Senior Director, Manufacturing Engineering

Join Axon and be a Force for Good.

At Axon, we’re on a mission to Protect Life. We’re explorers, pursuing society’s most critical safety and justice issues with our ecosystem of devices and cloud software. Like our products, we work better together. We connect with candor and care, seeking out diverse perspectives from our customers, communities and each other.

Life at Axon is fast-paced, challenging and meaningful. Here, you’ll take ownership and drive real change. Constantly grow as you work hard for a mission that matters at a company where you matter.

Your Impact

As the Senior Director of Manufacturing Engineering, you will lead the global strategy and execution of all manufacturing engineering initiatives, ensuring best-in-class product quality, scalability, and operational efficiency across Axon’s diverse hardware product portfolio. You’ll drive design-for-manufacturing (DFM), new product introduction (NPI) line readiness, equipment procurement & release to production, and continuous improvement efforts in partnership with R&D, supply chain, quality, global manufacturers, and finance business partners. This role requires a dynamic leader with deep technical expertise, strong operational acumen, strong business acumen, and a passion for building high-performing teams in high-velocity environments.What You’ll Do

Location: Onsite at one of our facilities in Phoenix, AZ
Reports to: SVP, Global Manufacturing Operations
Direct Reports: 4 Direct, 88 Indirect

Manufacturing Engineering Strategy & Execution

• Own and evolve the global manufacturing engineering roadmap to support scalability, cost optimization, and performance excellence.
• Drive cross-functional design-for-manufacturing and advanced manufacturing engineering processes from early concept through full production release.
• Serve as the technical authority for manufacturing process capability and readiness throughout the product lifecycle.
• Develop, implement, and optimize advanced manufacturing technologies, assembly processes, test strategies, automation, and analytics to reduce cycle times and improve yield.
• Drive rapid issue resolution and root-cause analysis in production.
• Develop lightweight yet robust processes to improve reliability and consistency in deploying process, equipment, and product solutions to the manufacturing lines.

Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Build, mentor, and scale a high-performing team of manufacturing, mechanical, electrical, software, automation, controls, test, and process engineers focused on manufacturing processes and solutions.
• Build, mentor, and scale automation technician teams supporting 24/7 operations.
• Partner closely with R&D, Quality, Supply Chain, Operations Program Management, and Manufacturing Execution to ensure seamless product transitions and sustained manufacturability.
• Influence product design and architectural decisions from a manufacturing and lifecycle perspective.
• Implement and scale advanced manufacturing technologies (e.g., automation, robotics, digital twin, analytics).

Quality, Compliance & Sustainability

• Ensure assembly process documentation adherence to applicable standards and certifications (ISO, IPC, RoHS, etc.) and Axon-specific quality benchmarks.
• Champion sustainable and ethical manufacturing practices globally.
• Collaborate with Quality and Compliance teams to maintain rigorous process control and traceability systems.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Manufacturing Engineering or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 15+ years of experience in manufacturing or process engineering or equivalent, with 5+ years in senior leadership roles.
• Proven success in launching complex electromechanical products at scale, ideally in consumer electronics, defense, or automotive.
• Deep understanding of manufacturing operations, lean manufacturing principles, and DFM best practices.
• Experience working in global supply chains, with strong familiarity with internationally-based manufacturing partners.
• Demonstrated ability to drive change in high-growth, fast-paced environments.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and leadership skills.
• Passion for Axon’s mission to protect life and transform public safety.

Additional Preferred Skills

• Experience with PLM/ERP/MES tools (e.g., Arena, Microsoft Dynamics D365)
• Familiarity with high-reliability applications in defense, public safety, or medical industries
• Familiarity with regulatory standards (UL, FCC, CE, FM, etc.)
• Six Sigma Black Belt or Lean certification a plus
• Working knowledge of common assembly methods, including fastening, adhesive dispensing and curing, soldering, ultrasonic welding, potting & encapsulation, CNC machining, heat staking

Benefits that Benefit You

• Competitive salary and 401k with employer match
• Discretionary paid time off
• Paid parental leave for all
• Medical, Dental, Vision plans
• Fitness Programs
• Emotional & Mental Wellness support
• Learning & Development programs
• And yes, we have snacks in our offices

Benefits listed herein may vary depending on the nature of your employment and the location where you work

Don’t meet every single requirement? That's ok. At Axon, we Aim Far. We think big with a long-term view because we want to reinvent the world to be a safer, better place. We are also committed to building diverse teams that reflect the communities we serve.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they check every box in the job description. If you’re excited about this role and our mission to Protect Life but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification listed here, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Important Notes

The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all duties, responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job. The job description may change or be supplemented at any time in accordance with business needs and conditions.

Some roles may also require legal eligibility to work in a firearms environment.

Axon’s mission is to Protect Life and is committed to the well-being and safety of its employees as well as Axon’s impact on the environment. All Axon employees must be aware of and committed to the appropriate environmental, health, and safety regulations, policies, and procedures. Axon employees are empowered to report safety concerns as they arise and activities potentially impacting the environment.

We are an equal opportunity employer that promotes justice, advances equity, values diversity and fosters inclusion. We’re committed to hiring the best talent — regardless of race, creed, color, ancestry, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances — and empowering all of our employees so they can do their best work. If you have a disability or special need that requires assistance or accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please email recruitingops@axon.com. Please note that this email address is for accommodation purposes only. Axon will not respond to inquiries for other purposes.