Manufacturing Manager

Hacksmith Industries is an engineering, e-commerce and manufacturing company built around one of the world’s largest You Tube channels. Our content focuses on functional engineering prototypes like real lightsabers, Iron Man tech, and Giant Mechs designed to show what is possible when imagination is paired with solid engineering. We take pride in inspiring youth around the world to get into STEM and other related fields, while always dreaming bigger.

We recently launched the most successful EDC kickstarter campaign of all time - the Smith Blade which we are manufacturing in house.

We are looking for a passionate, self motivated individual who can identify problems and solve them independently. There will be ample opportunity to take on greater responsibility, overcome challenges, and meaningfully contribute to the team.

About the Role
We are seeking a hands‑on, experienced Manufacturing Manager to lead the scale up and ongoing operation of our Smith Blade manufacturing. This role owns  end-to-end manufacturing execution , including machining, finishing, assembly, quality, production planning, staffing, and continuous improvement while being accountable for output, quality, and cost.

You will build a production operation that can  scale aggressively without losing quality , absorb design changes without chaos, and deliver on public commitments.

Core Responsibilities
Manufacturing Operations Leadership

Own day-to-day execution of Smith Blade manufacturing

Lead machining, finishing, assembly, quality, and process teams

Establish production cadence, shift structure, and capacity plans

Ensure consistent delivery against production targets

Scaling & Throughput

Scale production from early‑stage manufacturing to sustained volume output

Identify and eliminate bottlenecks across the production flow

Drive improvements in throughput, yield, and on‑time delivery

Plan and execute capacity expansions (people, equipment, floor layout, etc)

Quality & Reliability

Establish and enforce manufacturing quality standards

Ensure first‑pass yield and rework targets are met

Own corrective actions for systemic quality issues

Balance speed with quality expectations

Cost & Margin Ownership

Own manufacturing cost structure and unit economics

Reduce scrap, rework, and non‑value‑add labor

Support BOM cost optimization in collaboration with engineering and supply chain

Deliver predictable manufacturing margins

Process & Continuous Improvement

Implement lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement culture

Support process engineering initiatives across assembly, finishing, and machining

Ensure manufacturing documentation, standard work, and training systems are in place

Drive repeatability and consistency across shifts and teams

Build and lead a high‑performance manufacturing organization

Hire, develop, and retain supervisors, engineers, and technicians

Establish clear accountability, performance metrics, and expectations

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

Partner closely with:

Engineering and product design (DFM/DFA)

Supply chain and procurement

Finance and operations

Executive leadership

Translate demand forecasts into executable production plans

Provide manufacturing input on product roadmap and design changes

Systems & Reporting

Define and track manufacturing KPIs:

Throughput

Yield

Scrap and rework

OEE

Establish clear reporting and escalation processes

Support ERP and production planning systems

Qualifications & Experience

8+ years of manufacturing leadership experience, or comparable experience gained through a combination of education and professional practice

Proven track record scaling precision manufacturing and assembly operations

Strong understanding of:

CNC‑based production environments

Assembly‑heavy manufacturing

Quality systems and process control

Experience managing managers and cross‑functional teams

Strong organizational, problem‑solving, and leadership skills

Strong operational and financial acumen

Familiarity with ERP systems for scheduling, inventory, and reporting

Nice-to-Have

Experience with premium or precision consumer products

Experience in high‑growth or startup manufacturing environments

Familiarity with North American manufacturing compliance and safety standards

Lean manufacturing / Six Sigma certification

Why Join Us?
You’ll have the rare opportunity to build a manufacturing operation nearly from the ground up, shape the processes, assemble the team, and lead the full production of one of the most exciting new products on the market.

This role offers both the challenge of launch and the reward of running a high‑performance, 24/7 operation.

Gourmet meal every work day (we have a very skilled chef on staff)

Snacks and coffee to keep you fueled

Health Spending Account (HSA)

You must be legally allowed to work in Canada and be local or willing to relocate. This role is based in Cambridge, Ontario and telecommuting is not an option.

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