Nammo Defense Systems, Inc., a defense contractor, is the primary USA operation of the Nammo Group (Nammo AS). Nammo Defense Systems Inc. (NDS) develops, manufactures, and supports Shoulder Launched Munitions (SLMs), energetic material solutions such as aircraft emergency escape systems, actuation devices, rocket motors, warheads, and composite solutions including carbon fiber tubes and composite aerospace structures.
The Director of Manufacturing Engineering leads manufacturing engineering and other technical support personnel to develop, implement, sustain and optimize production processes, ensuring high-quality, cost-effective manufacturing. They are responsible for helping to cultivate a culture of continuous improvement, leveraging Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and elevate product quality. This role demands strong leadership characteristics that motivate cross-functional collaboration to achieve ambitious production goals. This role will be a leading example of demonstrating a high level of accountability and sense of urgency while cultivating the same culture within their team. This role demands a proactive leader that inspires others to create possibilities that otherwise would not exist. The scope of this role includes all the following functions: Manufacturing Engineering, Process Engineering, Controls, Tooling and Equipment Maintenance.
How you will be rewarded as our Director, Manufacturing Engineering:
Competitive compensation
Monday-Thursday work week working four 10-hour days (off on Fridays)
Generous paid time off and Holiday Pay
Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
401(K), employee assistance programs, health savings account
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Champion a safety-first culture within manufacturing engineering and ensure all processes and equipment comply with relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations. Implement ergonomic improvements and risk assessments to create a safe working environment
Cultivate a culture of accountability, nurturing individual strengths to achieve collective, high-value outcomes.
Promote and facilitate cross-functional collaboration to enhance adaptability to business needs and strengthen collective problem-solving
Mentor and coach employees to reach their full potential, aligning professional growth aspirations with organizational goals
Collaborate closely with quality control teams to establish and maintain robust manufacturing processes that consistently meet or exceed quality standards (e.g., AS and ISO regulations where applicable). Drive implementation of robust process controls that will monitor and improve process capability. Leverage systematic risk reduction tools to improve manufacturing process outputs by mitigating errors.
Lead the charge in identifying, analyzing, and optimizing manufacturing processes across all production lines. Implement and sustain a culture where the team will leverage advanced Lean Manufacturing principles, Six Sigma methodologies, and other continuous improvement tools to eliminate waste, improve efficiency, reduce cycle times, and enhance overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
Help develop comprehensive long-term manufacturing engineering strategies that align with the company's overall business objectives and growth targets. Translate strategic goals into actionable plans for process improvement, automation, and capacity expansion
Develop and manage all department budgets, ensuring optimal allocation of resources and discretionary department spending.
Identify, justify and manage capital expenditure projects for new equipment, tooling, and infrastructure improvements, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget
Ensure delivery of timely inputs to proposal for manufacturing engineering labor and equipment and tooling needs with a credible basis of estimate.
Manage the Estimate At Complete (EAC) process for manufacturing and process engineering direct charging departments to ensure alignment to program schedule, performance and financial outcomes.
Partner with Project and Design Engineering and Integrated Production Teams to ensure a seamless and efficient transition of new products and processes from design to full-scale manufacturing. Lead Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) initiatives, ensuring manufacturability, cost-effectiveness, and quality from the outset.
Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) that support site business outcomes and strategic initiatives for manufacturing engineering. Utilize data-driven approach to identify and prioritize areas where improvement efforts should be applied. Leverage systematic problem-solving process to implement countermeasure(s), track progress and ensure sustainment to the improved state.
Process minded: Develop and implement new methods and procedures related to key areas of manufacturing. Standardize manufacturing engineering processes to ensure scalability and repeatability.
Develop and coach leadership attributes in managers, supervisors, and leads both in Manufacturing Engineering and across Nammo Defense Systems.
Lead by example and hold yourself accountable to living out the company's vision and values.
Other duties as assigned.
Follow company standard operating procedures
Strictly adhere to all Nammo safety policies and procedures to ensure a safe working environment.
COOPERATION:
This role requires collaboration across internal teams and with external stakeholders.
LEVEL OF DECISION MAKING:
This position requires autonomous daily decision-making capabilities when working with both internal and external stakeholders. High level decision making, leading and coaching a team on best practices are imperative to the role.
REQUIRED:
Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline from an accredited institution is required. MS degree or higher preferred.
10 - 15 years of progressive experience in manufacturing engineering roles, with at least 5 years in a leadership role. Experience in energetics processing and assembly manufacturing for the defense and aerospace industry preferred.
Demonstrated expertise in Lean Manufacturing principles, Six Sigma methodologies (Green Belt required, Black Belt certification highly preferred).
Familiarity with automation technologies, robotics, PLCs, and SCADA systems.
Strong understanding and practical experience with ERP/MRP and MES systems (experience with Deltek Costpoint beneficial)
Strong working knowledge of Failure Modes Effects Analysis (FMEA).
Superior analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven approach to decision-making. Ability to conduct root cause analysis and implement effective corrective actions.
Strong financial acumen for budget management and capital expenditure justification
5+ years leadership and management experience required. Second level leadership experience preferred.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical information clearly and concisely to all levels of the organization, from shop floor personnel to executive leadership
Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, with the ability to build effective relationships and collaborate cross-functionally with Program Management, Design Engineering, Production, Quality, and Supply Chain teams
Ability to obtain BATF approval to work with NDS products.
COMPETENCIES:
Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
Strong attention to detail
Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities.
Ability to work in fast-paced environments.
Leadership attributes and teamwork abilities.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Full-time on-site position.
This position may require travel on an as-needed basis
This position may require working in diverse settings and conditions.
Note: Due to US Export Control laws and regulations; applicants selected for employment must show proof of a U.S. Person status before employment may begin.
