Head of Production (Roswell)

TRCTalent is working alongside a leading manufacturer that is standing up a new facility in Roswell. They are a leader in the aerospace design and manufacturing of world-class small turbojet engines. These engines provide superior power-to-weight ratios with low fuel consumption making them the preferred choice drone and missile systems. This position, Head of Production, oversees the assembly and test areas.

Role Summary:
The Head of Production is the single point owner of turbojet engine output. This role has full accountability for assembly, integration, and test execution—ensuring engines are built, tested, and delivered on schedule, to specification, and at scale.
This is an execution leadership role for an operator who has personally run production lines, managed labor at scale, and navigated test failures in regulated aerospace environments. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, a deep understanding of manufacturing processes, and a commitment to safety and quality.

Key Accountabilities:
Production Execution
• Own end to end assembly, integration, and test flow for turbojet engines
• Plan, schedule, and manage production tasks and projects to meet daily, weekly, and monthly output goals
• Deliver production schedules while balancing throughput, yield, and compliance
• Lead daily production planning, sequencing, and recovery actions
Test & Yield Ownership
• Own PAT / FAT / acceptance test performance, rework flow, and disposition decisions
• Drive rapid root cause resolution for test failures in partnership with Engineering and Quality
• Establish disciplined feedback loops between test results and assembly process improvements
Labor & Capacity Management
• Directly manage staffing plans, shift models, training ramps, and skill coverage
• Scale technician headcount and supervisors to support increasing production rates
• Maintain shop floor visibility and hands on leadership
• Lead, coach, and mentor production team members; provide feedback, and resolve performance issues
• Implement training program for new and existing team members, provide cross-training to enhance flexibility and productivity
Operational Discipline
• Collaboration: Work closely with engineering, supply chain, and quality assurance teams to ensure seamless operations and resolve production-related issues.
• Implement standard work, task alignment, and flow discipline appropriate for high mix aerospace hardware
• Ensure production readiness for new configurations, variants, and rate increases
• Maintain strong EHS practices consistent with aerospace manufacturing norms
• Safety and Compliance: Promote a culture of safety by ensuring compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations specific to aerospace manufacturing.

Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering; master’s degree preferred.
• Direct experience scaling or standing up production (greenfield, restart, or major rate increase)
• Personal ownership of:
o Assembly and test operations
o Daily output, labor planning, and schedule recovery
• Experience operating under AS9100 / DoD / FAA regulatory frameworks
• Proven ability to lead technicians and supervisors in high pressure, high accountability settings
• Due to the nature of this firm’s business as a defense contractor, this position is limited to U.S. citizens, as defined under applicable federal regulations.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Turbojet, propulsion, UAV, missile, or other safety critical hardware
• High mix, precision assembly with acceptance testing
• Launching new production lines or facilities
• Leading during sustained ramp conditions (not steady state only)

Benefits:
• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement savings plan with company match.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
• Collaborative and innovative work environment.