HEAD OF MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING

About the job Are you ready to take your career to new heights? At D-Orbit, we're pioneering the future of space logistics and transportation.
Established in , our company is leading the way in helping businesses profitably and sustainably unlock the full potential of the final frontier.
As a member of our team, you'll have the opportunity to work alongside a diverse group of highly skilled individuals, all driven by a shared passion for innovation and excellence.
Join us in our global mission to push the boundaries of what's possible and take your ambition to new heights.
Apply now and join us in shaping the future of space.
We are looking for an Head Of Manufacturing Engineering to menage efficient, high-quality manufacturing processes.
In this role, you'll oversee end-to-end production, including the design and implementation of new processes for upcoming programs, ensuring that cost, quality, and timeline targets are met.
You will drive design-for-manufacturability improvements with engineering and design teams and lead efforts in process optimization, automation, and continuous improvement to enhance productivity and maintain production excellence.
Key Responsibilities.
Leadership and Team Management.
Lead a multidisciplinary team of 10+ manufacturing and AIV engineers and operators, defining team goals aligned with the company's objectives.
Provide mentorship, foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning, and ensure team adherence to industry standards and internal engineering protocols.
Production Planning and Optimization.
Oversee the development and optimization of manufacturing processes to improve efficiency, meet cost targets, and maintain quality standards.
Responsible for delivering these improvements within the allocated time and budget.
Cross-functional Collaboration.
Partner with design and engineering teams to integrate design-for-manufacturing principles, ensuring efficiency in production and seamless product integration.
Process Improvement and Automation.
Identify and implement automation and improvement opportunities across manufacturing operations to boost productivity and reduce manual labor.
Fully accountable for executing these enhancements within budget constraints.
Resource and Equipment Management.
Ensure existing production equipment is operational, while proactively identifying and implementing improvements to maintain continuous manufacturing flow.
KPI Tracking and Reporting.
Define, monitor, and report key performance indicators (KPIs) for manufacturing activities, ensuring area targets are met consistently.
Facility Layout and Process Safety.
Support facility layout planning, optimize production floor configuration, and ensure efficient material flow to enhance both productivity and safety.
Documentation and Compliance.
Author technical and procedural documentation aligned with industry standards (e.
., ECSS) and internal policies to ensure quality and compliance across manufacturing operations.
Requirements.
Education Background.
Degree in engineering (aerospace, mechanical, automotive, industrial) or a comparable qualification.
Professional Experience.
7+ years of experience in a Manufacturing & Production Engineering environment, with a significant portion in aerospace or other high-precision industries (such as automotive or defense).
At least 4 years of leadership experience in a supervisory or managerial role, showing an ability to lead teams, manage cross-functional projects, and coordinate with departments like design, engineering, quality, and supply chain.
Hands-on experience with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, and other digital tools relevant to production management.
Technical expertise.
Extensive knowledge of manufacturing processes specific to aerospace, such as assembly integration, inspection, testing, quality assurance, and process validation.
Strong understanding of automation and robotics applications in manufacturing to improve efficiency and reduce manual labor where feasible.
Expertise in design-for-manufacturing (DFM) and design-for-assembly (DFA), working closely with design teams to ensure product designs meet manufacturability standards.
Operational Management.
Proven experience in budgeting and resource allocation, including oversight of area-specific budgets and cost-saving initiatives.
Proficiency in setting and achieving KPIs and performance targets, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
Innovation and Continuous Improvement Orientation.
Proven ability to drive process improvements through Lean Six Sigma methodologies, continuous improvement strategies, and innovative technologies.
Experience in facility layout planning and optimization to maximize production efficiency, equipment utilization, and material flow.
Regulatory and Compliance Knowledge.
Understanding of aerospace industry standards certifications and experience ensuring compliance with quality and safety standards.
Soft Skills and Leadership Qualities Strong leadership skills, including team building, mentoring, and the ability to foster a collaborative culture focused on continuous improvement.
Excellent communication skills for reporting to senior management and interfacing with regulatory bodies and external partners.
Languages.
Fluency in Italian.
Professional proficiency in English.
At D-Orbit, diversity and inclusivity are not just values, they are integral to our mission and the way we operate.
We are committed to fostering an environment where all individuals are respected, valued, and celebrated for their unique backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences.
We believe that a diverse and inclusive workplace is not only the right thing to do, but it also leads to better decision making, innovation, and overall success.
We actively strive to build a culture where everyone can bring their authentic selves to work, and where all voices are heard and valued.
We are dedicated to creating a workplace where everyone feels safe, supported, and empowered to share their ideas, and where everyone is given equal opportunities to grow and excel.
We believe that our differences make us stronger, and we will continue to work diligently to create an inclusive culture at D-Orbit that reflects this belief.