• Drive innovation, improve efficiency, and collaborate across teams to ensure operational success.
• Hands-on leader who also serves as an individual contributor, dedicating approximately 50% of their time to direct project work.

Additional Desired Qualifications

• MS Engineering preferred.
• Data Driven and experience in a factory that is following the Toyota Product System version of Lean Manufacturing is highly desired.

Physical Requirements And Working Conditions

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while working in office, lab, and production floor environments.
• Must be able to move between office and manufacturing areas frequently, including walking, standing, climbing stairs, and navigating production and lab spaces.
• Occasional lifting of equipment or materials up to 25 pounds may be required during process evaluations or hands-on support.
• Manual dexterity and visual acuity are necessary for reviewing engineering drawings, operating test equipment, or handling small components when supporting hands-on activities.
• Ability to use a computer, communicate clearly, and participate in video or in-person meetings for extended periods.
• Exposure to moderate noise levels and manufacturing equipment in production environments; appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) must be used when applicable.
• Flexibility to adjust schedule and work longer hours during critical project phases, product launches, or issue resolution efforts.

Background
Check
This position will require successfully completing a post-offer background check. Qualified candidates with a criminal history will be considered and are not automatically disqualified, consistent with federal and state law.

EEO and ITAR/EAR Work Authorization Disclosure
Red Cat Holdings provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This position requires direct or indirect access to hardware, software, technology or technical data controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Successful candidates for positions subject to ITAR/EAR restrictions must provide proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residence and must not require sponsorship for export-restricted work authorization.

E-Verify
The company participates ensure eligibility for employment and compliance with rules.

Compensation: Salary plus generous annual equity package and potential bonuses.