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Job description
Overview
Director, Manufacturing and Automation Engineering — Daniel Defense, LLC
Join to apply for the Director, Manufacturing and Automation Engineering role at Daniel Defense, LLC. The role leads the Manufacturing and Automation Engineering functions within the Manufacturing department and supports strategic long-term growth, capital planning, and continuous improvement initiatives across all shifts.
Department: Manufacturing | Division: Operations
Daniel Defense engineers and manufactures the world’s finest weapon systems and accessories with a mission to honor God and defend freedom by serving customers and providing premium solutions for military, law enforcement, and civilians.
Responsibilities
Lead daily operations of the Manufacturing and Automation Engineering team (manufacturing engineers, application engineers, automation engineers, CNC machinists).
Oversee development, implementation, and optimization of manufacturing processes to ensure functionality, quality, cost efficiency, and on-time delivery.
Own Capital Planning & Spending; collaborate cross-functionally to prioritize and execute high-ROI investments.
Contribute to strategic long-term growth planning, including equipment specs, capacity planning, staffing, and production support across all shifts.
Lead manufacturing process development for New Product Introductions (NPI); ensure safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives are met.
Manage stages of manufacturing development for new products (initial quoting, tool/vendor selection, tool design, build approval, process validation).
Evaluate and implement Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs) to improve safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
Optimize production support, cost reduction, material flow, lean improvements, process development, and corrective actions.
Partner with R&D, Quality Assurance, and Maintenance to address machinery, tooling, fixtures, and process needs; conduct root cause analysis and corrective actions.
Drive improvements in Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) using data-driven insights.
Monitor and manage production and quality metrics; ensure appropriate staffing and continuous improvement.
Mentor and develop engineering team members; foster a collaborative, high-integrity work environment aligned with Daniel Defense values.
Lead plant layout optimization, material flow improvements, and equipment planning.
Contribute to company-wide initiatives on safety, 6S, quality, delivery, and productivity; uphold high integrity, fairness, and positive work environment standards.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Bachelors in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field; or equivalent experience.
Minimum 5+ years of manufacturing experience in metalworking.
5–7+ years of leadership or supervisory experience.
10+ years proven track record leading technical projects in high-volume metalworking.
Proficient with SolidWorks, Mastercam, or equivalent; strong knowledge of GD&T.
Expertise in CNC machining, project management, process development, and equipment acquisition.
Strong experience implementing Lean Principles and Technologies.
Familiarity with metal/plastic injection molding, plating/coatings, and heat treating processes is highly desirable.
Solid knowledge of materials and heat treatment; ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines; strong communication skills.
Technical & Leadership Skills
SolidWorks, Mastercam proficiency; GD&T knowledge.
Ability to communicate effectively at all organizational levels and with external vendors; lead cross-functional teams with professionalism and integrity.
Physical Requirements
Must be able to lift/carry up to 50 pounds; intermittent standing, walking, sitting, and bending.
Work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, chemicals, lights/lasers; able to wear PPE as required.
Daniel Defense is an EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability employer and promotes a Drug-Free Workplace. This statement is part of our standard equal opportunity and workplace safety communications.
Note: This description represents the general nature and level of work performed and is not intended to be exhaustive. Responsibilities may change at any time at the discretion of the employer; Daniel Defense is an at-will employer.
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Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.