Manufacturing (DFM) SME

QinetiQ US (formerly Avantus Federal); Massachusetts; On-site; USD 160,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

QinetiQ US in Massachusetts seeks an experienced Design for Manufacturing (DFM) SME to lead the transition of DoD products from development to scalable production. You will bridge design, engineering, supply chain, quality, and manufacturing to ensure cost, reliability, and manufacturability.

You will own manufacturing readiness, select suppliers, manage pilots, and drive production ramp-ups while meeting defense standards.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in product development, manufacturing engineering, NPI, or production launch roles.
• Proven success bringing products from prototype through production.
• Strong knowledge of DFM, DFA, production processes, and quality systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead the transition of products from prototype and development phases into production.
• Evaluate product designs and identify opportunities to improve manufacturability, assembly efficiency, reliability, and cost.
• Develop and implement Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) strategies.
• Establish manufacturing requirements, production workflows, tooling needs, and process controls.
• Collaborate closely with engineering teams to resolve design issues impacting production.

Skills

Design for Manufacturing

NPI

Cross-functional leadership

Project management

Production launch

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical/Manufacturing/Industrial Eng

Tools

Machining

Injection molding

Sheet metal fabrication

Electronics assembly

BOM management

Job description

We are a world-class team of professionals who deliver next generation technology and products in robotic and autonomous platforms, ground, soldier, and maritime systems in 50+ locations world-wide. Much of our work contributes to innovative research in the fields of sensor science, signal processing, data fusion, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and augmented reality (AR).

Why Join QinetiQ US?

If you have the courage to take on a wide variety of complex challenges, then you will experience a unique working environment where innovative teams blend different perspectives, disciplines, and technologies to discover new ways of solving complex problems. In our diverse and inclusive environment, you can be authentic, feel valued, be respected, and realize your full potential. QinetiQ US will support you with workplace flexibility, a commitment to the health and well-being of you and your family and provide opportunities to work with a purpose. We are committed to supporting your success in both your professional and personal lives.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Design for Manufacturing (DFM) SME to lead the transition of products from development and prototyping into scalable production for a Department of Defense customer. This role serves as the bridge between product design, engineering, supply chain, quality, and manufacturing partners to ensure products are optimized for cost, quality, reliability, and manufacturability. The DFM Director will own the process of preparing products for production, establishing manufacturing processes, selecting and managing suppliers, overseeing pilot builds, and driving successful production launch in compliance with various defense acquisition and compliance standards. The ideal candidate combines strong program management and engineering expertise with hands‑on manufacturing experience and a proven track record of bringing products from concept to production in support of federal government contracts. This role is currently a Temporary position, with the possibility of going perm.

Product Industrialization & Manufacturing Readiness

• Lead the transition of products from prototype and development phases into production.
• Evaluate product designs and identify opportunities to improve manufacturability, assembly efficiency, reliability, and cost.
• Develop and implement Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) strategies.
• Establish manufacturing requirements, production workflows, tooling needs, and process controls.
• Collaborate closely with engineering teams to resolve design issues impacting production.

Supplier & Contract Manufacturer Management

• Work with Supply Chain Management to identify, evaluate, and onboard manufacturing partners and suppliers.
• Lead or assist in the management of RFQ processes, supplier selection, and manufacturing cost analysis.
• Negotiate manufacturing capabilities, production schedules, and quality requirements.
• Build strong relationships with contract manufacturers, tooling vendors, and component suppliers.
• Develop and drive supplier performance, quality metrics, and delivery schedules.

New Product Introduction (NPI)

• Develop and execute NPI plans, timelines, and production readiness milestones.
• Assist Program and Engineering Management in leading prototype builds, engineering validation builds, pilot production runs, and production ramp‑up activities.
• Coordinate cross‑functional teams to ensure successful product launch.
• Drive issue resolution during pilot and early production phases.

Quality & Process Development

• Assist the Quality Organization in establishing manufacturing quality standards and inspection procedures.
• Ensure the development of production documentation including work instructions, assembly procedures, test protocols, and quality plans.
• Implement corrective and preventive actions to address production issues.
• Support root cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives.

Cost & Production Optimization

• Develop manufacturing cost models and identify cost reduction opportunities.
• Optimize production processes to improve yield, throughput, and efficiency.
• Drive value engineering initiatives without compromising product performance or quality.
• Support forecasting, capacity planning, and production scaling efforts.

Project Leadership

• Serve as the primary manufacturing lead within cross‑functional product teams.
• Manage manufacturing readiness schedules and production launch deliverables.
• Provide regular updates on production readiness, risks, and mitigation plans.
• Ensure alignment between engineering, operations, quality, and supply chain teams.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• On‑time production launch
• Manufacturing cost targets achieved
• Production yield and quality metrics
• Supplier readiness and performance
• Successful completion of pilot builds
• Time‑to‑production milestones
• Product reliability and field performance
• Continuous improvement and cost reduction achievements

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in product development, manufacturing engineering, NPI, or production launch roles.
• Demonstrated success bringing products from prototype through commercial production.
• Strong understanding of DFM, DFA, production processes, and quality systems.
• Experience working with suppliers, contract manufacturers, and production partners.
• Knowledge of manufacturing methods such as machining, injection molding, sheet metal fabrication, electronics assembly, or other relevant processes.
• Experience with BOM management, engineering change control, and production documentation.
• Strong project management and cross‑functional leadership skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in consumer products, industrial equipment, medical devices, electronics, or related manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, APQP, PPAP, FMEA, and quality management systems.
• Experience scaling products from pilot production to volume manufacturing.
• PMP, Lean, or Six Sigma certification.

Pay Transparency

The salary range for this role is160,000- 250,000 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. QinetiQ US considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.

Company EEO Statement

Accessibility/Accommodation: If because of a medical condition or disability you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e‑mail to [e-mail] or call [phone] Opt. 1 and let us know the nature of your request and contact information.

QinetiQ US is an Equal Opportunity employer. All Qualified Applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.