Lead of Prototyping

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead of Prototyping

Company: Redwire Defense Tech

Location: Latvia

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering / Manufacturing Operations

Date Posted: 2026-06-02

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and develop the company’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) prototyping capabilities, ensuring the delivery of high-quality prototypes and R&D assets.

• Manage, mentor, and develop a multidisciplinary team of technicians specializing in CNC machining, composites, and mechanical assembly, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.

• Drive the optimization of manufacturing and prototyping processes, technologies, and workflows to enhance efficiency, quality, and scalability.

• Collaborate closely with R&D, New Product Introduction (NPI) engineering, and flight operations teams to integrate manufacturability and usability considerations into product development cycles.

• Oversee departmental assets, including R&D aircraft and specialized equipment, ensuring their maintenance, operational readiness, and efficient utilization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while not explicitly in Revenue Operations or Sales Operations, requires a strong operational mindset focused on production, process optimization, and team management within a technical R&D and manufacturing context. The emphasis on efficiency, quality control, and cross-functional collaboration aligns closely with core operations principles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Departmental Leadership: Lead the prototyping department, overseeing daily operations, setting performance objectives, and ensuring alignment with company-wide strategic goals.

• Team Management & Development: Manage, mentor, and develop a diverse team of technicians, including specialists in CNC machining, composites, and mechanical assembly, supporting their professional growth and skill enhancement.

• Process Optimization: Continuously improve and optimize production and prototyping technologies, workflows, and methodologies to enhance efficiency, reduce lead times, and improve product quality.

• Resource & Asset Management: Ensure the sustainable operation of the department by managing machinery and equipment maintenance, overseeing spare parts, materials, and consumables inventory, and managing departmental assets like R&D aircraft.

• Product Development Collaboration: Actively participate in the product development lifecycle, providing critical input on manufacturability, usability, and cost-effectiveness from a prototyping perspective, ensuring seamless integration with R&D and engineering efforts.

• Capability Expansion: Develop and expand the company's prototyping capabilities and workflows by identifying and implementing new technologies, tools, and techniques.

• Testing & Validation Support: Support and perform testing, validation, and investigative activities for prototypes, providing crucial feedback for design iterations and performance improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical leadership, operational management, and strategic input into product development. The emphasis on process optimization and team development is critical for success in this role, requiring a proactive and results-oriented approach.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Aerospace, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Systems, Electrical, or a closely related field). Experience:

• Proven experience in leading teams or departments, preferably within a technical or manufacturing environment.

• Experience in the aerospace, defense, or UAS industries is highly preferred.

• In-depth technical understanding of manufacturing and prototyping processes, including their application in complex product development. Required Skills:

• Team Leadership & Development: Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and manage multidisciplinary technical teams, fostering collaboration and high performance.

• Prototyping & Manufacturing Expertise: Strong technical knowledge and practical experience in various prototyping and manufacturing techniques, including CNC machining, mechanical assembly, and composite manufacturing.

• Process Optimization: Proven ability to identify inefficiencies, develop solutions, and implement improvements in production and prototyping processes.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Excellent ability to work effectively with R&D, engineering, and operations teams, ensuring clear communication and alignment.

• Problem-Solving & Analytical Skills: Strong organizational and problem-solving skills with the ability to analyze complex issues and develop effective solutions.

• Project Management Fundamentals: Ability to manage departmental assets, resources, and workflow, ensuring timely delivery of prototypes.

• Communication Skills: Good spoken and written English skills, essential for clear technical communication and reporting.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with advanced manufacturing techniques and automation.

• Familiarity with New Product Introduction (NPI) processes.

• Knowledge of flight operations for UAS.

• Experience managing departmental budgets and resource allocation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of technical expertise in manufacturing and prototyping, coupled with strong leadership and process improvement skills. The preference for aerospace/defense/UAS experience points to the specialized nature of the role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Manufacturing Process Documentation: Showcase examples of documented manufacturing and prototyping processes, highlighting efficiency improvements or quality enhancements achieved. This could include standard operating procedures (SOPs), workflow diagrams, or process maps.

