Industrialization Manager

About the role

The Industrialization Manager leads industrial readiness for new product introductions (NPI), transfer of work (ToW), and management of suppliers on subcontracted programs. This role ensures manufacturing processes, equipment, and production lines are designed, validated, and optimized for scalability, quality, and cost-effectiveness. Acting as a vital link between Design Engineering, Supply Chain, and Operations, the manager ensures a seamless transition from prototype to mass production.

Responsibilities

• Lead industrial readiness aspects of NPI projects from concept to start-of-production, ensuring manufacturing readiness levels (MRL) are met.
• Drive Supplier Industrialization by working with external suppliers for critical electronics components (PCBAs, displays, mechanical assemblies) to ensure scalability to meet airline delivery schedules. Support qualification of new suppliers and technical transfer of manufacturing processes to external partners.
• Act as a central liaison between Engineering, Procurement, Quality, and Production teams to ensure alignment on project milestones.
• Lead Transfer-of-Work (ToW) to ensure seamless relocation of IFE production lines (e.g., RDUs, Servers, Cables, and Power supplies) between global manufacturing sites or tier-one suppliers.
• Perform comprehensive readiness audits at ToW receiving sites to identify technical, equipment, or skill gaps and drive resolution for seamless transition.
• Collaborate with engineering to influence product design for cost, quality, and volume goals (Design for Manufacturing/Assembly/Cost).
• Drive capacity planning, production ramp-up strategies, and yield initiatives to meet demand while adhering to QCD (Quality, Cost, Delivery) targets.
• Collaborate with Process Engineering and Quality in development, validation, and documentation of manufacturing processes, including PFMEA (Process Failure Mode Effects Analysis), First Article Inspection (FAI), work instructions, and time studies.
• Work with the manufacturing team to define, source, and validate production equipment, fixtures, and tooling, ensuring robustness and efficiency.
• Collaborate with Quality and Certification teams to ensure manufacturing processes comply with AS9100 and FAA/EASA production requirements.
• Utilize Lean and Six Sigma methods to eliminate waste, improve process efficiency, and reduce cycle times.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in a related manufacturing environment.
• 2+ years in a leadership role focused on industrialization or NPI.
• Strong knowledge of DfM/DfA, process validation, tooling, and automation technologies.
• Proficient in APQP, FMEA, Lean Manufacturing, and Six Sigma tools.
• Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., D365), PLM systems, and MS Office Suite.
• Project management, analytical problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Skilled in negotiating and managing international supply chains for specialized aviation components.
• Proven track record of managing high-stakes industrial relocations in the aerospace or high-tech electronics industry.

Benefits

• Starting pay range: $119,500 - $134,500 per year (base pay varies by level, skills, experience, and location).
• Comprehensive health benefits with company contributions.
• Discretionary bonus program.
• 401(k) program with company match for future financial security.
• Paid time off covering vacations, personal time off, sick days, and a year-end holiday shutdown.
• Alternative work schedule (9/80) with every other Friday off.