VP of Digital Robotics & Smart Manufacturing – Aerospace – Orlando, FL

Are you a forward-thinking leader with a passion for cutting-edge manufacturing technology in the aerospace industry? We are seeking a Vice President of Digital Robotics & Smart Manufacturing to join an innovative aerospace organization based in Orlando, FL. This is a unique opportunity to lead the digital transformation of manufacturing processes, optimize automation, and drive innovation at scale. If you excel in leading teams, integrating advanced technologies, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, this role is tailored for you.

Drive Smart Manufacturing Innovation in Aerospace – Orlando, FL

A leading aerospace company in Orlando, FL is searching for a Vice President of Digital Robotics & Smart Manufacturing to spearhead the implementation of advanced digital systems and robotics solutions. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in smart manufacturing, Industry 4.0 technologies, and aerospace production environments. This is your chance to lead strategic initiatives that redefine manufacturing efficiency, quality, and scalability in a mission-critical sector.

Key Responsibilities of the Vice President (VP) of Digital Robotics & Smart Manufacturing – Aerospace

Digital Strategy & Innovation:
Develop and execute a forward-looking strategy for digital robotics and smart manufacturing initiatives aligned with aerospace industry trends. Lead digital transformation efforts by integrating Industry 4.0 technologies, including AI, IoT, robotics, and data analytics, into core manufacturing operations.

Automation & Robotics Integration:
Drive the implementation of advanced robotics and automation technologies across manufacturing lines to enhance precision, consistency, and productivity. Identify opportunities to streamline manual processes and scale up autonomous systems while ensuring alignment with safety and quality standards.

Smart Factory Leadership:
Spearhead the development of smart factory ecosystems leveraging real-time data, predictive analytics, and connected systems. Ensure manufacturing sites are digitally enabled to improve decision-making, reduce downtime, and optimize performance metrics.

Operational Efficiency & Process Optimization:
Champion continuous improvement initiatives to drive lean manufacturing, cost reduction, and process optimization. Use digital tools and KPIs to monitor and enhance plant performance, reduce waste, and improve overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).

Cross-Functional Collaboration:
Collaborate closely with engineering, IT, quality, procurement, and production teams to ensure cohesive execution of digital manufacturing strategies. Align digital initiatives with broader business objectives and foster synergy across departments.

Technology Scouting & Implementation:
Identify, evaluate, and implement emerging technologies and digital platforms that enhance manufacturing capability and agility. Partner with technology providers, research institutions, and startups to stay ahead of innovation curves.

Talent Development & Change Management:
Build and mentor a high-performing team of digital manufacturing and automation professionals. Lead change management efforts by cultivating a culture of innovation, adaptability, and continuous learning across all manufacturing sites.

Compliance, Safety & Risk Mitigation:
Ensure all digital manufacturing systems and automation processes comply with aerospace industry regulations, quality certifications, and safety standards. Identify and mitigate risks related to cybersecurity, operational disruptions, and technology adoption.

Performance Monitoring & Reporting:
Establish robust monitoring systems and dashboards to track digital transformation KPIs. Report progress, ROI, and strategic impact to executive leadership and stakeholders through data-driven insights and presentations.

Customer & Stakeholder Alignment:
Work in close partnership with customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders to align digital initiatives with product lifecycle needs, delivery expectations, and long-term aerospace program requirements. Strengthen relationships through transparent communication and value-driven results.

What the Client is Looking for in You

As the Vice President of Digital Robotics & Smart Manufacturing – Aerospace, the client seeks a visionary leader with deep expertise in digital transformation, robotics, and smart manufacturing within complex industrial environments. You should be a tech-savvy, innovation-driven executive capable of modernizing manufacturing systems and accelerating digital adoption in a high-stakes aerospace setting.