• Team Development Case Studies: If applicable, present case studies or examples demonstrating how you have led, mentored, or developed technical teams, showcasing improvements in team performance, skill sets, or operational efficiency.

• Process Optimization Projects: Detail projects where you identified and implemented improvements in prototyping or manufacturing processes. Focus on the problem, your solution, and the measurable impact (e.g., reduced cycle time, improved yield, cost savings).

• Cross-functional Project Examples: Illustrate instances where you collaborated effectively with R&D, engineering, or operations teams to overcome technical challenges or integrate manufacturability into product designs.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Evidence of designing or optimizing workflows for prototyping, from concept to final product, demonstrating an understanding of material flow, resource allocation, and lead time reduction.

• Technology Integration: Examples of how you have evaluated, introduced, or optimized the use of specific manufacturing or prototyping technologies (e.g., CNC machinery, composite lay-up techniques, assembly procedures) to improve output.

• Performance Measurement: Demonstrate experience in defining key performance indicators (KPIs) for prototyping operations and using data to track progress, identify bottlenecks, and drive continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to discuss their experience with process documentation, team management, and the implementation of manufacturing improvements. Portfolio examples should focus on tangible results and demonstrate a systematic approach to problem-solving and operational excellence in a technical prototyping environment.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• €3,500 - €4,000 per month. Benefits:

• Culture & Development:

  • A culture that values expertise, innovation, and continuous improvement.
  • Access to continuous training and professional and leadership development opportunities.

• Work Environment:

  • Engagement with industry-leading UAS technologies and advanced solutions.
  • A modern production facility with cutting-edge equipment and a dynamic work environment.

• Financial & Insurance:

  • Competitive salary (€3,500 - €4,000 monthly).

  • Annual performance-based bonus program.

  • Annual salary review.

  • Health insurance and accident insurance.

  • Accident insurance for children.

  • Financial support in special life situations. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours (approximately 40 hours per week), with potential for flexibility depending on project needs and operational demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided monthly, which is common in some European countries. Candidates should compare this to local market rates for similar roles in Latvia, considering the specialized nature of UAS prototyping and leadership responsibilities. The benefits package is comprehensive, with a strong emphasis on professional development and employee well-being.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Aerospace & Defense Technology, specializing in Autonomous Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAS) and advanced electro-optical surveillance systems.

Company Size: (Information not explicitly provided, but Redwire Corporation is a global entity, suggesting a significant presence and resources.)

Founded: Redwire Corporation was founded in 2020, indicating a relatively modern and rapidly evolving company.

Team Structure:

• The Prototyping department operates as a distinct unit within the larger R&D and engineering framework.

• It comprises a multidisciplinary team of technicians with expertise in CNC machining, composites, and mechanical assembly.

• The Lead of Prototyping reports into a senior leadership position, likely within Engineering or Operations management.

• Close collaboration is expected with R&D, NPI Engineering, and Flight Operations teams. Methodology:

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: The company culture values expertise, innovation, and continuous improvement, which should be reflected in the prototyping department's approach to process development and technology adoption.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: While not explicitly stated for this role, operations-focused roles typically benefit from a data-driven approach to process optimization and performance monitoring.

• Agile Development Practices: Given the R&D and prototyping focus in aerospace, agile methodologies for rapid iteration and development are likely employed.

Company Website: Redwire Corporation (implied, as Redwire Defense Tech is a division). The primary domain is likely rdw.com.

📝 Enhancement Note: Redwire Defense Tech operates in a high-stakes, technologically advanced sector. The culture emphasizes innovation and expertise, suggesting an environment where skilled professionals can contribute significantly. The company's recent founding implies a dynamic and potentially fast-paced operational environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a "Lead" position, indicating a senior-level individual contributor or a first-level management role with significant responsibility for a specialized department. It sits above technician roles and below broader operational management.

Reporting Structure: The Lead of Prototyping will likely report to a Director or VP of Engineering/Operations, overseeing a team of technicians. This position acts as a crucial link between design engineering and physical production.

