1

Director Manufacturing Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

An amazing opportunity has arisen for a Digital Manufacturing Operations Director. This is a crucial role that is a trusted partner who fosters enablement of purposeful innovation and sustained value ...

An amazing opportunity has arisen for a Digital Manufacturing Operations Director. This is a crucial role that is a trusted partner who fosters enablement of purposeful innovation and sustained value ...

An amazing opportunity has arisen for a Digital Manufacturing Operations Director. This is a crucial role that is a trusted partner who fosters enablement of purposeful innovation and sustained value ...

Digital Manufacturing Operations Director - An amazing opportunity has arisen for a Digital Manufacturing Operations Director. This is a crucial role that is a trusted partner who fosters enablement ...

New

This individual reports directly to the Director-Manufacturing. The Plant Lead Team members will report directly to the Plant Manager (typically 4-8 direct reports) Scope for this Plant Manager role ...

Plant Director

Winchester, VA · On-site

$155K - $170K/yr

This individual reports directly to the Director-Manufacturing. The Plant Lead Team members will report directly to the Plant Manager (typically 4-8 direct reports) Scope for this Plant Manager role ...

Plant Director

Winchester, VA · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

This individual reports directly to the Director-Manufacturing. The Plant Lead Team members will report directly to the Plant Manager (typically 4-8 direct reports) Scope for this Plant Manager role ...

R&D Manufacturing Director

Herndon, VA · On-site

$150 - $225/hr

Job Title R&D Manufacturing Director Location Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary) Fibertek is seeking a hands‑on R&D Manufacturing Director to lead manufacturing of first‑of‑kind ...

Fibertek is seeking a hands-on R&D Manufacturing Director to lead manufacturing of first-of-kind prototypes, demonstration units, and initial low-rate production units for laser and electro-optical ...

R&D Manufacturing Director

Herndon, VA · On-site

$150K - $225K/yr

Job Title R&D Manufacturing Director Location Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary) Fibertek is seeking a hands-on R&D Manufacturing Director to lead manufacturing of first-of-kind prototypes ...

Thorough understanding of construction, manufacturing processes, and operations * Demonstrated abilities to lead all aspects of oversight for scheduling, manning, progressing, materials, contracting ...

Our client is seeking a hands-on R&D Manufacturing Director to lead the manufacturing of firstofkind prototypes, demonstration units, and lowrate initial production hardware for advanced laser and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Director Manufacturing information

See Virginia salary details

$68.9K

$140.7K

$207.7K

How much do director manufacturing jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for director manufacturing in Virginia is $140,655.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $110,500.00 and $165,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a director manufacturing do?

A Director of Manufacturing oversees all aspects of the production process within a manufacturing organization. They are responsible for ensuring that manufacturing operations run efficiently, meet quality standards, and achieve production targets within budget constraints. Their duties often include developing strategies to improve productivity, managing teams and resources, implementing safety protocols, and collaborating with other departments such as engineering and supply chain. Additionally, they analyze production data to identify areas for improvement and ensure compliance with industry regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director manufacturing?

To thrive as a Director of Manufacturing, you need expertise in production management, process optimization, and a strong background in engineering or manufacturing, often supported by a relevant degree and leadership experience. Familiarity with ERP systems, lean manufacturing methodologies, and certifications such as Six Sigma are typically required. Exceptional leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help drive team performance and foster continuous improvement. These competencies ensure efficient operations, high product quality, and achievement of organizational goals in a competitive manufacturing environment.

What is the difference between Director Manufacturing vs Production Manager?

AspectDirector ManufacturingProduction Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees entire manufacturing operations, strategic planning, and long-term goalsManages daily production activities, schedules, and team supervision
Required CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field; extensive experienceBachelor's in Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field; experience in production roles
Work EnvironmentExecutive office, plant oversight, cross-department collaborationFactory floor, production lines, team management
Industry UsageCommonly used in large manufacturing firms and corporationsUsed across manufacturing plants of all sizes

The main difference between a Director Manufacturing and a Production Manager lies in scope and strategic focus. The Director Manufacturing oversees overall manufacturing operations and long-term planning, while the Production Manager handles daily production activities and team supervision. Both roles require relevant technical credentials, but the Director position involves higher-level decision-making and broader responsibilities.

What are the primary challenges a director manufacturing might face when scaling production operations?

A Director of Manufacturing often encounters challenges such as maintaining product quality while increasing output, ensuring supply chain reliability, and managing workforce scalability. Balancing cost efficiency with innovation and compliance to safety regulations can also be demanding, especially during rapid growth phases. Effective communication and collaboration across departments—such as engineering, procurement, and quality assurance—are critical to successfully scaling operations and meeting organizational goals.

