# Vice President of Manufacturing - Defense & Aerospace Systems > TOMORROW HIRE · Gilbert, United States · Full-time · Posted 2026-11-11 **Salary:** USD 210,000–235,000 **Workplace:** on_site **Department:** Information Technology ## Description **Location:** Gilbert, Arizona, United States **Salary:** $210,000–$235,000 annually, based on experience ## Description ### Position Summary Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Vice President of Manufacturing provides strategic and hands-on leadership across manufacturing, production, quality, procurement, materials management, and facilities for complex defense and government programs. This executive oversees end-to-end manufacturing operations, from low-rate initial production (LRIP) through full-rate production, ensuring cost-effective, high-quality, and on-time delivery of mission-critical systems. The role drives operational excellence, production scalability, automation, financial performance, and regulatory compliance while leading cross-functional teams and supporting the company's expanding portfolio of multimillion-dollar government contracts. ### Key Responsibilities **Manufacturing Operations & Production Execution** - Lead plant operations, manufacturing engineering, production teams, and multi-shift workforces to meet cost, schedule, quality, and safety objectives. - Oversee production planning, capacity management, manufacturing readiness reviews, and transitions from LRIP to full-rate production. - Coordinate with Program Management, Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain to align production schedules, material availability, and Earned Value Management (EVMS) reporting. **Financial Performance & Operational Excellence** - Manage manufacturing budgets, labor, factory overhead, capital expenditures, and cost-center or P&L performance. - Improve operational KPIs, including on-time delivery, first-pass yield, overall equipment effectiveness (OEE), cycle time, and cost per unit. - Lead Lean Six Sigma initiatives, process improvements, and automation strategies involving robotics, automated testing, and MES/ERP integration. **Procurement, Materials & Quality Management** - Direct procurement, supplier performance, sourcing, inventory control, kitting, receiving, shipping, and storeroom operations. - Oversee manufacturing resource planning and procurement systems, including Costpoint MRP and Purchasing, ensuring data accuracy and effective cross-functional integration. - Ensure manufacturing quality, configuration management, process controls, and compliance with AS9100, ITAR, DFARS, CMMC, and customer requirements. **Facilities, Compliance & Leadership** - Oversee facilities, maintenance, environmental health and safety (EHS), secure manufacturing areas, and capacity expansion. - Lead manufacturing readiness for DCMA, customer, and third-party audits and inspections. - Build and develop high-performing leadership teams across manufacturing, quality, procurement, materials, and facilities. ## Requirements ### Required Qualifications - Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field. - **15+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership**, including at least **7 years at the Director or VP level** overseeing complex electromechanical, electronic, or aerospace hardware production. - Proven experience scaling and automating manufacturing operations supporting large U.S. defense or military contracts, from LRIP through full-rate production. - Demonstrated P&L or cost-center accountability, including labor, overhead, and capital budgets. - Strong knowledge of AS9100, ITAR, DFARS, CMMC, EVMS, and DCMA oversight. - Hands-on experience implementing automation, robotics, Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), and data-driven process controls. - Experience leading procurement, supplier management, materials operations, inventory control, and manufacturing planning systems such as Costpoint MRP and Purchasing. - Proven ability to lead large, multi-shift teams, including hourly or union workforces. - Must be a U.S. citizen with an active Secret security clearance or the ability to obtain one. - Must be able to work full-time on-site in Gilbert, Arizona. ### Preferred Qualifications - MBA or Master's degree in Engineering or Operations Management. - Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt certification. - Experience establishing new manufacturing facilities, production lines, or negotiating with contract manufacturers and key suppliers. - Background with defense prime contractors or growing defense technology companies specializing in unmanned systems, Counter-UAS, C4ISR, or missile systems. ## Benefits **Salary:** $210,000–$235,000 annually, based on experience. Compensation is determined by factors including geographic location, experience, education, technical expertise, executive leadership responsibilities, and program requirements. ### Benefits Eligible employees (30+ hours/week) may enroll in benefits starting the first of the month after hire. Offerings include: - Multiple Medical, Dental, and Vision plan options - Prescription coverage with mail-order option - Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, Life, and Voluntary Insurance - 401(k) with John Hancock (eligible after 6 months) - Health Savings Account (HSA) - Wellness and Employee Discount programs - Paid Time Off (2 weeks), 3 Sick Days (prorated), and Paid Holidays, including Winter Break (Dec 24–31) - Semi-monthly payroll (10th & 25th) ## Apply [Apply at TOMORROW HIRE](https://apply.workable.com/tomorrow-hire/j/7B883D9EEC/apply) --- Powered by [Workable](https://www.workable.com)