Job Title: Sector Lead, Digital Factory
Location: Fairborn, OH
Industry: Aerospace & Defense
About
Our client is a trusted partner delivering advanced engineering, digital transformation, and manufacturing solutions to U.S. DoD and aerospace clients. With a focus on digital engineering, smart manufacturing, and Industry 4.0/5.0, our client enables mission readiness and modernization across the defense industrial base.
Position Overview
The Sector Lead, Digital Factory, will drive the strategy, development, and execution of the’s digital factory capabilities across aerospace and defense programs. This leader will oversee the integration of digital engineering, smart manufacturing, and software factory principles to enable scalable, data-driven, and secure production environments. This role is responsible for advancing digital transformation initiatives, including automation, AI-driven analytics, DevSecOps, and digital thread/twin implementation to support mission-critical defense programs.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the Digital Factory strategy and execution across defense and aerospace programs
Build and scale digital manufacturing and software factory capabilities
Partner with engineering and operations teams to implement digital thread, digital twin, and model-based enterprise (MBE) solutions
Establish standards, governance, and best practices for digital factory operations
Define and track KPIs and performance metrics to measure digital transformation success
Collaborate cross-functionally with manufacturing, IT, cybersecurity, and program leadership
Lead and mentor high-performing technical and operational teams
Support business development efforts by shaping digital transformation solutions for defense clients
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Manufacturing, or related field (Master’s preferred)
10–15+ years of experience in digital engineering, manufacturing, or software development within aerospace/defense or regulated industries
5+ years of leadership experience in digital transformation, digital factory, or software factory environments
Strong experience with DevSecOps, CI/CD pipelines, cloud infrastructure, and automation tools
Knowledge of Industry 4.0 technologies (IoT, robotics, advanced manufacturing systems)
Experience with digital thread, digital twin, or model-based enterprise (MBE)
Familiarity with DoD compliance, cybersecurity frameworks (NIST, RMF), and secure systems development
Preferred Qualifications
Experience supporting DoD or national security programs
Background in smart factory or advanced manufacturing environments
Experience integrating AI/ML solutions into manufacturing or digital operations
Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or Black Belt)
Additional Requirements
Must be able to attain a United States Security Clearance
Ability to travel 30% of the time
Key Competencies
Strategic leadership in digital transformation and advanced manufacturing
Strong cross-functional collaboration across engineering, IT, and operations
Data-driven decision making and innovation mindset
Ability to lead complex, large-scale transformation initiatives