Manufacturing Engineering Manager, Armor

TOGETHER, WE SAVE LIVES

Job Summary

Lead the manufacturing engineering team that builds life-saving ballistic armor. You’ll own daily operational support, scale new/legacy product lines, drive automation, and run a structured Continuous Improvement Program (CIP) that lifts throughput, yield, safety, and cost.

Responsibilities

• Build and lead a team of manufacturing, process, and automation engineers supporting operations.
• Identify, evaluate, and justify capital expenditure (CapEx) projects by developing data-driven business cases
• Work with the New Product Development group to ensure Tollgate Zero and NPI guidelines are followed, from inception to mass production.
• Develop and validate manufacturing processes, tooling, and equipment for new products to consider DFM best practices.
• Create and manage process documentation including work instructions, PFMEAs, control plans, and SOPs.
• Build and maintain a prioritized CIP portfolio tied to plant KPIs (OEE, FPY, CT, COQ, safety).
• Execute Lean/Six Sigma projects.
• Identify automation opportunities (robotics/cobots, vision systems, PLC/HMI, AMRs, in-process inspection, data capture).
• Lead vendor selection, URS/FDS, FAT/SAT, integration, and operator training; ensure safety and CE/OSHA compliance.
• Lead the identification and execution of improvement projects using AI/ML tools for predictive maintenance, quality control, and process optimization.
• Ensure proper Change Control procedures are followed to align with the ISO 9001-2015 and BA 9000:2016 Quality Management System.
• Work within EHS/OSHA, ITAR/EAR, and customer/regulatory requirements.
• All other duties as assigned

Experience

• 10+ years in manufacturing/process engineering.
• 3–5+ years leading highly functional engineering teams required
• Demonstrate the ability to recruit and develop talent.
• Experience with discrete/heavy process experience (ceramics, composites, plastics, or metals) Preferred.
• Expertise working in manufacturing environments applying Operating Model tools.
• Lean/Six Sigma toolkit; PFMEA, control plans, MSA, SPC, DOE.
• Automation: PLC/HMI, robotics/cobots, vision systems, sensors, and safety circuits.
• Track record creating CIP pipelines, prioritizing by ROI/risk, and delivering sustained KPI improvements.
• Software proficiency in applications such as MS Project, AutoCAD, VISIO, SolidWorks, etc.
• Strong experience in Project Management
• Clear communicator, servant leader, decisive under pressure; builds cross-functional trust (Ops, Quality, Design, Supply Chain).

Education & Eligibility

• BS in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Materials, Industrial, or related field (MS preferred).
• U.S. Person status as defined by ITAR/EAR.

Why work at Safariland?

At Safariland our colleagues are some of the best and brightest in the industry and we are seeking new team members who exhibit the diverse competencies that will drive The Safariland Group to even greater success while maintaining our culture of being a great place to work. We believe innovation drives winning performance and we constantly challenge ourselves to be the very best in every aspect of our business. We cultivate a work culture driven by our 4 core values; integrity, curiosity, excellence and empowerment and we want associates to be involved in their work and communities so they can achieve their highest level of wellbeing. That is why Safariland offers a comprehensive suite of benefits to promote health and financial security for eligible employees and their families.

Eligible Employees Are Offered

• Medical, dental & vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Employer paid life insurance and AD&D
• Employer paid disability
• Wellness program
• Adoption assistance
• Tuition assistance
• Employee assistance program
• Work life balance
• Paid time off (PTO), sick leave and paid holidays throughout the calendar year (consistent with relevant state law and company policies)

The Safariland Group believes in the benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to equal opportunity and affirmative actions. We pride ourselves on hiring and developing the best people, without regard to age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic characteristics, race, color, creed, religion, ethnicity, national origin, alienage, citizenship, disability, marital status, military status, pregnancy, or any other legally recognized protected basis prohibited by applicable law.

For those applicants with disabilities, if you require reasonable accommodation in searching for a job opening or submitting an application, please contact us by calling 888-469-6455.

All employment decisions are solely based on the applicant's qualifications as they relate to the requirements of the position.