Manufacturing Manager, Aircraft Production

About The Team

The Manufacturing Manager is the operational heartbeat of our Covington facility. In this role, you aren’t just overseeing a floor; you are architecting the daily execution of aircraft assembly and integration. You will lead a multi-shift team of aerospace technicians through the critical evolution from low-rate initial production (LRIP) to high-volume manufacturing.

You are a decisive leader who balances the "now" (daily shift targets and safety) with the "next" (process optimization and scaling). As a central bridge between Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Program Management, you will ensure that design intent translates perfectly into flight-ready hardware, delivered on time and without compromise.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead & Scale the Workforce: Own the full talent lifecycle for a multi-shift aerospace technician team. You will recruit, mentor, and build a high-accountability culture that evolves from a startup mindset to a disciplined production engine
• Drive Production Execution: Own the daily assembly rhythm. You will lead high-impact stand-ups and shift handovers to ensure aircraft integration hits program milestones with 100% situational awareness of every serial number
• Industrialize for Rate: Lead the transition from low-rate prototype builds to high-volume manufacturing. You will partner with Engineering to refine MES routings, optimize workflows, and slash cycle times through Lean methodologies
• Uphold Aerospace Standards: Serve as the final word on quality and safety. You ensure every build exceeds AS9100, IPC, and FAA standards while championing a rigorous FOD prevention and "zero-defect" floor culture
• Master the Data: Own the metrics that matter. You will monitor and report on production KPIs—including first-pass yield, defect rates, and on-time delivery—to drive continuous operational improvement
• Bridge Cross-Functional Gaps: Act as the primary manufacturing interface for Engineering, Supply Chain, and Program Management. You’ll solve material shortages before they hit the line and ensure design intent is manufacturable
• Support Certification & Growth: Facilitate FAA conformity inspections and airworthiness activities. You will also influence capital equipment planning and facility readiness to support the next generation of production volume

What You Need:

• Proven Aerospace Leadership: 10+ years of aerospace experience with at least 5 years in a supervisory role, directly managing team performance and production output in a multi-shift environment
• Technical Mastery: Deep, hands-on expertise in full aircraft assembly, including avionics integration, wire harness fabrication, and complex mechanical systems
• NPI & Scaling Expertise: A track record of success in New Product Introduction (NPI), specifically navigating the high-pressure transition from prototype builds to scalable, full-rate manufacturing
• Regulatory & Quality Rigor: Expert-level knowledge of AS9100 standards, FAA airworthiness requirements, and RCCA methodologies, with a relentless focus on FOD prevention and tool control
• Operational Systems Fluency: Proficiency in using ERP and MES systems for production scheduling, alongside modern collaboration tools like Jira, Slack, Microsoft, and Google Workspace 
• Executive-Level Communication: The ability to distill complex floor issues into actionable insights for leadership while remaining a grounded, trusted mentor for the technician workforce
• Adaptability & Decision-Making: The "grit" to operate in ambiguity and the decisiveness to make sound, safety-critical calls in a fast-paced, evolving production environment
• Education & Physical Requirements: High school diploma or GED required (Technical Degree preferred); must be able to distinguish colors for avionics work, lift 25 lbs, and remain mobile on the production floor for extended periods

Bonus Qualifications:

• Advanced Certification & Standards: FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certification and deep familiarity with IPC 610/620 or AC 43.13 standards
• Next-Gen Propulsion Experience: Technical background in high-voltage systems, battery assemblies, and electric motor integration, particularly within eVTOL, UAM, or advanced air mobility programs
• Operational Excellence & Systems: Mastery of Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies, with hands-on experience using enterprise-grade platforms like SAP, Teamcenter, or equivalent MES/ERP systems
• Certification & Configuration Mastery: Direct experience with aircraft configuration management and participating in formal FAA conformity inspections

Please note that this job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position and does not include an exhaustive list of responsibilities and qualifications.

At Archer we aim to attract, retain, and motivate talent that possess the skills and leadership necessary to grow our business. We drive a pay-for-performance culture and reward performance that supports the Company’s business strategy. For this position we are targeting a base pay between $138,200 - $172,800. Actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Archer is committed to provide a safe workplace and a safe aircraft. This is a safety sensitive designated role. Employment in safety sensitive positions is contingent on successful passage of a background check and is subject to pre-employment and random drug screening.

Archer is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to job applicants with physical or mental disabilities, and those with sincerely held religious beliefs. Applicants who may require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should provide their name and contact information to Archer’s People Team at [email protected]. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis.