Performance Drone Works (PDW) is building the next generation of tactical robotic systems used across defense, national security, and public safety missions. We are building a new center of engineering excellence to design our new category of tactical robotic systems and the industrial capacity to deliver them, bringing decisive airpower into the hands of every operator. We are not here to make promises; we are here to deliver real systems with real capabilities for real missions.
You will join a team of operators, engineers, and builders who solve hard problems with humility and focus. We design and produce multi-mission aerial systems that operators trust to perform in real-world conditions, reliably, repeatedly, and at scale. Our approach is grounded in operator-centered design, rapid iteration from field use, and U.S.-based manufacturing. We operate by a clear set of values: Mission First, Aim Farther, Own It, Win Together. This is how we build advantage and how we help protect our service members, our communities, and our country.
Now, we’re entering a new phase of growth and are looking for a Director, Manufacturing Systems & Automation to build and scale the digital manufacturing and automation foundation that enables reliable, data-driven, and highly scalable production.
What You’ll Do
- Develop and execute the manufacturing systems and automation roadmap.
- Lead the cross-functional team to identify, pilot, and scale automation for semi-automated, and fully automate production lines (assembly aids, vision inspection, test automation, pack out).
- Own MES implementation into production and manufacturing-adjacent systems (ERP, PLM, QMS, EAM/CMMS as applicable)
- Lead MES implementation and digital production execution enablement (work instructions, electronic travelers, traceability, and data capture).
- Integrate ERP, MES, PLM, QMS, test systems, and automation/controls; ensure reliable data flows and reporting.
- Define standards for shop-floor connectivity and data (equipment integration, edge/IIoT, historian as applicable) and partner with IT on OT/IT cybersecurity.
- Own production planning, scheduling, and capacity planning system enablement.
- Establish master data governance and change control (items, BOMs, routings, work centers, and revisions).
- Enable real-time dashboards and analytics (OEE, yield, quality, throughput, and downtime).
- Support NPI and industrialization readiness (line readiness, process validation, and first-article traceability).
- Establish operational system governance and support model (standards, release management, training, incident/problem management) and lead the Manufacturing Systems and Automation organization; manage vendors, contracts, and SLAs.
Requirements
- 15+ years hands-on leadership directly managing operations engineers (manufacturing / automation / industrial / manufacturing systems / equipment, etc.) in high-rate production environments using Lean / Six Sigma methodologies.
- Proven track-record successfully leading the planning, requirements, design and capex installation, qualification and validation of automated HV production systems from a manual production process.
- Deep knowledge and automated assembly and test, robotics and motion controls, and manufacturing line design and optimization, and related test data architectures for manufacturing systems.
- Strong understanding of electro-mechanical assembly, integration, SW/FW and test processes and related tools and equipment.
- Proven track-record successfully leading the planning, requirements, design and capex installation, qualification and validation of automated HV production systems from a manual production process.
- Experience building teams from early-stage to scaled operations.
- Experience integrating enterprise systems (MES, ERP, QMS, PLM, EAM/CMMS) for traceability, NCR, CAPA, genealogy, data collection / analytics, and compliance; including real-time production monitoring (OEE, yield, down-time, CT, etc.)
- Direct experience integrating shop-floor equipment and data sources (PLC/OPC UA/SCADA, test equipment, IIoT/edge) and enterprise systems (APIs, middleware/iPaaS).
- Master data governance and change control (MBOMs, routings, PN/revs) and manufacturing specification documentation.
- Working knowledge of OT/IT cybersecurity practices in manufacturing environments.
- Vendor and program management (business cases, SOWs, SLAs, budgets, reports) and executive-level communication.
- Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret security clearance or higher, as required.
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Ability to sit, stand, bend, reach, climb, and move about regularly throughout the day and lift / carry up to 25 pounds. Must have manual dexterity to operate standard office equipment as well as manufacturing and test equipment, industrial computers, HMIs, and handheld diagnostic tools. Must be physically capable of walking production floors, accessing equipment in constrained spaces, participating in factory acceptance testing, and supporting on-site system deployments.
Work Environment
This position typically operates in a standard office setting and manufacturing environment. This role requires use of standard office equipment and may involve exposure to manufacturing equipment, automated machinery, test systems, and industrial materials. This position may have exposure to outdoor weather conditions, noise, and non-climate-controlled environments. May require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) depending on the environment. This is a fast-paced work environment and requires cross-departmental collaboration with independent and team-based responsibilities. Standard work hours for this position are full-time, Monday through Friday, with occasional overtime as operational needs demand.
Benefits
PDW values our team, and we offer a compensation package reflective of your experience and capabilities. Benefits include:
- Comprehensive BCBS medical, dental, and vision coverage; 80% sponsored by the company.
- Safe Harbor 401(K) with company match.
- Paid Parental Leave.
- On-site gym at Huntsville, AL & Denver, CO locations.
- Employer provided life insurance.
- Robust Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
- A work environment that encourages teamwork and innovation.
- Competitive salary, generous paid time off (PTO), and flexible leave options.
EEO Statement
PDW is an equal opportunity employer that upholds all federal and state non-discrimination laws. We ensure a fair and unbiased evaluation for employment for all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, medical condition, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Skills Required
- 15+ years of hands-on leadership directly managing operations engineers in high-rate manufacturing or automation production environments
- Experience using Lean and Six Sigma methodologies
- Proven experience planning, designing, installing, qualifying, and validating automated high-volume production systems
- Deep knowledge of automated assembly and test, robotics, motion controls, manufacturing line design, optimization, and manufacturing test-data architectures
- Strong understanding of electromechanical assembly, integration, software/firmware, and test processes
- Experience building teams from early-stage operations to scaled production
- Experience integrating MES, ERP, QMS, PLM, and EAM/CMMS systems for traceability, quality, genealogy, analytics, and compliance
- Direct experience integrating shop-floor equipment and data sources using PLC, OPC UA, SCADA, test equipment, IIoT/edge, APIs, middleware, or iPaaS
- Experience with master data governance, change control, MBOMs, routings, part numbers, revisions, and manufacturing specifications
- Working knowledge of OT/IT cybersecurity practices in manufacturing environments
- Vendor and program management experience, including business cases, statements of work, SLAs, budgets, reports, and executive communication
- Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret security clearance or higher
What We Do
The fight has changed. Capability that once depended on large, centralized systems is moving closer to the operator. Performance Drone Works (PDW) is a defense technology company building multi-mission aerial robotic systems for that reality. We are creating a new category of tactical robotic systems designed to bridge the gap between low-capability drones and high-end platforms. Just as important, we are building the industrial capacity to produce those systems at scale in the United States. Everything starts with the operator. We learn from real-world use, move quickly, and build systems designed to perform when the mission depends on them. Our mission is simple: put decisive airpower in the hands of every operator.
Why Work With Us
At PDW, you’ll build technology that matters. We’re a proven, mission-driven team of veterans, engineers and problem-solvers moving at startup speed to put decisive capabilities in the hands of those who serve. Ideas win, impact matters and your best work can make a difference from day one.
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