What are the most commonly searched types of Manufacturing jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Manufacturing jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Director Manufacturing jobs in Virginia?

For Director Manufacturing jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Director Manufacturing jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Director Manufacturing jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Director Manufacturing jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Director Manufacturing job openings:

Infographic showing various Director Manufacturing job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $140,655 per year, or $67.6 per hour.

Director, Manufacturing Automation

Merck & Co.

Elkton, VA • On-site

$173 - $273/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Merck rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 51 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

43rd of 86 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

Job Description

An amazing opportunity has arisen for a Digital Manufacturing Operations Director. This is a crucial role that is a trusted partner who fosters enablement of purposeful innovation and sustained value from our digital assets, while enabling a safe, compliant, reliable, and cost-effective supply to our patients. This role provides support to our manufacturing division as they aspire to simultaneously run the business, grow the business, and transform the business. A focus on creating and fostering an engaged and inclusive culture is essential to deliver sustained performance excellence.

Responsibilities
  • Direct the technical activities of the shopfloor automation teams responsible for all of site's manufacturing areas to achieve business objectives through execution of standard work and processes
  • Adapt and implement functional strategic plans and priorities based on division scorecard and overall digital strategic plans to address local business, service and operational challenges
  • Provide leadership for the team across technical, compliance, security, and business acumen knowledge domains
  • Direct support of regulatory inspections and audits and other validation activities
  • Provide leadership of digital process improvements, productivity, and system support projects
  • Lead individual and team development through approved HR guidance and practices
  • Provide guidance on digital activities to key stakeholders
  • Provide guidance and ensure that the team follow established standards, principles and governance
  • Support problem solving practices to identify and resolve technical and operational problems; able to collaborate with peers to resolve problems that cross into inter-related units
  • Support project execution and Asset Life Cycle Management (LCM) for automation assets
  • Guide proactive strategic management of shop floor assets and their risk profiles
  • Build relationships/partnerships with digital leaders across the business network and product value teams
  • Manage vendor relationships
Qualifications Required
  • Bachelor's Degree or higher in Engineering or Computer Science
  • Minimum ten (10) years of experience in a production regulated industry (part or all the ten years providing manufacturing automation services) - OR - Master's or MBA degree with eight (8) years' experience - OR - PhD with five (5) years' experience
  • Minimum of five (5) years of direct people management experience
  • Minimum of five (5) years of experience in a GMP manufacturing automation role
  • Experience with DeltaV (or equivalent), PLCs, MES, and PI (or equivalent)
  • Demonstrated ability to build relationships with direct reports, team, peers and site/business leaders
  • Experience managing automation requests during regulatory inspections
  • Demonstrated leadership in achieving shared objectives in a matrix organization
  • Strong understanding of manufacturing principles/ processes and ability to translate manufacturing requirements into Automation/IT solutions
  • Ability to develop, articulate and build support around a long-term vision and implement incremental milestones in support of that vision
  • Proven track record of analytical skills, problem solving and attention to detail
  • Able to demonstrate our company Leadership Principles (Ways of Working) and Enterprise Leadership
  • High personal integrity, credibility, and energy
  • Excellent communication and influencing skills
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
Preferred
  • Lean Six Sigma experience
  • Strong Problem solving, Project management, Communication and Collaboration skills required
  • Strong Problem solving, Project management, Communication and Collaboration skills required
Required Skills

Audit Management, Business Process Improvements, Collaborative Communications, Computer Science, Data Management, Digital Manufacturing, Lean Six Sigma (LSS), Oral Communications, Problem Management, Project Management, Quality Management, Real-Time Programming, Regulatory Inspections, Six Sigma, Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), Strategic Management, Strategic Planning, Supplier Relationship Management, Team Leadership

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only

Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities.

As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.--As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.- For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:

EEOC Know Your Rights

EEOC GINA Supplement

We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another's thinking and approach problems collectively.

Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts

The salary range for this role is

$173,200.00 - $272,600.00

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.

The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits.- Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits .

San Francisco Residents Only

-We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Los Angeles Residents Only

-We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully-

Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. -No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.

Employee Status: Regular

Relocation: Domestic

VISA Sponsorship: No

Travel Requirements: 10%

Flexible Work Arrangements: Not Applicable

Shift: 1st - Day

Valid Driving License: No

Hazardous Material(s): N/A

#J-18808-Ljbffr

What Merck employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom