Sr Production Manager Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Senior Manager, Production & Industrialization

About Electra

At Electra, we're building the EL9 - a nine-passenger, hybrid-electric aircraft that takes off and lands in 150 feet. Our Ultra Short technology unlocks thousands of new operating locations and enables what we call Direct Aviation: quiet, point-to-point regional travel that gets people from where they are to where they want to go, without the congestion of major airports or the noise of conventional aviation.

A global company, headquartered in Manassas, VA, Electra is backed by Lockheed Martin, Honeywell, and Safran, has filed for FAA Part 23 type certification, and carries 2,000+ intent to purchase from operators worldwide. We're a team of ~100 people moving fast toward first EL9 test flights in 2027 and certification by late 2029 or 2030. Every hire matters at this stage - and this role is no exception.

The Role

As Senior Manager, Production & Industrialization, you'll lead the establishment of Electra's aircraft Final Assembly manufacturing capability and guide the organization through the transition from prototype builds to serial production. This is one of the first production leadership positions at Electra, and you'll be instrumental in designing the production system, developing manufacturing readiness, building high-performing teams, and creating the foundation for future rate production.

You'll initially lead prototype aircraft assembly while simultaneously leading the industrialization and implementation of the future Final Assembly Line (FAL). This role does not have direct reports in year one - you'll be building the layouts, processes, and initial "pioneer" assembly team yourself - with team growth expected as the organization scales. Success requires strong aerospace manufacturing experience, hands-on prototype build experience, and the ability to build teams and systems in a fast-paced startup environment.

What You'll Do

• Participate in the development and lead the implementation of Electra's aircraft Final Assembly Line (FAL) industrialization strategy, defining the roadmap from prototype production through certification into serial manufacturing
• Lead the assembly and execution of Electra's prototype aircraft production campaign, building and leading a team of pioneering manufacturing professionals responsible for prototype assembly and production learning
• Engage in the design of the future serial production Final Assembly Line for a medium-sized passenger aircraft platform, including assembly concepts, line balancing strategies, workstation definitions, and material flow architecture
• Implement production processes covering all assembly phases, including major segment equipping, structural assembly and joining, systems integration, aircraft matching and final assembly, ground test preparation, and flight preparation and delivery activities
• Work with Manufacturing Engineering to define production resource requirements including facilities, equipment, tooling, workforce, and training
• Develop mechanisms to transfer knowledge gained during prototype production into industrialized production processes, driving rapid problem solving and cross-functional collaboration to overcome prototype manufacturing challenges
• Partner with Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, Flight Test, and Program Management to ensure alignment between product development and manufacturing execution
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• Support a culture where safety and quality are foundational to manufacturing operations, partnering with Quality and Engineering to establish production control and inspection processes and support regulatory compliance and certification readiness activities
• Recruit, develop, and mentor a production and industrialization organization over time, and lead change management initiatives during the transition from development to production

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical discipline
• 12+ years of total experience in aerospace manufacturing environments
• Proven experience leading aircraft production operations and manufacturing teams
• Hands-on experience building prototype aircraft - distinct from serial production experience
• Demonstrated experience supporting industrialization, production system design, and manufacturing ramp-up activities
• Experience with medium-sized passenger aircraft programs or comparable aerospace platforms
• Strong knowledge of aircraft final assembly operations and manufacturing processes
• Experience working in environments transitioning from development or prototype phases into production
• Familiarity with Safety and Quality Management Systems (SMS/QMS) and supporting certification-readiness activities
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills

Bonus Points

• Experience in aerospace startup or high-growth manufacturing environments
• Experience establishing new production lines or greenfield manufacturing operations
• Experience supporting aircraft certification programs and production readiness activities
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Industrial Excellence, and Continuous Improvement methodologies, including Production Preparation Process (3P), Value Stream Mapping (VSM), Root Cause Analysis, and waste elimination
• Knowledge of advanced manufacturing systems and digital production tools
• Experience scaling production from prototype builds through serial production
• Strong understanding of modular aircraft systems and integrated assembly strategies

Location

Remote candidates will be considered, provided they can travel regularly to both Manassas, VA and Springfield, OH, with an ultimate relocation requirement to Springfield, OH once the manufacturing facility is operational. Manassas, VA preferred.

Compensation

$165,000 - $200,000. This range reflects the anticipated hiring range across all eligible locations; actual compensation is determined based on your relevant experience, skills, and geographic location. Total compensation includes performance bonus, equity participation, and comprehensive benefits.

What We Offer

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance; STD, LTD, and life insurance
• Generous PTO, sick leave, and company holidays
• Paid winter break
• 401(k) with immediate vesting
• Free catered lunches, coffee, snacks, and drinks at our Manassas headquarters
• Free on-site parking