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How much do director manufacturing engineering jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 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 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 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.

How much does a director of manufacturing make in the US?

A director of manufacturing in the US typically earns between $120,000 and $180,000 annually, with total compensation often including bonuses and benefits. Salaries vary based on industry, company size, location, and experience, and the role usually requires strong leadership, technical expertise, and knowledge of manufacturing processes and tools.

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:
Infographic showing various Director Manufacturing Engineering job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $194,709 per year, or $93.6 per hour.
Director, Manufacturing Engineering- Capacity Expansion

Director, Manufacturing Engineering- Capacity Expansion

L3Harris Technologies

Brownsboro, AL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

L3Harris is dedicated to recruiting and developing high-performing talent who are passionate about what they do. Our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customers’ mission and quest for professional growth. L3Harris provides an inclusive, engaging environment designed to empower employees and promote work-life success. Fundamental to our culture is an unwavering focus on values, dedication to our communities, and commitment to excellence in everything we do.

L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers’ mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security.

Job Title: Director, Manufacturing Engineering- Capacity Expansion

Job Code: 36266

Job Location: Huntsville, AL

Job Schedule: 9/80: Employees work 9 out of every 14 days- totaling 80 hours worked- and have every other Friday off

Job Description:

Missile Solutions, an L3Harris Technologies Company, is seeking a Director of Manufacturing Engineering to lead our $4B capacity expansion initiative. This is a builder role for someone who has successfully stood up factories, production lines, and manufacturing operations. You will be the driving force behind transforming strategic growth plans into operational reality across multiple sites, with minimal oversight and maximum autonomy.

Not a traditional chief engineer role — this position will lead the engineering efforts to design, build and commission factories of the future. While not a direct people manager, this technical leader will be responsible for directing cross-functional engineering teams across multiple locations, the role will drive engineering rigor through aggressive timelines to bring capacity online urgently for the warfighter. 

Essential Functions:

  • Build & Activate Manufacturing Capacity:

    • Lead the design, construction, and activation of new manufacturing facilities and production lines to support $4B in growth
    • Establish greenfield and brownfield manufacturing operations with full accountability for schedule, budget, and performance
    • Drive facility layout design, equipment specification and procurement, and production system implementation
    • Own the transition from concept through commissioning to full-rate production

    Lead Cross-Functional Execution:

    • Serve as the single point of accountability for manufacturing expansion across multiple sites
    • Drive alignment between Operations, Engineering, Program Management, Supply Chain, and Quality organizations
    • Lead large, matrixed teams (40+ people) through complex facility and production line stand-ups
    • Make rapid decisions with incomplete information to maintain momentum on critical path activities

    Optimize Manufacturing Operations:

    • Implement lean manufacturing principles to minimize waste, maximize flow, and optimize space/equipment/personnel utilization
    • Develop and deploy production processes for Solid Rocket Motor manufacturing
    • Establish management control systems and metrics to drive performance and continuous improvement
    • Identify and execute cost-reduction initiatives while maintaining quality and safety standards

    Manage Stakeholder Relationships:

    • Interface with executive leadership, program managers, and external stakeholders on expansion progress
    • Lead Change Board Reviews and provide technical briefs on manufacturing capabilities and constraints
    • Identify risks and develop mitigation strategies to prevent delays in capacity activation
    • Support cost estimating and validation for new facility and production line investments
  • Travel: 25%- 50%.
  • Ability to obtain a US Secret Security Clearance.

 

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s Degree with a minimum of 15 years of prior manufacturing experience. Graduate Degree with a minimum of 13 years of prior manufacturing experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 19 years of prior manufacturing experience.
  • 8 years leading manufacturing facility construction and production line activation projects (greenfield or major brownfield expansions).
  • Proven track record of standing up at least 2 major manufacturing facilities or production lines from concept to full operation.
  • Demonstrated experience leading large cross-functional teams (40+ people) with accountability for schedule, budget, and performance outcomes.
  • Experience managing capital projects $50M+ from design through commissioning.

 

Preferred Additional Skills:

  • Active US Secret Security Clearance is preferred.
  • Solid Rocket Motor or aerospace/defense manufacturing experience highly desired.
  • Experience with DoD manufacturing facilities and compliance requirements is preferred.
  • Project management certification (PMP) or equivalent is preferred.
  • Cost account management and P&L responsibility.
  • Experience with ERP/MES system implementations.
  • Lean Six Sigma certification (Black Belt preferred).
  • Background in industrial engineering, facilities engineering, or manufacturing engineering.

#LI-HW1

L3Harris Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. L3Harris maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.

Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

By submitting your resume for this position, you understand and agree that L3Harris Technologies may share your resume, as well as any other related personal information or documentation you provide, with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies for the purpose of considering you for other available positions.

L3Harris Technologies is an E-Verify Employer. Please click here for the E-Verify Poster in English or Spanish. For information regarding your Right To Work, please click here for English or Spanish.