Job Title: Production Manager – Aerospace & Defense EMS Location: Hyderabad. Experience: 20+ years in Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS), with significant exposure to Aerospace & Defense programs Role Summary: The Production Manager will lead end-to-end manufacturing operations for Aerospace & Defense electronics programs, ensuring on-time delivery, zero-defect quality, regulatory compliance, and cost efficiency. The role requires strong expertise in high-reliability electronics manufacturing, including SMT, box build, testing, and integration, while driving operational excellence and continuous improvement. Key Responsibilities: 1. Manufacturing Operations Leadership Lead complete production operations including SMT, Assembly, Testing, and System Integration Ensure achievement of production targets, OTD, and productivity goals Drive first-time-right manufacturing and zero rework culture Manage high-mix, low-volume and complex builds typical in Aerospace & Defense 2. Quality & Compliance Ensure strict adherence to Aerospace & Defense standards such as: AS9100 NADCAP (where applicable) IPC standards (IPC-A-610, J-STD-001) Maintain full traceability, process control, and documentation discipline Lead audits (internal, customer, regulatory) and ensure zero major findings 3. Process Excellence & Continuous Improvement Drive Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Kaizen initiatives Improve productivity, reduce cycle time, and optimize line balancing Implement digital manufacturing / Industry 4.0 initiatives Lead root cause analysis (RCA) and corrective/preventive actions (CAPA) 4. Team Leadership & People Development Lead and manage large cross-functional teams (production, supervisors, technicians) Build a high-performance, accountable, and safety-driven culture Mentor and develop next-level leaders within production Ensure proper manpower planning and skill development 5. Program & Customer Management Work closely with NPI, Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain teams Support new product introduction (NPI) and smooth transition to production Engage with customers for production readiness, delivery commitments, and escalations Ensure alignment with customer-specific requirements and SLAs 6. Planning & Delivery Execute production plans aligned with customer schedules and business goals Ensure 100% On-Time Delivery (OTD) with optimal resource utilization Identify risks proactively and implement mitigation plans 7. Cost & Operational Efficiency Control manufacturing costs including labor, scrap, rework, and overheads Drive cost reduction initiatives without compromising quality Optimize capacity utilization and improve overall equipment efficiency (OEE) Key Requirements: Education: Bachelor’s degree in Electronics / Electrical Engineering (preferred) Master’s degree or MBA is an added advantage Experience: 20+ years in EMS manufacturing with a minimum of 5–10 years in leadership roles Strong exposure to Aerospace & Defense electronics manufacturing Hands-on experience in: SMT processes & equipment Box build and system integration Testing (functional, environmental, burn-in) Proven track record of handling large teams and high-value programs Technical Skills: Strong knowledge of IPC, AS9100, ESD, and high-reliability manufacturing Experience in handling NADCAP audits (preferred) Expertise in production planning, capacity management, and process optimization Familiarity with ERP/MES systems and digital manufacturing tools Leadership Competencies: Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills Excellent stakeholder and customer management Ability to handle high-pressure, critical delivery environments Results-driven with a focus on quality, delivery, and cost Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): On-Time Delivery (OTD) > 98% First Pass Yield (FPY) Scrap and Rework Levels Productivity & OEE Customer Satisfaction Scores Audit Compliance (Zero Major Findings) Additional Expectations: Experience in handling critical programs, audits, and crisis situations Strong focus on safety, compliance, and operational discipline Ability to drive strategic initiatives along with daily execution