Director of Manufacturing Operations

Overview

The Director of Manufacturing Operations at Nox Metals is responsible for overseeing the entire factory, from day shifts to weekend shifts, ensuring efficient operations, quality control, and adherence to safety standards. Nox Metals is a technology company focused on providing fast and reliable aluminum supplies to the aerospace and defense industries.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end manufacturing operations across all shifts
• Run a 24/7 factory with clear standards and accountability
• Manage all shift leads and operators, setting the standard and holding them accountable
• Drive every operational metric and make them visible across the company
• Walk the floor every day and lead daily production meetings, shift handoffs, and weekly reviews
• Build and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, safety protocols, and quality procedures
• Own factory layout, capacity planning, and equipment utilization across all machines and cells
• Partner with engineering and software to deploy automation, AI tools, and process improvements
• Lead incident response and root cause analysis
• Build and develop the team, including hiring and developing shift leads and operators
• Figure out ways to continuously improve processes and make them better
• Ensure every process, machine, and minute is scrutinized for improvement
• Be customer-focused, ensuring every customer commitment is met
• Operate safely every shift and ensure the factory follows all protocols
• Handle big items independently and seek help when needed
• Operate with low ego, taking pride in the work and handling unglamorous tasks
• Be reliable and precise under pressure

Requirements

• 4 to 5+ years of experience running an entire factory or major production operation
• Military, defense manufacturing, aerospace, or high-output industrial leadership background preferred
• Natural leadership with a strong presence and ability to lead by example
• Fluent in metals, machining, CNC, sawing, or similar precision manufacturing environments
• Disciplined, organized, and process-driven
• Bias for action, making decisions quickly based on available information
• A high attention to quality, ensuring every cut, certificate, shipment, and safety standard is met
• A continuous mindset, always looking for ways to improve processes
• A customer obsession, ensuring every customer commitment is fulfilled
• Software and data-savvy, running the factory by the numbers rather than by feel
• Safety-conscious, following all protocols and wearing personal protective equipment (PPE)
• A team player with a positive attitude, contributing to the overall success of the company
• Able to lift up to 50 lbs and operate heavy equipment for a full shift
• Comfortable working outside normal hours when necessary
• Not afraid to take ownership and responsibility for the factory's operations

Qualifications

• Lean, Six Sigma, or similar operational excellence credentials
• Experience in metals, aluminum, or aerospace/defense supply chains
• Track record of building factory automation or deploying AI on the production floor
• Forklift and/or overhead crane certification
• Comfortable using AI tools to work faster and smarter

Benefits

Nox Metals offers a dynamic and supportive work environment with opportunities for long-term career growth. The role is full-time and requires in-person work in Detroit.