Manager - Production

Job Title: Production Manager – Aerospace & Defense EMS

Location: Hyderabad.

Experience:

20+ years in Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS), with significant exposure to Aerospace & Defense programs

Role Summary:

The Production Manager will lead end-to-end manufacturing operations for Aerospace & Defense electronics programs, ensuring on-time delivery, zero-defect quality, regulatory compliance, and cost efficiency. The role requires strong expertise in high-reliability electronics manufacturing, including SMT, box build, testing, and integration, while driving operational excellence and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Manufacturing Operations Leadership

• Lead complete production operations including SMT, Assembly, Testing, and System Integration
  
• Ensure achievement of production targets, OTD, and productivity goals
  
• Drive first-time-right manufacturing and zero rework culture
  
• Manage high-mix, low-volume and complex builds typical in Aerospace & Defense
  

2. Quality & Compliance

• Ensure strict adherence to Aerospace & Defense standards such as:
  
• AS9100
  
• NADCAP (where applicable)
  
• IPC standards (IPC-A-610, J-STD-001)
  
• Maintain full traceability, process control, and documentation discipline
  
• Lead audits (internal, customer, regulatory) and ensure zero major findings
  

3. Process Excellence & Continuous Improvement

• Drive Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Kaizen initiatives
  
• Improve productivity, reduce cycle time, and optimize line balancing
  
• Implement digital manufacturing / Industry 4.0 initiatives
  
• Lead root cause analysis (RCA) and corrective/preventive actions (CAPA)
  

4. Team Leadership & People Development

• Lead and manage large cross-functional teams (production, supervisors, technicians)
  
• Build a high-performance, accountable, and safety-driven culture
  
• Mentor and develop next-level leaders within production
  
• Ensure proper manpower planning and skill development
  

5. Program & Customer Management

• Work closely with NPI, Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain teams
  
• Support new product introduction (NPI) and smooth transition to production
  
• Engage with customers for production readiness, delivery commitments, and escalations
  
• Ensure alignment with customer-specific requirements and SLAs
  

6. Planning & Delivery

• Execute production plans aligned with customer schedules and business goals
  
• Ensure 100% On-Time Delivery (OTD) with optimal resource utilization
  
• Identify risks proactively and implement mitigation plans
  

7. Cost & Operational Efficiency

• Control manufacturing costs including labor, scrap, rework, and overheads
  
• Drive cost reduction initiatives without compromising quality
  
• Optimize capacity utilization and improve overall equipment efficiency (OEE)
  

Key Requirements:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electronics / Electrical Engineering (preferred)
  
• Master’s degree or MBA is an added advantage
  

Experience:

• 20+ years in EMS manufacturing with a minimum of 5–10 years in leadership roles
  
• Strong exposure to Aerospace & Defense electronics manufacturing
  
• Hands-on experience in:
  
• SMT processes & equipment
  
• Box build and system integration
  
• Testing (functional, environmental, burn-in)
  
• Proven track record of handling large teams and high-value programs
  

Technical Skills:

• Strong knowledge of IPC, AS9100, ESD, and high-reliability manufacturing
  
• Experience in handling NADCAP audits (preferred)
  
• Expertise in production planning, capacity management, and process optimization
  
• Familiarity with ERP/MES systems and digital manufacturing tools
  

Leadership Competencies:

• Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills
  
• Excellent stakeholder and customer management
  
• Ability to handle high-pressure, critical delivery environments
  
• Results-driven with a focus on quality, delivery, and cost
  

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

• On-Time Delivery (OTD) > 98%
  
• First Pass Yield (FPY)
  
• Scrap and Rework Levels
  
• Productivity & OEE
  
• Customer Satisfaction Scores
  
• Audit Compliance (Zero Major Findings)
  

Additional Expectations:

• Experience in handling critical programs, audits, and crisis situations
  
• Strong focus on safety, compliance, and operational discipline
  
• Ability to drive strategic initiatives along with daily execution