Immediately Hiring: Director of Manufacturing
Company: Dayton-Granger, Inc.
Industry: Aviation & Aerospace Component Manufacturing
Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315 (Relocation Assistance Offered)
Employment Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire | On-Site
Perks: Competitive Pay · Excellent Benefits · Leadership Role · Long-Term Stability
Dayton-Granger, Inc., a vertically integrated aerospace component manufacturer with over 80 years of success, is seeking a strategic, hands-on Director of Manufacturing to lead and oversee all production and manufacturing engineering operations. This individual will drive efficiency, quality, and on-time delivery across our machine shop, assembly, paint, and finishing departments while also managing the Manufacturing Engineering team responsible for supporting process development, tooling, and work instructions.
The ideal candidate brings proven leadership in aerospace or a similarly regulated manufacturing environment and thrives in a collaborative, results-driven culture.
Key Responsibilities:
Provide strategic and day-to-day leadership across Production and Manufacturing Engineering departments
Oversee the execution of all manufacturing activities, ensuring safety, quality, schedule, and cost targets are met
Lead the Manufacturing Engineering team in supporting the production floor with process improvements, tooling, routings, documentation, and root cause investigations
Partner with Engineering, Quality, Procurement, and Planning to drive product realization and efficient handoff from design to production
Ensure compliance with FAA, AS9100, ISO 9001, and internal quality requirements
Develop and track KPIs across departments (OEE, scrap, rework, throughput, on-time delivery, labor efficiency)
Drive continuous improvement initiatives using lean manufacturing, 5S, and Six Sigma methodologies
Coordinate staffing, shift coverage, and resource allocation to meet changing demands
Lead production meetings, support cross-functional problem-solving, and resolve bottlenecks quickly
Support new product introduction (NPI) and engineering change implementation through collaboration with design and development teams
Mentor and develop supervisors, team leads, and engineers to build a culture of accountability and operational excellence
Support internal and external audits and represent Manufacturing in customer-facing discussions as needed
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or related technical field
10+ years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing, including direct oversight of production and engineering teams
Aerospace, defense, or regulated manufacturing industry experience
Deep understanding of manufacturing processes (machining, assembly, paint, finishing) and process engineering support
Demonstrated success driving KPIs and leading multi-functional teams
ERP proficiency (Oracle or similar), strong data analysis and reporting capabilities
Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills
Preferred Qualifications:
Advanced degree (MBA or Master's in Engineering/Operations)
Experience in vertically integrated manufacturing
Familiarity with FAA regulations, AS9100, NADCAP, and aerospace customer audits
Experience implementing lean, Kaizen, or Six Sigma frameworks
Why You'll Love Working at DG:
At Dayton-Granger, you'll lead a close-knit team within a legacy aerospace company that designs, builds, and delivers everything from one location in sunny South Florida. Our vertically integrated operation allows for quick decision-making, visibility across the product lifecycle, and real impact in everything you do. With an average employee tenure of over 10 years, we foster a culture of trust, excellence, and growth.
Benefits:
Competitive compensation
401(k) with company match
Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
Paid Time Off (PTO), paid holidays, and parental leave
Complimentary life insurance + supplemental coverage
Short- and long-term disability
Tuition reimbursement
On-site gym and employee appreciation events
Relocation assistance available
Equal Opportunity Employer / Protected Veterans / Individuals with Disabilities
This position requires access to information subject to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Applicants must be U.S. persons (U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident, or protected individual under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)).