Proven Experience in Advanced Manufacturing & Robotics

The client is seeking a senior executive with a strong track record of leading smart manufacturing and automation initiatives in aerospace or similarly regulated industries. You should bring hands-on experience in deploying robotics, AI, IoT, and data-driven solutions across multiple production sites. A background in digital engineering, production automation, or systems integration is highly desirable.

Strategic Visionary in Industry 4.0 Transformation

You must be a strategic thinker with a passion for shaping the future of manufacturing through cutting-edge technologies. The ideal candidate will have a clear vision for implementing Industry 4.0 principles, including end-to-end connectivity, digital twins, predictive maintenance, and real-time analytics, while aligning with long-term business goals.

Strong Technical and Operational Acumen

The role requires someone who can bridge the gap between technology and operations. You should be highly skilled in evaluating and integrating advanced manufacturing platforms while ensuring operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and cost-effective performance. A deep understanding of aerospace manufacturing standards and protocols is a must.

Leadership in Cross-Functional Collaboration

The client is looking for a collaborative leader who can work seamlessly across engineering, production, IT, and executive teams. Your ability to influence, guide, and align diverse departments around shared digital goals will be critical. Experience in managing change and cultivating innovation at scale is highly valued.

Results-Oriented & Data-Driven Decision Maker

You should possess a strong analytical mindset and a performance-driven approach. The ability to interpret complex data, track KPIs, and make evidence-based decisions will play a key role in ensuring measurable impact from digital initiatives. Familiarity with manufacturing dashboards, MES systems, and cloud technologies is a plus.

Talent Developer and Culture Champion

The client values a leader who can attract and retain top digital talent while nurturing a culture of innovation, agility, and continuous improvement. Your leadership style should encourage experimentation, upskilling, and cross-disciplinary learning throughout the organization.

Exceptional Communication & Stakeholder Management

As a senior leader, you must be skilled in communicating complex technical initiatives to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. The client seeks a VP who can confidently engage with executive leadership, partners, and suppliers, and articulate the strategic value of digital manufacturing investments.

Commitment to Compliance, Safety & Risk Mitigation

Finally, the ideal candidate will have a strong grasp of compliance frameworks, safety protocols, and cybersecurity best practices related to digital operations. Your ability to ensure safe, secure, and reliable smart manufacturing environments will be essential to the organization’s success.

FAQs About the Role – Vice President (VP) of Digital Robotics & Smart Manufacturing – Aerospace

1. What are the key responsibilities of the VP in this role?
As the Vice President of Digital Robotics & Smart Manufacturing, you will lead the digital transformation of manufacturing operations in a high-tech aerospace environment. Key responsibilities include developing and executing digital manufacturing strategies, implementing robotics and automation technologies, driving Industry 4.0 initiatives, and ensuring seamless integration across engineering, operations, and IT. You will also be responsible for enhancing productivity, reducing costs, and maintaining compliance with aerospace industry regulations.

2. What qualifications and experience are required for this position?
The ideal candidate should have a strong background in smart manufacturing, robotics, or digital transformation—preferably within the aerospace, defense, or advanced industrial sectors. A bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, or a related field is required; a master’s degree or MBA is preferred. You should have experience leading large-scale digital manufacturing initiatives, managing cross-functional teams, and driving enterprise-level technology adoption.

3. What leadership qualities are essential for this role?
The client is looking for a visionary leader who can align digital strategies with business goals and inspire innovation across departments. Strong technical acumen, strategic thinking, communication skills, and a collaborative leadership style are key. You should be comfortable navigating complexity, leading through change, and mentoring technical and operational teams.

4. What challenges can I expect in this role?
This role involves navigating challenges such as legacy system integration, change management, supply chain modernization, and meeting strict aerospace compliance standards. Balancing innovation with cost-efficiency, driving cultural adoption of new technologies, and managing cross-site digital deployments are critical to success.

5. What is the expected impact of the VP on the company’s transformation?
As VP, you will play a central role in modernizing the company’s manufacturing ecosystem and increasing its global competitiveness. Your leadership will help boost operational efficiency, improve production timelines, reduce waste, and support the broader digital vision of the organization. The impact of your work will be directly tied to cost savings, quality enhancement, and manufacturing excellence.

