Location: Clearwater, FL
Job Type: Full-Time
Work Arrangement: Onsite

Production Manager – Scale Manufacturing Operations

Nokturnal AI is seeking an experienced Production Manager who has successfully transformed manufacturing operations from low-volume production into a highly efficient, scalable manufacturing environment.

This is not a role for someone who simply supervises a production floor.

We're looking for a manufacturing leader who has designed production systems, selected and sourced equipment, optimized factory layouts, implemented lean processes, and dramatically increased manufacturing capacity. If you've helped a company double or triple production output while improving quality and reducing waste, we want to talk to you.

As our Production Manager, you'll play a critical role in building the manufacturing infrastructure that supports the next generation of unmanned aircraft systems. You'll work directly with executive leadership, engineering, and operations to develop a world-class manufacturing organization capable of supporting rapid growth.

What You'll Do

• Develop and execute a manufacturing strategy capable of tripling production capacity while maintaining quality and efficiency.
• Design and continuously improve manufacturing workflows, work cells, and factory floor layouts to maximize throughput.
• Evaluate, specify, source, and implement manufacturing equipment, tooling, fixtures, CNC machines, and automation solutions.
• Lead capital equipment planning, vendor selection, procurement support, installation, and production startup.
• Optimize production scheduling, labor utilization, inventory flow, and manufacturing processes.
• Implement Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Kaizen, visual management, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Establish standardized work instructions, process documentation, and manufacturing best practices.
• Build KPIs that measure throughput, cycle time, efficiency, quality, labor utilization, and overall equipment effectiveness.
• Partner with Engineering to transition new products from prototype into repeatable production.
• Develop preventative maintenance programs for manufacturing equipment and production assets.
• Identify manufacturing bottlenecks and implement long-term solutions that support sustained growth.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop high-performing production personnel.
• Foster a culture focused on accountability, safety, quality, innovation, and continuous improvement.

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate has already built or significantly scaled a manufacturing operation. You understand how to take a growing company from limited production capability to a mature manufacturing organization.

You have experience with:

• Scaling manufacturing operations by two to three times or more.
• Manufacturing process design and optimization.
• Factory floor planning and production line layout.
• CNC machine selection, implementation, and production integration.
• Capital equipment planning and vendor sourcing.
• Production automation and manufacturing technology.
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, 5S, and continuous improvement.
• Capacity planning and production forecasting.
• Production scheduling and workflow optimization.
• Root cause analysis and process improvement.
• Manufacturing KPIs and operational performance metrics.
• Cross-functional collaboration with engineering and product development.

Preferred Qualifications

• 8+ years of manufacturing leadership experience.
• Experience scaling production within aerospace, defense, robotics, automotive, advanced manufacturing, or similar industries.
• Demonstrated success selecting, sourcing, and implementing CNC equipment and manufacturing technologies.
• Strong understanding of fabrication, machining, assembly, and manufacturing operations.
• Experience implementing ERP/MRP systems and manufacturing controls.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or a related discipline preferred.

Compensation: Competitive salary based on experience

Benefits Include:

• Employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Automatic 5% company contribution to your 401(k) (no employee match required)
• Professional development and continuing education opportunities

Additional Requirement