Senior Director, Manufacturing

Epirus is a high-growth technology company dedicated to overcoming the asymmetric challenges inherent to the future of national security. Epirus' flagship product, Leonidas, is a software-defined system built using intelligent power management techniques which allow power-hungry systems to do more with less.  

Job Summary:

Epirus is in the business of leveraging state-of-the-art electronic warfare technology to provide critical asset protection with a vision to be 21st century multi-billion-dollar design-led-product-focused electronic warfare “neo” prime. 

Our core tenets are Accountability, Respect, Commitment and Speed with Discipline. At Epirus, we develop a plan and execute. We treat others with respect, assuming noble intent. We give 100%, acting proactively and with urgency. We move at the speed of disruption with focus and planning. Epirus designs and builds cutting-edge, high-powered microwave (HPM) systems that have the ability to transform industries.  

We are seeking a Senior Director, Manufacturing to lead and scale our production organization through the next phase of growth. This leader will own all aspects of manufacturing—people, process, and performance—with a focus on building world-class systems, driving throughput, and delivering mission-critical hardware on time and with uncompromising quality. You’ll work shoulder-to-shoulder with engineering, supply chain, and quality teams to turn complex designs into repeatable, high-yield production. The ideal candidate thrives in an environment where speed, precision, and accountability define success. 

The Senior Director, Manufacturing drives the long-range strategic planning process for manufacturing operations by overseeing and managing manufacturing operations, including manufacturing engineering, equipment engineering and calibration. Defines goals, improves technologies, and resolves problems in conjunction with managers of manufacturing, quality assurance, engineering, and supply chain. Translates product requirements into state-of-the-art manufacturing strategies and processes, resulting in cost-effective processing and profitable manufacturing of company products. Develops operations-related plans, budgets, and policies and procedures. Maintains safety and regulatory compliance relating to the production facility. May direct international manufacturing operations. Selects, develops, and evaluates personnel to ensure the efficient operation of the function.

The Senior Director, Manufacturing will be part of our growing Operations team and will report to the Vice President of Operations. 

Strategic Leadership 

• Own end-to-end manufacturing operations: planning, production, assembly, testing, and delivery. 
• Build a scalable manufacturing organization that delivers high-mix, high-performance hardware. 
• Define manufacturing strategy, capacity planning, and capital roadmap to meet demand growth. 
• Partner with design engineering to drive Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and product readiness. 

Operational Excellence  

• Drive manufacturing efficiency, throughput, and yield across all production lines. 
• Establish and enforce KPIs across OEE, takt adherence, labor productivity, and quality yield. 
• Implement Lean, 5S, and continuous improvement systems across all facilities. 
• Develop manufacturing standards, policies, and governance models that scale. 

Scaling Development 

• Champion advanced manufacturing technologies—automation, robotics, digital twins, and MES integration. 
• Lead major capital projects, facility reconfigurations, and technology upgrades. 
• Translate prototype learnings into scalable, repeatable production processes. 
• Develop visual factory with stakeholders 

Leadership 

• Lead a multidisciplinary team of managers, engineers, and technicians with clarity and intensity. 
• Create a culture of extreme ownership, safety, and accountability. 
• Mentor and grow next-generation manufacturing leaders. 
• Set expectations for disciplined execution, clear communication, and data-driven decisions. 

Cross-Functional Execution 

• Collaborate closely with Supply Chain, Quality, and Engineering to ensure smooth build readiness. 
• Drive alignment between production schedules, inventory availability, and engineering change control. 
• Partner with Facilities and EHS to optimize layout, material flow, and safety compliance. 

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering  
• 15+ years of experience in manufacturing, with at least 5 years leading large-scale operations. 
• Proven experience in high-tech, aerospace, automotive, or defense manufacturing. 
• Deep understanding of production systems, Lean, Six Sigma, and quality systems (AS9100/ISO). 
• Track record of building and scaling production organizations from early-stage to volume. 

• Masters degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering  
• Experience with rapid prototyping, low-rate initial production (LRIP), and high rate production.  
• Strong financial acumen; proven ability to manage CapEx and OpEx effectively. 
• Hands-on leader with the ability to operate at the factory floor and strategic levels. 
• Exceptional communication and change leadership skills. 
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in fast-paced, mission-driven environments. 
• Currently have or ability to obtain a security clearance 

• Must be onsite daily  
• Must be willing to travel periodically, including international travel 
• To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.    

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:  

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.   

At Epirus, you’ll work with technical peers and great people—and get first crack at some of the defining technology challenges of our time. Here, “impossible” is just a challenge. We're a diverse, fast-growing team of change-makers fueling the future of energy with revolutionary solutions. Join us and rewrite the rules.