Manufacturing Systems Manager

Job Title: Sector Lead, Digital Factory

Location: Fairborn, OH

Industry: Aerospace & Defense

About

Our client is a trusted partner delivering advanced engineering, digital transformation, and manufacturing solutions to U.S. DoD and aerospace clients. With a focus on digital engineering, smart manufacturing, and Industry 4.0/5.0, our client enables mission readiness and modernization across the defense industrial base.

Position Overview

The Sector Lead, Digital Factory, will drive the strategy, development, and execution of the’s digital factory capabilities across aerospace and defense programs. This leader will oversee the integration of digital engineering, smart manufacturing, and software factory principles to enable scalable, data-driven, and secure production environments. This role is responsible for advancing digital transformation initiatives, including automation, AI-driven analytics, DevSecOps, and digital thread/twin implementation to support mission-critical defense programs.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the Digital Factory strategy and execution across defense and aerospace programs

Build and scale digital manufacturing and software factory capabilities

Partner with engineering and operations teams to implement digital thread, digital twin, and model-based enterprise (MBE) solutions

Establish standards, governance, and best practices for digital factory operations

Define and track KPIs and performance metrics to measure digital transformation success

Collaborate cross-functionally with manufacturing, IT, cybersecurity, and program leadership

Lead and mentor high-performing technical and operational teams

Support business development efforts by shaping digital transformation solutions for defense clients

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Manufacturing, or related field (Master’s preferred)

10–15+ years of experience in digital engineering, manufacturing, or software development within aerospace/defense or regulated industries

5+ years of leadership experience in digital transformation, digital factory, or software factory environments

Strong experience with DevSecOps, CI/CD pipelines, cloud infrastructure, and automation tools

Knowledge of Industry 4.0 technologies (IoT, robotics, advanced manufacturing systems)

Experience with digital thread, digital twin, or model-based enterprise (MBE)

Familiarity with DoD compliance, cybersecurity frameworks (NIST, RMF), and secure systems development

Preferred Qualifications

Experience supporting DoD or national security programs

Background in smart factory or advanced manufacturing environments

Experience integrating AI/ML solutions into manufacturing or digital operations

Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or Black Belt)

Additional Requirements

Must be able to attain a United States Security Clearance

Ability to travel 30% of the time

Key Competencies

Strategic leadership in digital transformation and advanced manufacturing

Strong cross-functional collaboration across engineering, IT, and operations

Data-driven decision making and innovation mindset

Ability to lead complex, large-scale transformation initiatives