Director Production Engineering - Manassas - Electra

Description

About Electra

Electra's next gen mission is to develop Ultra Short aircraft, built for Direct Aviation. We are redefining the next level of connectivity, pioneering direct aviation - without airports, emissions, or noise. Electra's Ultra Short aircraft will revolutionize air travel by bringing it closer to where we live, work, and play, making new connections possible. This makes a new venture like Electra exciting and fast-paced. Headquartered in Northern Virginia, we're on a quest to build a team of insanely talented people who want to do meaningful work.

Position Overview

, a next-gen aerospace technology company, seeks a dynamic and energetic Director, Production Engineering. This role will oversee the Digital Factory Leadership, Production Engineering Integration and Supplier Cross-Functional Integration for our aircraft production. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in program management, leading production engineering deployments, performing analyses for product engineering, assessing risk, collaborating with multiple engineering teams and overseeing a large production department, developing policies, guidelines and aligning strategic initiatives within a fast‑paced, innovative environment.

Key Responsibilities & Essential Functions

Digital Factory Leadership

• Size a scalable baseline factory Layout
• Perform trade study on pulsing or fixed production lines
• Perform trade Study on Feeder Systems
• Generate a production model with financial input to include part cost, touch labor, parametric learning curves, and variable takt
• Generate a preliminary master build schedule
• Perform market survey for Digital Factory Tools‑MRP System, Scanners, Factory Flow Analytics, Digital Planning and Flow Control, Shop Floor Metrics and Delivery, Kitting, inventory control, and financial
• Establish a digital database for Visualization of entire vehicle for both engineering and Customers

Production Engineering Integration

• Review Engineering Tools and Processes and generate a VSM analysis and provide input on Lean Engineering practices to be considered.
• Perform an analysis of the prototype engineering EBOM
• Work with the IPTs to establish Proc Codes (make, buy, MOA, POA, Std Parts, etc)
• Generate a preliminary MBOM and Identify build plan (production breaks) suitable for factory layout and build plan.
• Generate configuration end item definition for FM PCA and V&V.
• Identify areas for manufacturing improvement
• Establish MRB plan and training for Liaison Engineering
• Perform a producibility analysis and identify areas for manufacturing improvement (blind areas, order of operation enhancements for paint, sealant, routing, etc.)
• Validate the MBOM versus the EBOM, to ensure all engineering is consumed into and integrated into the master schedule
• Load the MRP system for P1‑P4 and prepare it for build load and inventory control

Supplier Cross‑Functional Integration

• Use the master schedule and MBOM to generate lead times and need dates for all end items from Suppliers and internal
• Support SM in providing suppliers all delivery dates with internal margins
• Support the generation of critical deliverables for PCA of supplier end items and generate FM CofC requirements
• Validate the quality plans and quality processes for the Tier 1 Supply base
• Support SM and Engineering in the trade studies and selection of any remaining Tier 1, tier 2, and tier 3 suppliers
• Other duties as assigned.

General Education And Experience

• Bachelor's degree in engineering and 12+ years of experience (or an equivalent combination of education, skills, and experience).
• Experience in program management, leading production engineering deployments, performing analyses for product engineering, assessing risk, collaborating with multiple engineering teams and overseeing a large production department within a fast‑paced, innovative aircraft environment.

Required Skills

• A strong work ethic and ability to influence design, prototype, preproduction, and production manufacturing efforts.
• Experienced with management of non‑conforming processes and materials.
• Comfortable with commercial quality CAD packages (i.e. NX/CATIA), and MS Suite tools.
• Ability to budget and schedule manufacturing activities as appropriate and update those estimates as a program matures.
• Experienced in FAA/EASA certified aircraft manufacturing as per Part 21 subpart G. Experienced in AS9100D manufacturing process compliance.
• Experienced with precision aircraft subsystem and system manufacturing and integration with many structural components made from a variety of materials, including carbon fiber, kevlar, fiberglass, foam, balsa, mylar, aluminum, Ti, etc.

Desired Qualifications

• Masters Degree preferred.
• Development and execution of tests to confirm the function and quality of new manufacturing processes.
• Pre‑prep and wet‑layup composites molding and vacuum‑bagging experience desired.
• Aluminum airframe fabrication and assembly experience desired.

Location

• Headquarters in Manassas, VA. To encourage close collaboration, this position will be onsite in our Manassas, VA location.

Travel

35‑60%

Compensation And Benefits

In addition to offering an exciting work environment and the opportunity to be part of the team making Ultra Short flight a reality, at Electra, we offer an unparalleled total rewards package. Electra offers employees a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, STD, LTD, and life insurance, generous PTO and sick leave, company holidays, paid winter break, and a 401(k) plan with immediate vesting. Life at Electra includes a variety of perks, such as free catered lunches, amazing coffee, snacks, drinks, fruit, free parking, and opportunities for much more.

Working Conditions

Work is typically performed in a warehouse/aviation and office environment, which requires proper safety precautions. Work may require some physical effort in handling light materials, boxes, power tools, prototypes, and different materials or equipment. Due to the nature of our business and projects, some fieldwork may be required, working in both indoor and outdoor conditions. You may need to lift up to 50 lbs.

Background & Drug Screening

Successful completion of a background check and/or drug screening prior to starting work may be required for this position.

Commitment

We are committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds, including those from marginalized or underrepresented groups in the tech industry and aerospace, to apply for our job openings. We firmly believe that a diverse range of perspectives can profoundly influence both our product and our company culture.

Electra is committed to a work environment that is inclusive to all and free of discrimination. It is our policy to be an equal opportunity employer without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic predisposition or carrier status, veteran status, citizenship status, or any other factors prohibited by law. Electra will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals.

Electra is an E‑Verify employer.