Operations Impact: The Prototyping Lead has a direct impact on the speed, quality, and cost-effectiveness of developing new UAS and surveillance technologies. Their ability to deliver high-fidelity prototypes quickly is critical for validating R&D concepts, supporting NPI, and enabling flight operations, ultimately influencing the company's competitive edge in the defense and aerospace markets.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced prototyping techniques, materials science (especially composites), and precision manufacturing.

• Leadership Advancement: Progress into broader operations management roles, such as Head of Manufacturing, Director of Production, or Program Management within R&D.

• Process Engineering: Transition into a dedicated process engineering role focused on scaling and optimizing manufacturing operations across the organization.

• Cross-functional Mobility: Opportunities to move into related engineering management or NPI leadership roles due to the integrated nature of the prototyping function.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a strong foundation for career growth within the specialized aerospace and defense manufacturing sector. The combination of technical leadership and operational oversight makes it a valuable stepping stone for advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role is based within a modern production facility that houses advanced equipment for CNC machining, composite manufacturing, and assembly, alongside R&D labs. The environment is hands-on and technically focused.

Office Location(s): Latvia. Specific city details are not provided, but the company has operations in Latvia.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires close collaboration with R&D engineers, NPI specialists, and flight operations teams, suggesting an integrated workspace where cross-functional teams interact frequently.

• Technical Resources: Access to cutting-edge equipment, machinery, materials, and R&D aircraft is a key aspect of the workspace.

• Team Interaction: Daily interaction with the prototyping team is essential for management, mentorship, and oversight of operations.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time, on-site hours (approximately 40 hours per week). While the core hours are fixed, the nature of prototyping and R&D may occasionally require flexibility to meet project deadlines or address urgent operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is critical given the hands-on nature of managing a prototyping facility and its equipment. The environment is expected to be technically demanding and collaborative, requiring a proactive presence.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and cover letter (if applicable) to assess alignment with core qualifications and experience. Focus will be on leadership, technical skills, and industry relevance.

• Technical Interview: In-depth discussion covering manufacturing processes, prototyping techniques, team management strategies, and problem-solving approaches. Expect questions related to CNC machining, composites, assembly, and process optimization.

• Leadership & Behavioral Interview: Assessment of leadership style, team development approach, collaboration skills, and ability to handle challenges in a fast-paced R&D and manufacturing setting.

• Portfolio Review (if requested): Candidates may be asked to present specific examples of their work, focusing on process improvements, team leadership, or successful prototype development projects.

• Final Interview: Discussion with senior management to assess cultural fit and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Impact: Focus on projects where your leadership and technical expertise directly led to tangible improvements in prototype quality, development speed, cost reduction, or process efficiency.

• Quantify Results: Use data and metrics whenever possible to demonstrate the impact of your work (e.g., "Reduced prototype cycle time by 15%," "Improved assembly yield by 10%").

• Highlight Leadership: Include examples of how you have mentored, developed, or managed technical teams, showcasing your ability to build and lead a high-performing unit.

• Process Documentation: Be prepared to discuss your approach to documenting and standardizing manufacturing and prototyping processes.

• Problem-Solving Approach: Present a clear methodology for how you approach and solve complex technical or operational challenges.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss hypothetical scenarios related to managing a prototyping team, optimizing a specific manufacturing process, or resolving a technical issue with a prototype.

• Understand the company's focus on UAS and defense technology to tailor your responses to industry-specific challenges and solutions.

• Think about how you would balance R&D priorities with production timelines and resource constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should anticipate a rigorous interview process that evaluates both technical acumen and leadership capabilities. A well-prepared portfolio, even if not formally requested, will significantly strengthen an application by providing concrete evidence of past successes.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Prototyping & Manufacturing Equipment:

  • CNC Machining: Experience with CNC mills, lathes, and potentially multi-axis machines. Familiarity with CAM software for programming.
  • Composite Manufacturing: Knowledge of composite lay-up techniques, vacuum bagging, curing processes, and related tooling.
  • Mechanical Assembly: Proficiency in assembling complex mechanical systems, including knowledge of fasteners, tolerances, and assembly procedures.

• 3D Printing/Additive Manufacturing: While not explicitly mentioned, this is a common tool in modern prototyping and may be present.

• CAD/CAM Software: Familiar