Aerospace Automation & Digital Manufacturing Leader

Elite Recruiting; Fairborn (OH); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Elite Recruiting is seeking a Sector Lead, Manufacturing Automation in Fairborn, OH to guide strategy, deployment, and scaling of automation across aerospace and defense programs.

You will bridge manufacturing engineering, digital systems, and operations, drive factory modernization, integrate robotics, AI, and Industry 4.0 tech to improve productivity, quality, and cost efficiency. Travel up to 30% and security clearance required.

Qualifications

• 10–15+ years in manufacturing or automation.
• Leadership experience in aerospace, defense, or regulated environments.
• Expertise in automation systems, robotics, and smart manufacturing technologies.
• Experience with Industry 4.0 and digital manufacturing initiatives.
• Proven track record in lean manufacturing and continuous improvement.
• Lean Six Sigma (Green/Black Belt) preferred.
• Experience with MES/ERP systems is a strong plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end manufacturing automation strategy, roadmap, and execution.
• Design and deploy automation solutions across production.
• Improve throughput, efficiency, and first-time quality.
• Partner with engineering to integrate digital manufacturing systems.
• Support production ramp-up, NPI, and scaling of automated systems.
• Establish and track KPIs (Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost).
• Collaborate cross-functionally with manufacturing, engineering, quality, and supply chain.
• Lead and develop high-performing teams, driving automation innovation.

Skills

Manufacturing leadership

Automation strategy

Cross-functional collaboration

Lean manufacturing

Digital transformation

Project management

Tools

MES/ERP systems

Robotics/automation tools

Job description

Elite Recruiting is seeking a Sector Lead, Manufacturing Automation in Fairborn, OH to guide strategy, deployment, and scaling of automation across aerospace and defense programs.

You will bridge manufacturing engineering, digital systems, and operations, drive factory modernization, integrate robotics, AI, and Industry 4.0 tech to improve productivity, quality, and cost efficiency. Travel up to 30% and security clearance required.