Manager, Advanced Industrialization at AeroVironment

Simi Valley, California, United States

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

Senior (5 to 8 years), Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Aerospace, Defense, ManufacturingIndustries

Requirements

Minimum of 8 years of experience in mechanical, electrical engineering, manufacturing engineering, or industrial engineering
Minimum of 3 years of successfully leading manufacturing teams within a product development environment
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field and/or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
Expertise in DfX, Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and automation technologies
Proven experience in NPI, process validation, and ramp-up planning
Familiarity with ERP, PLM, MES, and digital manufacturing platforms
Strong organizational and time management skills
Proven adaptability in fast-paced, evolving environments
Strategic thinker who anticipates change and fosters team alignment
Collaborative, team-oriented mindset with a focus on shared success
Ownership-driven, continuously learning, and improvement-focused
Ability to work in an office and manufacturing environment (Constant); required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Frequent)
Compliance with ITAR and/or Export Administration Regulations

Responsibilities

Lead the industrial readiness for new product introductions (NPI), ensuring production lines, equipment, and processes are validated before launch
Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain to influence product designs that meet cost, quality, and volume goals (DfX: Design for Manufacturability, Assembly, Cost, etc.)
Drive Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) assessments and risk mitigation plans
Develop, standardize, and implement advanced manufacturing processes and automation solutions
Identify and deploy innovative technologies (robotics, additive manufacturing, advanced inspection, etc.)
Improve yield, reduce cycle times, and eliminate waste through Lean and Six Sigma methods
Support Industry 4.0 initiatives by integrating smart manufacturing tools (IoT sensors, MES, digital work instructions, AR/VR for training)
Implement digital twins, predictive analytics, and process simulation for new production lines
Define and source production equipment, fixtures, and tooling for new products
Ensure scalability, repeatability, and robustness of manufacturing assets
Act as a central liaison between Design Engineering, Production, Quality, and Program teams
Lead cross-functional readiness reviews and participate in gate reviews during the product development lifecycle
Evaluate and qualify contract manufacturers and suppliers for industrial capability
Drive capacity and capability planning for internal and external manufacturing sites
Other duties as assigned

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

Design for ManufacturabilityDesign for AssemblyDesign for CostManufacturing Readiness LevelLeanSix SigmaRoboticsAdditive ManufacturingIoTMESDigital TwinsPredictive AnalyticsAR/VR

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What is the salary for this Manager, Advanced Industrialization position?

This information is not specified in the job description.

Is this a remote position, or is there a required location?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What are the key required skills and experience for this role?

Candidates need a minimum of 8 years in mechanical, electrical, manufacturing, or industrial engineering, at least 3 years leading manufacturing teams in product development, a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field, expertise in DfX, Lean, Six Sigma, automation, NPI, process validation, and familiarity with ERP, PLM, MES.

What does the team structure look like for this role?

The role involves leading manufacturing teams and acting as a central liaison between Design Engineering, Production, Quality, Program teams, and collaborating with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain.

What makes a strong candidate for this Manager, Advanced Industrialization role?

A strong candidate has a strong background in mechanical/electrical engineering or manufacturing engineering, proven expertise in DfX, Lean, Six Sigma, automation, NPI, process validation, ramp-up planning, and familiarity with ERP, PLM, MES, along with leadership experience in manufacturing teams.

AeroVironment

Develops autonomous robotic systems for defense

About AeroVironment

AeroVironment develops and sells autonomous robotic systems that can perform various missions without human intervention. These systems are designed to enhance operational efficiency, reduce risks to personnel, and provide valuable data to users. The company primarily serves government agencies, defense organizations, and commercial clients, focusing on the defense and aerospace sectors. AeroVironment stands out from its competitors by emphasizing sustainability and environmental responsibility in its business practices, which not only helps the environment but also builds loyalty among employees and customers. The company's goal is to lead the market in intelligent robotic systems while promoting sustainable practices and creating new business opportunities.

Monrovia, CaliforniaHeadquarters

1971Year Founded

$20.3MTotal Funding

IPOCompany Stage

Robotics & Automation, Aerospace, DefenseIndustries

501-1,000Employees