Engineering Manager – Manufacturing

C Speed, LLC; Norfolk (VA); On-site; USD 145,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Protora is hiring an Engineering Manager – Manufacturing to lead the engineering activities that move complex products from design to production. You will partner with Engineering, Production, Quality, Supply Chain, and Program teams to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant manufacturing.

An immediate priority is the setup and readiness of Protora’s new facility, including processes, equipment, and capabilities to support production of electronic, mechanical, radar, and integrated systems.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive engineering and manufacturing experience, with leadership responsibilities.
• Experience with complex electromechanical products in regulated environments such as aerospace/defense.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, engineering drawings, BOMs, work instructions, and controlled documentation.

Responsibilities

• Lead manufacturing engineering activities supporting new and existing products.
• Partner with design engineering to transition products from development to repeatable production.
• Review designs for manufacturability, assembly, testability, and production readiness.
• Develop and improve manufacturing processes, tooling, fixtures, standards, and best practices.
• Identify and resolve manufacturing and technical issues via root-cause analysis and corrective action.

Skills

Bachelor's degree

7+ years experience

Electromechanical

Aerospace/Defense

Manufacturing processes

Design for Manufacturing

Root-cause analysis

Cross-functional leadership

Education

Engineering degree

Job description

Description

About Protora

Protora is formerly C Speed. We build radar and surveillance systems that give military and government customers eyes on their airspace, borders, and critical sites. Our name draws from the Praetorian Guard, elite soldiers whose job was to watch and protect. That history shapes our mission today: we take first watch, so the people we protect don't have to. We are a growing company with a new brand and a clear direction.

The Role

Protora is hiring an Engineering Manager – Manufacturing to lead the engineering activities that support the transition of complex technical products from design through production. This role partners closely with Engineering, Production Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and Program teams to ensure Protora products can be manufactured safely, efficiently, consistently, and in accordance with technical and customer requirements.

An immediate priority for this position will be supporting the setup and operational readiness of Protora’s new manufacturing facility, including the processes, equipment, and capabilities needed to support production.

The ideal candidate combines strong engineering fundamentals with practical manufacturing experience supporting complex electronic, mechanical, radar, and integrated systems.

What You’ll Do

• Lead manufacturing engineering activities supporting new and existing products.
• Partner with design engineering teams to transition products from development into repeatable production.
• Review product designs for manufacturability, assembly, testability, and production readiness.
• Develop and improve manufacturing processes, work instructions, tooling, fixtures, standards, and best practices.
• Identify and resolve manufacturing and technical issues through root-cause analysis and corrective action, with a focus on quality, cost, schedule, and delivery.
• Support prototype builds, first-article activities, production ramp-up, and ongoing manufacturing.
• Collaborate with Quality and Engineering to ensure manufacturing processes meet applicable technical, contractual, and regulatory requirements.
• Provide technical leadership, coaching, and support to manufacturing and engineering personnel.
• Lead manufacturing engineering efforts supporting the setup of Protora’s new facility, including equipment, tooling, production processes, and manufacturing readiness.
• Travel: 20–40% initially, with travel requirements expected to decrease as the new facility becomes operational.

Requirements

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• 7+ years of progressive engineering and manufacturing experience, including technical leadership or team oversight.
• Experience supporting complex electromechanical products in aerospace, defense, or a similarly regulated environment.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, engineering drawings, BOMs, work instructions, and configuration-controlled documentation.
• Experience with design-for-manufacturing and production-readiness activities.
• Demonstrated problem-solving and root-cause analysis skills, with experience driving corrective actions and process improvements.
• Strong communication and cross-functional leadership skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in aerospace, defense, radar, electronics, and/or complex electromechanical manufacturing environments.
• Background supporting low-volume, high-complexity production and new product introduction.
• Familiarity with configuration-controlled and quality-driven manufacturing environments.

Compensation & Benefits

• Compensation Range: $145,000-$150,000 (commensurate with experience).
• Benefits: Health, Dental & Vision Insurance | Paid Time Off (PTO) | Retirement Plan Package.

Why Join Protora

• Be part of the mission. Your work helps turn advanced technology into reliable systems that support those who protect and defend.
• Own your function. Help shape and strengthen Protora's manufacturing engineering capabilities as the company grows.
• Work across the business. Partner directly with Engineering, Production, Quality, Supply Chain, and Program teams from product development through production.

Ready To Join the Mission?

Protora is always looking for talented professionals who want to do meaningful work with a team that treats every challenge like a mission.

For more information about Protora, please visit our website: http://protoratech.com

Protora provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.