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External Manufacturing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ZwitterCo

External Manufacturing Manager

Woburn, MA · On-site +1

External Manufacturing & Partner Management * Serve as the primary point of contact for all contract manufacturers (CMs) and key external suppliers * Lead supplier selection, qualification, and ...

ZwitterCo

External Manufacturing Manager

Woburn, MA

External Manufacturing & Partner Management * Serve as the primary point of contact for all contract manufacturers (CMs) and key external suppliers * Lead supplier selection, qualification, and ...

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How much do external manufacturing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for external manufacturing in the United States is $18.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $20.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in External Manufacturing, and why are they important?

To thrive in External Manufacturing, you need strong project management skills, a solid understanding of manufacturing processes, and often a degree in engineering, supply chain, or a related field. Familiarity with ERP systems, quality management tools, and regulatory compliance standards is commonly required. Excellent communication, problem-solving, and relationship-building abilities help professionals effectively coordinate with external partners and internal teams. These skills are crucial for ensuring product quality, on-time delivery, and successful collaboration with third-party manufacturers.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals in External Manufacturing roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in External Manufacturing often encounter challenges related to managing supplier relationships, ensuring product quality, and coordinating timelines across multiple partners. Navigating different time zones, regulatory requirements, and production capabilities can create complexity. Proactive communication, clear documentation, and regular audits are essential strategies for addressing these challenges and maintaining smooth operations. Building strong partnerships with external vendors also helps in mitigating risks and supporting continuous improvement.

What is external manufacturing?

External manufacturing involves outsourcing the production process to third-party companies outside of the primary organization. In this role, professionals coordinate with contract manufacturers, oversee quality control, and ensure timely delivery of products, often requiring knowledge of supply chain management and manufacturing standards.

What jobs will no longer exist in 2030?

In 2030, some manufacturing jobs, including certain assembly line roles, may decline due to automation and robotics advancements. External manufacturing roles that rely heavily on manual labor are at risk of being replaced by AI-driven systems and automated machinery, reducing the need for human workers in repetitive tasks. However, jobs requiring technical skills, oversight, and maintenance of automated systems are expected to grow.

What are five types of manufacturing jobs?

Manufacturing jobs include roles such as assembly line workers, machine operators, quality control inspectors, production supervisors, and maintenance technicians. These positions often require knowledge of manufacturing processes, safety protocols, and sometimes certifications or technical skills. External manufacturing companies may also employ engineers and logistics coordinators to support production operations.

What is the difference between External Manufacturing vs Contract Manufacturing?

AspectExternal ManufacturingContract Manufacturing
DefinitionOutsourcing production to a third-party company to produce goods on behalf of a brand or company.Engaging a third-party manufacturer to produce specific products or components under a contractual agreement.
FocusOverall production process management and supply chainSpecific product or component manufacturing
RelationshipTypically ongoing partnership with multiple projectsProject-based or short-term agreement
Common CredentialsManufacturing certifications, quality standardsManufacturing certifications, quality standards

External Manufacturing and Contract Manufacturing both involve outsourcing production to third parties, but External Manufacturing generally refers to managing the entire manufacturing process, while Contract Manufacturing focuses on producing specific products or components under contractual terms. Understanding these differences helps companies choose the right outsourcing strategy for their production needs.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

External manufacturing roles such as skilled trades, sales, or management positions can pay around $4,000 weekly without requiring a degree, especially with experience and specialized skills. Jobs like sales representatives, project managers, or certain technical roles in manufacturing may reach this income level through commissions, bonuses, or overtime pay.
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External Manufacturing jobs near you
Infographic showing various External Manufacturing job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,403 per year, or $18.5 per hour.

