Manufacturing Leader: Scale Complex Hardware (Defense/Aerospace)

Cx2; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

CX2 seeks a Head of Manufacturing to lead and scale a defense-grade hardware manufacturing org. The role blends hands-on production leadership with strategic oversight, owning strategy, processes, facilities and systems to deliver quality products at rising volumes.

The ideal candidate has built or scaled manufacturing in defense/aerospace or complex hardware, collaborating closely with engineering to ensure manufacturability and rapid delivery.

Qualifications

• Lead manufacturing strategy, production operations and execution across the org.
• Experience scaling manufacturing from prototype/LRIP to higher-volume production.
• Strong understanding of electromechanical systems and DoD/defense environments.
• Collaborate with engineering to ensure manufacturability and test readiness.
• Establish production processes, tooling, work instructions and standards.

Responsibilities

• Own manufacturing strategy and overall execution across the organization.
• Build and scale capabilities from prototype to higher-volume production.
• Develop DFMA integrated with product development lifecycle.
• Lead production planning, capacity planning, and KPI governance.
• Drive continuous improvement, quality systems, and traceability.

Skills

Manufacturing leadership

DFMA

Production planning

Quality systems

Cross-functional collaboration

Lean manufacturing

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

ERP/MRP/MES systems

Job description

CX2 seeks a Head of Manufacturing to lead and scale a defense-grade hardware manufacturing org. The role blends hands-on production leadership with strategic oversight, owning strategy, processes, facilities and systems to deliver quality products at rising volumes.

The ideal candidate has built or scaled manufacturing in defense/aerospace or complex hardware, collaborating closely with engineering to ensure manufacturability and rapid delivery.