Manufacturing Manager – Hypersonics Machining

About the role

Leidos' Defense Manufacturing Team is seeking a Hypersonics Machining Manager to lead the establishment of a new machining facility in Huntsville, Alabama. The manager activates and leads a high-performing machining operation supporting future production, combining technical expertise in CNC machining and programming with experience in non-metallic machining, facility activation and production ramp-up. The role carries direct accountability for Safety, Quality, Cost and Delivery (SQCD).

Key responsibilities

• Lead facility activation and start-up, including equipment installation, commissioning, qualification and production release.
• Develop readiness plans for equipment, tooling, fixturing, CNC programming, processes, staffing, training, material flow, inspection and production controls.
• Establish machining cells, work centers, material flow, standard work and visual management.
• Apply expertise in non-metallic machining to enable an aggressive activation and qualification timeline.
• Optimize CNC programs and processes with Manufacturing Engineering to improve cycle time, tool life, quality and equipment utilization.
• Own SQCD performance, establish a strong safety culture, reduce scrap and rework, and manage labor, tooling and consumable costs.
• Monitor metrics such as OEE, utilization, cycle time, labor efficiency, scrap, rework and schedule performance.
• Build and lead a team of machinists, CNC programmers, leads, supervisors and manufacturing personnel, and recruit, train and retain talent.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical or Industrial Engineering (8+ years of experience) or a Master's degree (6+ years) in a manufacturing, machining or operations environment.
• 8+ years of progressive machining/manufacturing experience, including leadership in a production environment.
• Demonstrated experience managing CNC machining operations, non-metallic machining, and activating a manufacturing facility.
• US citizen with a Secret Clearance; must live in or relocate to the North Alabama/Huntsville area.
• Preferred: aerospace, defense, space, automotive or other highly regulated manufacturing experience; experience with Mastercam, NX CAM, GibbsCAM, Fusion, ERP/MRP, MES and AS9100/ISO 9001.

Required skills

• CNC programming, machining processes, tooling, workholding, feeds and speeds and process optimization
• Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement
• Strong problem-solving, communication, organizational and leadership skills

Pay range: $116,350 - $210,325.