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Director Manufacturing Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ALSO

Sr. Director, Manufacturing Engineering

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$240K - $310K/yr

The Role ALSO is looking for a Manufacturing Engineering Leader to drive execution of FATP (final assembly test and pack) scope of work on key vehicle subsystems and complete vehicles. This is a rare ...

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Director Manufacturing Engineering information

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$73K

$194.7K

$254K

How much do director manufacturing engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 20, 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 development and implementation of manufacturing processes, ensuring efficiency, quality, and safety standards are met. They manage engineering teams, collaborate with production and quality departments, and often use tools like CAD and ERP systems to optimize operations and meet production goals.

What is the highest paying job in manufacturing?

In manufacturing, executive roles such as Vice President of Manufacturing or Chief Manufacturing Officer tend to be the highest paying positions, often earning six-figure salaries. These roles require extensive experience, leadership skills, and knowledge of manufacturing processes and strategic planning.

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 is the highest paid job in engineering?

The highest paid engineering roles are often in petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, and engineering management, with senior positions such as engineering directors or chief engineers earning top salaries. These roles typically require advanced technical skills, leadership experience, and often a master's or doctoral degree. Compensation varies by industry, location, and experience level.

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.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior manufacturing engineers, especially those in leadership roles or with specialized expertise, can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Achieving this level typically requires extensive experience, advanced skills in process optimization, and management responsibilities within large manufacturing organizations.
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Director Manufacturing Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Manufacturing Engineering job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $194,709 per year, or $93.6 per hour.
Director, Manufacturing Engineering, Valves

Director, Manufacturing Engineering, Valves

Relativity Space

Long Beach, CA

Other

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

About the Team: 

The Engine Manufacturing team is dedicated to delivering high-performance engines and advancing innovative manufacturing systems that continuously improve cost, quality, and lead time. You're not just executing on designs; you actively provide input that shapes new hardware iterations and regularly interface with engineers to make critical decisions for the Aeon R program. Having successfully developed and refined processes for our initial development engines, the team is now focused on producing flight engines at rate for Terran R's aggressive launch manifest.

About the Role:

  • Develop and implement build and test solutions to increase production rate, reduce touch time / hours and improve build quality to support increasing production rate
  • Partner with design teams to drive future design trades on valve components, improving valve functionality, build rate / manufacturability and reliability
  • Lead efforts to build up novel processing technologies aimed at high volume valve and component manufacturing
  • Lead both tactical and strategic planning, development, implementation, and maintenance of manufacturing methods and processes for new and existing products
  • Communicate and interface regularly with key stakeholders and employees throughout the organization 

About You:

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Aerospace Engineering (or equivalent experience)
  • 7+ years experience leading engineering teams through development/production transition and/or scaling to meet rate 
  • Proven ability to effectively interface with design engineering, manufacturing, and production teams to ensure seamless collaboration and integration of processes.  
  • Proven ability to set team/individual goals and drive progress/completion of those goals 

Nice to haves but not required:  

  • Experience working in new-space manufacturing environment. 
  • Experience in the manufacture of highly controlled aerospace products.

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