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Director Manufacturing Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Director of Manufacturing Engineering to lead and oversee manufacturing engineering activities and systems across our flagship factory (Arsenal‑1) in ...

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$73K

$194.7K

$254K

How much do director manufacturing engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for director manufacturing engineering in the United States is $194,709.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $141,500.00 and $253,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Director of Manufacturing Engineering do?

A Director of Manufacturing Engineering oversees the design, implementation, and improvement of manufacturing processes within an organization. They lead teams of engineers, manage projects, and collaborate with other departments to ensure efficient production, quality standards, and cost-effectiveness. Their responsibilities often include strategic planning, process optimization, technology integration, and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory requirements. This leadership role is critical in driving innovation and maintaining competitive manufacturing operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director of Manufacturing Engineering, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Manufacturing Engineering, you need deep expertise in manufacturing processes, engineering management, and process optimization, usually supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering and significant leadership experience. Familiarity with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, lean manufacturing methodologies, Six Sigma certifications, and advanced manufacturing technologies is typically required. Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and excellent communication skills help drive cross-functional teams and foster innovation. These capabilities are vital for ensuring operational efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and continuous improvement in a competitive manufacturing environment.

What are some common challenges faced by a Director of Manufacturing Engineering and how can they be addressed?

A Director of Manufacturing Engineering often encounters challenges such as integrating new technologies, scaling production efficiently, and managing cross-functional teams. Balancing cost, quality, and speed while implementing process improvements requires strong project management and communication skills. Proactively fostering collaboration between engineering, operations, and quality teams helps address issues early and ensures alignment with organizational goals. Staying updated on industry advancements and investing in team development are also key to overcoming these challenges.

What is the difference between Director Manufacturing Engineering vs Manufacturing Engineer?

AspectDirector Manufacturing EngineeringManufacturing Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, often with leadership experienceBachelor's in Engineering or related field, entry to mid-level
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, team leadership, cross-department collaborationHands-on production, process improvement, equipment troubleshooting
Industry UsageOversees manufacturing operations, sets long-term goalsExecutes manufacturing processes, supports production teams

The main difference between a Director Manufacturing Engineering and a Manufacturing Engineer lies in scope and responsibility. The director focuses on strategic planning, leadership, and overseeing multiple teams, while the manufacturing engineer handles day-to-day process improvements and technical tasks. Both roles are essential in manufacturing, but they operate at different levels of management and technical involvement.

More about Director Manufacturing Engineering jobs
What cities are hiring for Director Manufacturing Engineering jobs? Cities with the most Director Manufacturing Engineering job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Manufacturing Engineering jobs? The most popular types of Manufacturing Engineering jobs are:
What states have the most Director Manufacturing Engineering jobs? States with the most job openings for Director Manufacturing Engineering jobs include:

Director, Manufacturing Engineering

Anduril-1

Columbus, OH • On-site

$219K - $290K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. By bringing the expertise, technology, and business model of the 21st century’s most innovative companies to the defense industry, Anduril is changing how military systems are designed, built and sold. Anduril’s family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI‑powered operating system that turns thousands of data streams into a realtime, 3D command and control center. As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril is committed to bringing cutting‑edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the military in months, not years.

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Director of Manufacturing Engineering to lead and oversee manufacturing engineering activities and systems across our flagship factory (Arsenal‑1) in Columbus, OH. This senior leader will support both the development of new products and the scaling of high‑volume production.

You will be responsible for driving operational performance and engineering excellence, ensuring safety, quality, delivery, and efficiency while scaling production to meet business growth objectives. Your leadership will guarantee that rigorous manufacturing processes are in place, resulting in the consistent delivery of superior quality products. This role demands an innovative and adaptable approach to solving complex manufacturing challenges, driving advancements in digital tools, DfM/DfA, and automation in a highly dynamic environment. The ideal candidate will be a results‑oriented leader with deep expertise in lean manufacturing, process engineering, operational excellence, and team development.

Key Responsibilities
  • Develop and implement a long‑term manufacturing engineering strategy aligned with company goals.
  • Drive innovation in manufacturing processes, automation, and technology adoption to enhance efficiency and scalability for both development and high‑volume production.
  • Architect the requirements and roadmaps for next‑generation digital manufacturing tools to improve manufacturing design, analysis, and production efficiency.
  • Build systems and processes to support the manufacturing design and production of classified products in compliance with security and regulatory requirements.
  • Build, lead, and mentor a high‑performing team of manufacturing engineers and technical staff.
  • Build and maintain an engaged, motivated workforce through strong leadership and communication.
  • Promote a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
New Product Introduction & Scalability
  • Partner with R&D and product development teams to ensure seamless transition of new products from design to production.
  • Drive Design for Manufacturability (DfM) and Design for Assembly (DfA) principles during product development, ensuring smooth scaling into production.
Resource Planning
  • Manage budgets, resources, and staffing for the manufacturing engineering department.
  • Forecast future operational and headcount needs to support scaling efforts for high‑growth production environments.
  • Plan for rapid response to large‑scale program demands, including classified systems, with short ramp‑up times.
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Electrical), Operations Management, Business, or a related field; Master’s degree or MBA strongly preferred.
  • 15+ years of progressive experience in manufacturing engineering and operations with at least 7 years in senior leadership roles.
  • Strong knowledge of automation, robotics, and advanced manufacturing technologies.
  • Experience in managing New Product Introduction (NPI) and scaling production for high‑growth environments.
  • Experience in developing, implementing, and utilizing digital manufacturing tools for design and analysis.
  • Familiarity with quality systems and regulatory compliance (ISO, FDA, AS9100, etc.) preferred.
  • Familiar with Product Life Cycle (PLM) systems, Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), and Test Execution Systems (TES).
  • Excellent leadership, interpersonal, communication, and project management skills.
  • Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance.

US Salary Range: $219,000 - $290,000 USD. The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are considered part of Anduril's total compensation package. Additionally, Anduril offers top‑tier benefits for full‑time employees, including:

At Anduril, we invest in our people. Our comprehensive, competitive benefits package (available at little to no cost to employees) ensures you’re supported in health, recovery, and whatever comes next.

EEO Statement: As set forth in Anduril Industries’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law. We encourage candidates to self‑identify any disability to provide equal opportunity. Candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret security clearance.

This position is not closed. Applications are still being accepted.

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