6. What is the company’s culture and work environment like?
The company fosters an innovation-focused and collaborative work culture grounded in technical excellence, safety, and continuous improvement. The environment encourages cross-disciplinary teamwork, agility, and forward-thinking leadership. As VP, you will help shape the culture to embrace digital agility and scalable transformation.

What Remuneration Can You Expect from This Job?

As the Vice President (VP) of Digital Robotics & Smart Manufacturing in the aerospace sector based in Orlando, FL, you can expect a robust and attractive compensation package aligned with the strategic importance of this role. The remuneration structure is designed to reward innovation, leadership, and performance, and typically includes the following components:

1. Base Salary
The base salary for a VP in digital manufacturing and robotics within the aerospace industry generally ranges from $200,000 to $350,000 per year, depending on the size and scale of the organization, as well as the candidate’s experience and technical expertise.

2. Performance-Based Bonuses
Incentive bonuses are a key part of the package, often tied to KPIs such as digital transformation milestones, operational efficiency improvements, cost savings, and production uptime. Annual performance bonuses typically range from 20% to 50% of the base salary, with additional incentives for surpassing goals.

3. Equity & Stock Options
For leadership roles in high-growth or publicly traded aerospace companies, stock options or restricted stock units (RSUs) may be part of the total compensation package. These long-term incentives are designed to align your interests with those of the company and shareholders, and can significantly increase total earnings.

4. Long-Term Incentive Plans (LTIPs)
Many aerospace firms offer multi-year incentive plans to reward long-term impact, leadership continuity, and sustained digital growth. These can include additional bonuses, deferred compensation, or stock awards based on meeting transformation and innovation benchmarks over a 3–5 year period.

5. Executive Benefits & Perks
In addition to salary and bonuses, VP-level executives enjoy comprehensive benefits such as:

Full health, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) with company match or pension plan
Executive life and disability insurance
Paid time off and executive leave
Company car or transportation stipend
Continuing education or leadership training programs
Access to executive coaching or mentorship programs

6. Signing Bonuses & Relocation Support
If relocation is required or to secure a top candidate, companies may offer a signing bonus and relocation assistance. These can range from $25,000 to $150,000, depending on relocation distance, experience level, and urgency of the hire.

Total Compensation Potential

When factoring in base salary, bonuses, equity, and long-term incentives, the total annual compensation for this VP role can range from $300,000 to over $700,000, with even higher potential in larger or public aerospace firms.

How to Apply

If you are a forward-thinking executive with a strong background in digital transformation, robotics, and advanced manufacturing within the aerospace industry, we encourage you to apply for the Vice President (VP) of Digital Robotics & Smart Manufacturing role based in Orlando, FL. This is a unique leadership opportunity to spearhead next-generation smart factory initiatives and transform how aerospace products are built, scaled, and delivered.

To apply, please submit your updated resume along with a compelling cover letter highlighting your experience in:

Leading digital manufacturing and automation strategies
Deploying robotics and AI-driven production systems
Driving efficiency, quality, and throughput in large-scale aerospace operations
Managing cross-functional engineering and operations teams
Executing innovation roadmaps aligned with organizational objectives

Be sure to emphasize your success in scaling smart manufacturing systems, improving operational KPIs, and leading high-impact change initiatives across complex organizations.

This is your opportunity to shape the future of aerospace manufacturing, establish industry benchmarks, and lead a digital-first transformation from the top.

Apply today to take the next step in your executive career and become a key player in the evolution of aerospace production and innovation.

For more information or to discover similar executive openings, visit our Aerospace & Engineering Executive Recruiters Page.

Job Category: Aerospace

Job Type: Full Time

Job Location: Orlando

VP of Digital Robotics & Smart Manufacturing – Aerospace – Orlando, FL