Director, Manufacturing and Automation Engineering

Department: Manufacturing Division: Operations

At Daniel Defense Only the Best Build the Best…

Daniel Defense engineers and manufactures the world’s finest weapon systems and accessories. Our mission to honor God and defend freedom is accomplished by serving customers and providing top quality solutions to our military, law enforcement and civilians that are seeking premium firearms for home defense, hunting, and sport shooting.

The  Director, Manufacturing and Automation will be responsible for the functions outlined below:

Essential Functions: 

• Responsible for demonstrating commitment to and leadership of environmental health and safety principles, policies and procedures.

Leadership & Culture

• Provide inspirational leadership to foster high performance, teamwork, and alignment with the Daniel Defense mission and values.
• Champion a strong culture of environmental health and safety , ensuring all principles, policies, and procedures are followed.
• Drive the structured deployment of Lean Six Sigma and Continuous Improvement (CI) across all manufacturing and automation functions.

Manufacturing & Automation Oversight

• Lead daily operations of the Manufacturing and Automation Engineering team, including manufacturing engineers, application engineers, automation engineers, and CNC machinists.
• Oversee development, implementation, and optimization of manufacturing processes to ensure product functionality, quality, cost efficiency, and on-time delivery.
• Own the Capital Planning & Spending process, collaborating cross-functionally to prioritize and execute high-ROI investments.
• Actively contribute to strategic long-term growth planning , including equipment specifications, capacity planning, staffing, and production support across all shifts.

New Product Development & Change Management

• Lead manufacturing process development for New Product Introductions (NPI) , ensuring safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives are met.
• Manage all stages of manufacturing development for new products: initial quoting, tool/vendor selection, tool design, build approval, and process validation.
• Direct evaluation and implementation of Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs) to continuously improve safety, quality, delivery, and cost.

Process & Performance Optimization

• Optimize production support, cost reduction, material presentation, lean improvements, process development, and corrective actions.
• Partner closely with R&D, Quality Assurance, and Maintenance to proactively address machinery, tooling, fixtures, and process needs.
• Identify process deficiencies and lead root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Drive improvements in Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) using machine metrics and data-driven insights.
• Monitor and manage production and quality metrics, ensuring efficiency and appropriate staffing levels.
• Continuously evaluate and adopt emerging manufacturing technologies to improve cost efficiency and performance.

Talent Development & Team Building

• Mentor and develop engineering team members through clear objectives, coaching, scorecards, and career growth planning.
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and high-integrity work environment aligned with Daniel Defense standards and values.

Additional Responsibilities

• Lead plant layout optimization, material flow improvements, and equipment planning.
• Contribute to company-wide initiatives focused on integrity, safety, fairness, and a positive work environment.

• Participates in the company’s efforts to continuously improve in Safety, 6S, Quality, Delivery and Productivity.
• Expected to be a contributor to the company standards on high integrity, safety, fair and equitable treatment and a positive work environment
• Other responsibilities as deemed appropriate or necessary by management.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering or Mechanical Engineering or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience to effectively perform the essential functions of the job.

• Minimum 5+ years of manufacturing experience in a metalworking environment.
• 5–7+ years of leadership or supervisory experience.
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification required.
• 10+ years proven track record of successfully leading technical projects in high-volume metalworking.

Technical & Leadership Skills

• Proficient with SolidWorks , Mastercam , or equivalent software; strong knowledge of GD&T .
• Expertise in CNC machining, project management, process development, and equipment acquisition.
• Strong experience implementing Lean Principles and Technologies.
• Familiarity with metal/plastic injection molding , plating/coatings, and heat treating processes highly desirable.
• Solid working knowledge of materials and heat treatment.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, set priorities, solve problems, and meet deadlines under pressure.

Communication & Collaboration

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively at all organizational levels and with external vendors.
• Proven ability to build and lead cross-functional teams with professionalism, integrity, and enthusiasm.

Personal Attributes

• Detail-oriented with creative problem-solving skills.
• Desire for continuous growth and advancement into larger leadership roles.

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Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift and carry awkward items weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Requires intermittent standing, walking, sitting and bending throughout the work day.
• Must be able to work in a manufacturing environment, to include working in and around machinery, exposure to noise and chemicals, lights/lasers, etc.
• Must be able to wear appropriate Personal Protection Equipment as required by your position and/or Company policy.
• Demonstrated ability to recognize and work in accordance with our Permission to Play Values.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift and carry awkward items weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Requires intermittent standing, walking, sitting and bending throughout the normal work day.
• Must be able to work in a manufacturing environment, to include working in and around machinery, exposure to noise and chemicals, lights/lasers, etc.
• Must be able to wear appropriate Personal Protection Equipment as required by your position and/or Company policy.

Daniel Defense is an EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability employer and promotes a "Drug-Free Workplace."

Note: The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by those assigned to the job. This list is not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel in this job. Responsibilities are subject to change at the discretion of the employer and do not establish a contract of employment – Daniel Defense is an at-will employer.

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