Drone Thesis Lead

About Re:Build Manufacturing

Re:Build Manufacturing is a growing family of industrial and engineering businesses combining enabling technologies, operational superiority, and strategic M&A to build America’s next generation industrial company. At Re:Build we deploy deep expertise in engineering, operations management, and technology to supercharge the performance of our member companies. We leverage deep professional expertise and a candid, principled operating culture to drive differentiated outcomes. Ours is a fast-paced environment where individuals can stretch and be challenged to pursue their fullest potential.

Re:Build was founded to pioneer a profitable model for the revitalization of US manufacturing. We’ve assembled a powerful set of complimentary capabilities and lines of business that enable us to pursue a wide range of end markets. Our acquired businesses are grounded in build-to-print and by-the-hour engineering and design services, and we’re leveraging their combined expertise to migrate to increasingly sophisticated program development and production, as well as the generation of our own products. Our unique set of capabilities lend themselves to highly complex systems and products, and we offer customers a range of services including product and systems design, automation, fabrication, assembly, and large volume contract manufacturing. Our customers span a wide array of industries including aerospace, defense, mobility, healthcare, pharma, biotech, clean tech, chemicals, energy, lifestyle, food production, and industrial equipment.

 

Who we are looking for

A proven leader for our Drone Thesis initiative at Re:Build with expertise in advanced manufacturing, aerospace, or drone technology.

What you get to do

• Develop a compelling five-year strategic plan outlining Re:Build’s Drone Thesis end-state and a roadmap for achieving balanced growth.
• Be responsible for developing budgets, financial plans, and performance metrics for this Thesis, giving regular updates on progress and critical metrics.
• Define the scope of technology and manufacturing capabilities, determining how far upstream and downstream we will integrate in the drone value chain.
• Explore opportunities for dual-use technologies and assess market opportunities, including the potential to build a “DJI USA”-style consumer business.
• Evaluate the feasibility and benefits of developing standardized drone platforms to drive manufacturing scale.
• Identify the strengths needed for success and develop strategies to hire, acquire, or build these capabilities internally.
• Craft the organizational structure of the Drone Thesis, and recruit and lead a high-performing, multidisciplinary team.
• Work together with the Chief Commercial Officer to establish and implement commercial strategies, including government relations and potential dedicated business development resources.
• Leverage existing Re:Build Member Company capabilities to accelerate product development and manufacturing efforts.
• Analyze global supply chain risks and develop contingency plans or alternative sourcing strategies.
• Drive decisions on R&D investments in novel materials, automation, and innovative technologies to secure competitive advantages for Re:Build in this sector.
• Present arguments, cases, and updates to the CEO, Board of Directors, and other collaborators.

What you bring to the team

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Engineering, Business, or related field required; advanced degree (MBA, MS Engineering) strongly preferred.
• Over 15 years of progressive leadership experience in advanced manufacturing, aerospace, defense, or related sectors.
• Demonstrated success in planning, developing business opportunities, and being responsible for complex technology projects.
• Previous P&L responsibility and experience developing and managing budgets and financial plans.
• Deep knowledge of drone technology, manufacturing processes, supply chains, and regulatory environments highly desirable.
• Strong analytical, financial modeling, and problem-solving skills.
• Outstanding communication and leadership skills with the ability to engage and influence diverse collaborators.
• Ability to thrive in fast-paced, entrepreneurial environments and navigate ambiguity with confidence.
• Alignment with the Re:Build Way.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally, approximately 10-20%.

The BIG payoff

We are a company who is going to make a difference in the industries and the communities in which we choose to operate.

Every employee of Re:Build will share ownership in the co