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# VP, Manufacturing Engineering with an Aerospace Supplier – Orlando, FL


Role Overview for VP, Manufacturing Engineering with an Aerospace Supplier – Orlando, FL
JRG Partners is proud to conduct an executive search for a visionary and transformative Vice President of Manufacturing Engineering on behalf of our client, a premier, Tier-1 supplier to the global aerospace and defense industry. This pivotal leadership role is based in the dynamic aerospace hub of Orlando, Florida, and represents a unique opportunity to shape the future of manufacturing for a company at the forefront of technological innovation.
As the VP of Manufacturing Engineering, you will be the strategic architect of the company’s production capabilities. You are not just managing processes; you are building the factory of the future. This role requires a leader who can blend deep technical expertise with strategic business acumen, driving operational excellence, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and inspiring a world-class engineering team.
You will hold ultimate responsibility for the entire manufacturing engineering lifecycle, from New Product Introduction (NPI) and process development to automation, capital investment, and sustained production efficiency. Your leadership will directly impact the company’s ability to deliver mission-critical components with unparalleled quality, on time, and within budget, solidifying its position as an indispensable partner to the world’s leading aerospace OEMs. This is a role for a leader who thrives on challenge, is passionate about innovation, and is ready to make a lasting impact on a critical industry.
Key Responsibilities of VP, Manufacturing Engineering with an Aerospace Supplier – Orlando, FL
The VP of Manufacturing Engineering will be responsible for a wide range of strategic and tactical duties, ensuring the manufacturing organization is a key competitive advantage for the business. Key responsibilities include:
Strategic Planning and Execution
Develop, articulate, and implement a comprehensive manufacturing engineering strategy that aligns with the company’s long-term growth objectives. This includes technology roadmaps, capital investment plans, and footprint optimization to support future programs and production rate increases.
Operational Excellence and Continuous Improvement
Champion a robust continuous improvement culture utilizing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other methodologies. Drive initiatives to optimize production workflows, reduce waste, minimize cycle times, and improve overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) across all manufacturing cells.
Leadership and Team Development
Lead, mentor, and empower a multi-disciplinary team of manufacturing engineers, process engineers, CNC programmers, and technicians. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and professional growth. Develop talent pipelines and succession plans for critical roles within the department.
New Product Introduction (NPI)
Oversee the seamless transition of new products from design and development into full-rate production. Collaborate closely with R&D and Program Management to ensure Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles are embedded early in the product lifecycle.
Technology and Automation Advancement
Act as the primary advocate for the evaluation and implementation of advanced manufacturing technologies. Lead the charge on Industry 4.0 initiatives, including automation, robotics, additive manufacturing, digital twins, and Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) to enhance productivity and quality.
Capital Expenditure (CapEx) Management
Develop and manage the annual capital budget for manufacturing engineering. Create compelling business cases for new equipment and technology investments, ensuring a strong return on investment and alignment with the strategic technology roadmap.
Quality, Compliance, and Safety
Guarantee that all manufacturing processes adhere to the highest quality standards and comply with stringent aerospace regulations. Maintain a deep understanding of aerospace quality management systems, particularly AS9100 standards, and work in lockstep with the Quality Assurance department to resolve issues and drive root cause corrective actions. Uphold and promote a world-class safety culture throughout all operations.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Serve as a key member of the senior leadership team, building strong partnerships with Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, Finance, and Program Management. Ensure that manufacturing engineering is a proactive and supportive partner to all other business functions.
Requirements for the VP, Manufacturing Engineering with an Aerospace Supplier – Orlando, FL
The ideal candidate will be a seasoned and strategic leader with a proven history of success in a complex, high-stakes manufacturing environment. We are seeking an individual with the following qualifications:
Required Qualifications:

A Bachelor of Science degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field.
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in manufacturing engineering, with at least 10 years in a significant leadership capacity (Director-level or higher).
Substantial experience within the aerospace and defense industry or a similarly regulated, high-precision manufacturing environment (e.g., medical device, automotive).
Demonstrated expertise in leading large-scale continuous improvement initiatives, with a strong command of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles.
Proven track record of successfully managing large departmental and capital budgets, including the justification and execution of major equipment and technology acquisitions.
In-depth knowledge of modern manufacturing processes, such as multi-axis CNC machining, composites manufacturing, complex assembly, welding, and other special processes common in aerospace.
Exceptional leadership and communication skills, with the ability to inspire teams, influence stakeholders at all levels, and articulate a clear, compelling vision.

Preferred Qualifications:

An advanced degree, such as a Master of Science in Engineering or an MBA, is highly preferred.
Certification as a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt.
Direct experience leading an Industry 4.0 or ‘digital factory’ transformation, including the implementation of MES, IoT, or advanced automation.
Experience managing engineering functions across multiple sites or facilities.
Familiarity with advanced materials, including titanium, Inconel, and aerospace-grade composites.
An active security clearance or the ability to obtain one is a significant plus.

Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier talent by offering a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package. This includes:
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary, a significant annual performance-based bonus, and a long-term incentive plan (e.g., stock options, equity) that aligns your success with the company’s growth.
Comprehensive Health and Wellness
A full suite of benefits including premium medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents, a Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contributions, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Retirement Savings
A robust 401(k) retirement plan featuring a generous company match to help you achieve your long-term financial goals.
Work-Life Balance
A generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policy, paid company holidays, and a commitment to supporting a healthy balance between your professional and personal life.
Professional Development
A strong commitment to your career growth with opportunities for executive coaching, advanced training, and tuition reimbursement for further education.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the selected candidate and their family to ensure a smooth transition to the Orlando area.
How to Apply
This is a confidential, retained search being conducted exclusively by JRG Partners. If you are a transformative manufacturing leader with the experience and drive to excel in this critical role, we encourage you to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. To learn more about our dedicated focus in this sector, please explore our expertise in industrial and manufacturing recruitment. Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer and celebrates diversity in the workplace.