Production Director

Production Director

Rockville, MD
Job Description: Production Director

We are seeking an exceptional Production Director to lead the build-out and operation of a highly automated production facility. This is a high-impact leadership role focused on scaling manufacturing capabilities, assembling top-tier teams, and driving products from prototype to market at speed. You will own end-to-end production strategy with an emphasis on automation, efficiency, quality, and rapid delivery of complex hardware.
About the Role

The ideal candidate has deep experience at world-class organizations and can deliver results that surpass typical aerospace/defense benchmarks.
Key Responsibilities

Design, lead development, and operational readiness of world class satellite production facility. Build and lead high-performing production teams. Recruit, develop, and mentor talent capable of executing at the highest levels. Prioritize attracting exceptional individuals with backgrounds from elite organizations. Design and implement automated production facilities. Lead the planning, commissioning, and optimization of advanced automated manufacturing lines. Drive processes that enable high-volume, high-reliability output. Scale production to market. Own the transition of products from development into full-rate production. Focus relentlessly on bringing high-quality products to market faster and more efficiently. Process optimization & automation. Implement lean manufacturing principles, automation technologies, robotics, and digital systems to maximize throughput, minimize defects, and reduce costs. Quality, safety & compliance. Establish and maintain rigorous quality standards, safety protocols, and regulatory compliance. Cross-functional collaboration. Partner closely with engineering, supply chain, quality, and program teams to resolve bottlenecks and ensure production readiness. Performance metrics & continuous improvement. Define and track KPIs (yield, cycle time, OEE, on-time delivery, cost per unit). Drive data-driven improvements.
Qualifications & Experience

Proven track record: 8+ years of progressive leadership in production/manufacturing operations, with significant experience scaling automated facilities in complex hardware environments. Background preferred: Strong manufacturing background in aerospace or automotive. Automation expertise: Hands-on success implementing automated production systems, robotics, and smart factory technologies. Team building: Demonstrated ability to recruit, build, and lead high-output manufacturing teams in fast-paced, high-stakes environments. Technical & business acumen: Strong understanding of manufacturing engineering, supply chain, quality systems, and product-to-market lifecycles. Ability to balance technical excellence with business outcomes (cost, schedule, quality). Education: Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Operations/Supply Chain Management or related field (Master's or MBA preferred).
What Success Looks Like

A fully operational, automated production facility delivering products at scale by late 2028. A high-caliber production team recognized for performance and culture. Measurable improvements in time-to-market, quality, and cost efficiency.