Director, External Manufacturing

Kardigan

South San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

About Us
Kardigan is a heart health company working to make cardiovascular disease preventable, curable and no longer the leading cause of death in the world.
It is Kardigan's mission to develop multiple targeted treatments in parallel that bring people with cardiovascular diseases to the cures they deserve.
Led by Tassos Gianakakos, Jay Edelberg, M.D., Ph.D., and Bob McDowell, Ph.D., Kardigan's co-founders have reunited after leading MyoKardia to discover and develop mavacamten, the first cardiac myosin inhibitor, resulting in an acquisition by Bristol Myers Squibb in 2020.
We have a cutting-edge discovery and translational research platform, a pipeline of late-stage candidates, and an industry-leading team that is driven to improve the lives of patients.
At Kardigan, we are motivated by our values which guide how we work, interact, and achieve our goals. Driven by patients and their families, we are deeply committed to improving the lives of patients and prioritizing their needs above all else. We believe in being authentic-leading with truth to bring out the best in others by creating an environment where every person knows they will be fully accepted. With an eagerness to learn, we encourage the highest levels of curiosity and are open to changing our minds. We are committed to winning as a team with urgency, excellence, and intention, and support each other no matter what role we play or where we sit. Lastly, we strive to enable the impossible because patients are counting on us. We are not afraid to take risks to unlock innovation and advance scientific discoveries.
These values are the foundation of our work, empowering us to make a real difference, every day.
Job Overview
Kardigan is seeking a Director, External Manufacturing, to support development of a large late phase portfolio. This role will report directly to the Sr. Director of External Manufacturing.
In this role, you will be responsible for management and oversight of Kardigan's network of Contract Development & Manufacturing Organizations (CDMOs) for API and DP manufacturing for Kardigan's portfolio of assets across its cardiovascular pipeline. You will ensure the seamless production scheduling, distribution, and logistics of APIs and DPs to support clinical and commercial programs by fostering strong partnerships with external manufacturers to meet corporate objectives. Responsibilities include contracts negotiation & life cycle management within Tech Ops, CDMO project management, performance and business relationship management. This role requires collaboration with the Development, Quality, Analytical, Regulatory, and Supply Chain organizations at Kardigan. This is a 4-day, onsite position, based in South San Francisco, CA.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Develop and implement comprehensive strategies for external manufacturing, ensuring alignment with the company's clinical and commercial goals
  • Support the selection, qualification, and management of CDMOs for API and DP manufacturing, ensuring robust supply chain continuity
  • Collaborate closely with CMC technical leads to manage end-to-end external manufacturing operations, including technology transfer, process validation, production planning, and timely delivery of APIs and DPs
  • Ensure efficient distribution and logistics guaranteeing safe, compliant and timely delivery of APIs and DPs
  • Establish and maintain strong relationships with CDMOs, conducting regular business reviews to monitor performance, compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives
  • Negotiate contracts and manage budgets associated with external manufacturing and logistics services
  • Manage the tactical manufacturing strategy, execution of the business with CDMO organizations, and management of vendor performance.
  • Work closely with internal stakeholders, including Technical Operations, Supply Chain, Regulatory Affairs, and Quality, to ensure seamless integration of external manufacturing activities with internal processes
  • Provide strategic input into CMC development plans and regulatory submissions related to external manufacturing
  • Lead development and implementation of External Manufacturing processes and tools for TechOps team
  • Implement and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess and improve CDMO performance

Qualifications:
  • 10+ years of experience in Supply Chain, Manufacturing, or other Supply Chain discipline, preferably in the Biotechnology / Pharmaceutical industry
  • Proven track record in managing relationships with CDMOs and overseeing complex supply chains in a global environment (At least 3 years of experience in external manufacturing / alliance management / CDMO site management / Supplier management).
    • B.A. or B.S. or equivalent, experience in pharmaceutical sciences, supply chain or related field.
  • Experience with technology transfer, process validation, and commercialization of pharmaceutical products
  • Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive complex projects to successful completion
  • Extensive knowledge of regulated manufacturing, GMP, GCP and quality systems.
  • Solid understanding of the CDMO landscape, knowledge of CDMO capabilities and limitations worldwide (Small molecule API and drug product manufacturing knowledge is a plus).
  • Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong interpersonal communication skills, proven ability to build and maintain collaborative, effective internal and external relationships.
  • Excellent written, oral communication, and presentation skills along with the ability to communicate effectively with executive-level management.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively in a dynamic, cross-functional matrix environment.

Exact Compensation may vary based on skills, experience and location.
Pay range
$205,000-$267,000 USD

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