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Manufacturing Manager II, Avionics

San Luis Obispo, California

At Zone 5 Technologies, we're redefining what's possible in unmanned aircraft systems. Our team of engineers and innovators is developing cutting-edge autonomous solutions that push the boundaries of UAS technology - solving complex challenges that matter.

We're building the future of UAS capabilities, and we're looking for exceptional talent to join us. If you're driven by hard problems, energized by rapid innovation, and ready to make an impact on next-generation flight systems, you belong here.

The Manufacturing Manager II, Avionics is responsible for the end-to-end performance of the Avionics manufacturing organization, including safety, quality, delivery, cost, and workforce development. This role owns the execution of avionics production while shaping the long-term scalability and capability of the department. 

This position leads avionics assembly and integration teams building wire harnesses, PCBAs, avionics modules, and electromechanical systems, ensuring production is repeatable, auditable, and aligned to company growth and technology strategy.

Unlike a Production Supervisor who focuses on shift-level execution, the Manufacturing Manager owns department-level systems, strategy, and organizational evolution.

This role involves working closely with manufacturing managers, various engineering disciplines, production staff, and operations teams to support expected outcomes.

 

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Role

· Define and own multi-year manufacturing strategy for avionics.

· Develop capacity models, headcount architecture, tooling/test infrastructure roadmaps.

· Lead major transformation initiatives (scaling, automation, factory layout, ERP/MES evolution).

· Act as a strategic advisor to executive leadership on manufacturing capability, risk, and scalability.

· Own capital investment strategy and business cases for the department.

Operational Ownership

· Own daily, weekly, and monthly avionics production performance across safety, quality, delivery, and cost.

· Develop and execute production plans in partnership with Production Control to meet program and customer demand.

· Ensure proper staffing, labor allocation, and skill coverage across avionics teams.

Process & Workmanship Control

· Own workmanship standards for avionics manufacturing (soldering, harness build, ESD/FOD control, test readiness).

· Ensure high-quality work instructions, travelers, and training systems exist and are consistently followed.

· Drive build discipline, configuration control, and traceability.

Quality & Compliance

· Partner with Quality Engineering to reduce defects, drive root cause and corrective action, and improve first-pass yield.

· Own departmental MRB flow, defect prevention, and inspection readiness.

· Ensure compliance with internal quality systems and regulatory requirements.

New Product Introduction (NPI)

· Lead manufacturing readiness for new avionics products and releases.

· Own production handoff from engineering into manufacturing.

· Ensure tooling, test fixtures, staffing, and training are in place prior to ramp.

People & Culture

· Lead and develop supervisors, leads, and frontline technicians.

· Build a culture of accountability, craftsmanship, and continuous improvement.

· Own performance management, capability development, and succession planning.

 

Required Qualifications:

Experience

· Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s (MBA/Engineering/Systems) preferred.

· 8–12+ years manufacturing leadership, including 5+ years managing managers or multiple teams.

· Proven track record scaling or transforming avionics production.

Strategic Capability

· Demonstrated ability to define and execute manufacturing strategy.

· Experience owning capacity planning, organizational design, and capital roadmaps.

· Has led major change initiatives (new product ramps, factory expansions, automation, system deployments).

Executive Leadership

· Regular experience working with Directors, VPs, and C-level leadership.

· Trusted to represent manufacturing in strategic business planning.

· Comfortable owning budgets, risk, and ROI decisions.

Pay range for this role

$141,000 - $169,000 USD

What's in it for you:

Benefits: 

  • Competitive total compensation package 
  • Comprehensive benefit package options include medical, dental, vision, life, and more.
  • 401k with company-match 
  • 4 weeks of paid time off each year
  • 12 annual company holidays

Why Join Zone 5 Technologies?

  • Innovative Environment: Work on cutting-edge technology that is shaping the future of defense and aerospace.
  • Collaborative Culture: Join a team of passionate professionals dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
  • Career Growth: Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

If you are passionate about unmanned aircraft technology and want to be a part of a dynamic and growing company, we would love to hear from you. Apply today and join the Zone 5 Technologies team! 

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Zone 5 Technologies is a federal contractor and participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. As required by law, we will verify the identity and employment authorization of all new employees using the E-Verify system. Learn more about your rights and responsibilities under E-Verify: https://www.e-verify.gov.

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