Innovaero is an Australian aerospace engineering and drone manufacturing company delivering advanced unmanned systems for defence and commercial customers. The company designs, builds, and flight-tests sophisticated unmanned aerial platforms and is entering a strong growth phase as programs, teams, and international activity expand.
Role Description
Supporting the Production Manager, this position is responsible for leading production teams, coordinating resources and schedules, ensuring programs are delivered to cost, quality and time targets within a regulated aerospace environment. The role will work closely with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain and Program teams to scale production, resolve technical and operational issues, and continuously improve manufacturing capability as the business grows.
Key Responsibilities
Lead and support day-to-day manufacturing operations to ensure delivery of UAS and sub-systems to schedule, cost, and quality targets.
Act as second-in-command to the Production Manager, providing operational leadership and decision-making in their absence.
Drive production planning, resource allocation, and workflow optimisation to support scale-up and rapid program execution.
Ensure compliance with CASA Part 21G/21J, quality systems, and safety standards across all production activities.
Manage and mentor production supervisors, technicians, and engineers, fostering a high-performance, accountable culture.
Oversee supply chain coordination, materials readiness, and production readiness reviews to de-risk delivery schedules.
Lead continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing, assembly, test, and integration processes.
Interface closely with Engineering, Quality, and Program Management to resolve technical and schedule issues.
Qualifications & Skills
* Tertiary qualification in Engineering, Manufacturing, Aerospace, or a related technical discipline (or equivalent industry experience).
* Formal training in Production Management, Operations Management, or Project Management (e.g. PMP, PRINCE2, Lean, Six Sigma – desirable).
* Demonstrated experience working within regulated manufacturing environments (Aviation, Defence, or similarly controlled industries).
* Sound knowledge of CASA Part 21, AS9100, ISO 9001, or equivalent quality and compliance frameworks (highly regarded).
* Proven leadership experience in a senior manufacturing or production role, with responsibility for teams, schedules, and delivery outcomes.
* Strong production planning and capacity management capability, including MRP/ERP systems and workflow optimisation.
* Ability to scale production from prototype to low-rate and full-rate manufacturing.
* Excellent stakeholder management skills, able to work across Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Program teams.
* High level of commercial and schedule awareness, with the ability to balance cost, quality, and delivery.
* Strong problem-solving and decision-making capability in fast-paced, technically complex environments.
* Clear, confident communicator with the ability to lead, influence, and mentor technical teams.
* Continuous improvement mindset with experience implementing Lean manufacturing and operational excellence initiatives.
Applicants must have full, permanent work rights in Australia. Applicants must be able to obtain National Police and other related security clearances that apply to the role.
How to Apply
If you meet the above requirements and would like to be considered for this role, please click on the apply button and follow the prompts. We will get in touch if you are shortlisted for this opportunity.
Your application will include the following questions:
* Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Australia?
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