Production Engineering Manager

Redwire; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Matching 401(k)

Paid PTO

Paid holidays

Medical, vision, and dental insurance

Group Short-Term & Long-Term Discount

HSA and FSA Options

Critical Care Plan

Accident Care Plan

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Job summary

Redwire Defense Tech in Ann Arbor, MI, is seeking a Production Engineering Manager to lead a team of engineers, optimize production processes, improve product quality, and drive manufacturing efficiency. You will support new product introductions and ensure safety, quality, and productivity in a manufacturing environment.

The role emphasizes lean and Six Sigma expertise, process development, and collaboration with Design, R&D, and Operations to bring products to production while meeting

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 12+ years in hands-on production environment.
• 10+ years managing manufacturing development projects.
• 4+ years in a leadership role.
• Strong lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement; Lean certification preferred.
• Experience with CAD, ERP/MRP systems, and SPC.
• Proven cross-functional team leadership.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001, AS9100, FDA, etc., as applicable.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and adapt to priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, train, and develop a team of production engineers.
• Establish clear performance goals and provide ongoing feedback and development.
• Foster accountability, collaboration, and innovation.
• Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency and throughput.
• Utilize lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Monitor KPIs to assess and improve operations.
• Partner with design, R&D, and operations to transition new products to production.
• Develop and validate manufacturing processes, tooling, and equipment.
• Coordinate prototype builds and production readiness reviews.
• Oversee production equipment specification, procurement, installation, and maintenance.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and upgrades to stay competitive.
• Collaborate with Quality and Supply Chain on process capability and regulatory compliance.
• Develop and maintain process documentation, SOPs, PFMEA, and Control Plans.
• Develop and manage the manufacturing engineering budget.
• Optimize resource, labor, and capital allocation to meet objectives.
• Apply problem-solving tools to root cause issues quickly.
• Provide data to Business Development for periodic technical reports.

Skills

Leadership

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Problem solving

Project management

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor’s in Mechanical/Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

CAD

ERP/MRP systems

SPC

Job description

Description

WORK LOCATION: Ann Arbor, MI

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

SALARY RANGE: The anticipated salary range for this role is $130,000 - $180,000 annually. This range reflects a good faith estimate based on the targeted level for the role and typical compensation benchmarks across U.S. locations. Actual compensation may vary depending on the selected candidate’s qualifications, experience, geographical location, and internal alignment.

Summary

The Production Engineering Manager leads a team of engineers responsible for optimizing production processes, improving product quality, reducing costs, and ensuring manufacturing efficiency. This role focuses on driving continuous improvement, supporting new product introductions, and maintaining high standards of safety, quality, and productivity within the manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

The following job functions are a basic requirement but are not limited to and may be assigned other duties.

• Lead, mentor, train, and develop a team of production engineers.
• Establish clear performance goals and provide ongoing feedback, coaching, and professional development.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and innovation.
• Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance throughput.
• Utilize lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess and improve manufacturing operations.
• Partner with design, R&D, and operations teams to ensure smooth transition of new products into production.
• Develop and validate new manufacturing processes, tooling, and equipment.
• Coordinate prototype builds and production readiness reviews.
• Oversee the specification, procurement, installation, and maintenance of production equipment.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend upgrades to improve competitiveness.
• Collaborate with Quality and Supply Chain teams to ensure process capability, product quality, and regulatory compliance.
• Develop and maintain process documentation, work instructions, and standard operating procedures (SOPs), PFMEA, and Control Plans.
• Develop and manage the manufacturing engineering budget.
• Optimize allocation of resources, labor, and capital to support business objectives.
• Use problem solving tools and techniques to urgently root cause issues.
• Compile data and provide to Business Development team for periodic technical reports that keep our customers informed of project status and overall product development.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or related Engineering field. Master’s degree preferred.
• 12+ years of experience working in a hands-on production environment.
• 10+ years managing manufacturing development projects and handling multiple projects.
• 4+ years in a leadership role.
• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies. Lean certification preferred.
• Experience with CAD, ERP/MRP systems, and statistical process control (SPC).
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple projects.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
• Knowledge of regulatory standards (ISO 9001, AS9100, FDA, etc., as applicable).
• Successful application of engineering and manufacturing processes.
• Previous experience managing project work and designs on a variety of simultaneously running projects.
• Ability to utilize MS Office and other engineering software programs.
• Ability to mentor and teach Lean, DFMA, Six Sigma, and FMEA principles.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a rapidly changing environment.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and be comfortable reacting to changing priorities.
• Respond to and implement changes suggested in projects to the product design. Understand customer (internal and external) needs and anticipate requests.
• Obtain quality results while utilizing an appropriate level of resources.
• Ability to make decisions based on incomplete data. Methodical and expedient in selecting options with a high degree of accuracy and efficiency.

Redwire Defense Tech Benefits

• Matching 401(k)
• Paid PTO
• Paid holidays
• Medical, vision, and dental insurance
• Group Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• HSA and FSA Options
• Critical Care Plan
• Accident Care Plan
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Clearance Requirements

This position may require access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). To comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify a US person’s status under the ITAR and the EAR.

Work Environment And Physical Requirements

The work environment may involve a standard office setting while also incorporating elements of a production area. Employees will use standard office equipment, including computers, and must demonstrate stamina to sit or stand while maintaining attention to detail despite potential interruptions. The role may require occasional activities such as walking, climbing, stooping, crouching, and bending. Vision is necessary for reading printed materials and a computer screen, while hearing and speech are essential for effective communication both in person and over the telephone. Additionally, the position may necessitate travel by air or automobile. Employees may be required to use personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, safety shoes, and shop coats, to ensure safety in the production environment. Employees may be able to lift up to 30 pounds as needed.

REDWIRE DEFENSE TECH IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Redwire Defense Tech is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact Human Resources. Continued employment remains on an “At-Will” basis.