John Petersen — Director of Engineering
I build factories, teams, and processes that deliver results when time, cost, and precision matter most. With 20+ years in machining and manufacturing leadership across aerospace, defense, and energy, I specialize in turning complex programs into production-ready realities at record speed. From standing up fully operational defense manufacturing facilities in under 21 days to leading cross-functional teams of 30+, my focus has always been on efficiency, scalability, and operational excellence. I don’t just run machines—I design the systems, workflows, and cultures that keep them running smarter, faster, and leaner. I’ve spearheaded multi-million-dollar facility buildouts, implemented AI-powered analytics and RFID traceability, and embedded Lean Six Sigma principles to cut waste, reduce setup times, and accelerate throughput. As one of the first 10 employees at multiple defense startups—including one that scaled to a $9B+ valuation—I’ve helped transform bare floors into industry-leading operations. I know how to bridge the gap between engineering vision and investor expectations, de-risking capital by building scalable, production-ready systems that deliver. My leadership style blends accountability with collaboration, building high-performance teams that thrive in high-stakes environments where speed and precision decide outcomes. Core Strengths: Scaling manufacturing operations in aerospace/defense startups Facility design, equipment acquisition, and rapid buildouts Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement CNC and manual machining expertise with 25+ years hands-on Strategic leadership that aligns production with company vision I thrive where others hesitate—tight deadlines, uncharted territory, and industries where failure is not an option.
Stackforce AI infers this person is a Manufacturing Operations Expert with a focus on Aerospace and Defense sectors.
Location: Austin, Texas, United States
Experience: 27 yrs 6 mos
Skills
- Manufacturing Operations
- Lean Manufacturing
- Technical Project Leadership
- Facility Design
- Lean Processes
- Talent Management
- Precision Machining
- Machining
- Production Management
- Manufacturing Operations Management
- Quality Improvement
- Project Management
Career Highlights
- 20+ years in machining and manufacturing leadership.
- Spearheaded multi-million-dollar facility buildouts.
- Expert in Lean Six Sigma and operational excellence.
Work Experience
Aeon
Director of Manufacturing (9 mos)
Technical Program Manager (1 yr 2 mos)
Career Break
Gap year (2 mos)
Saronic Technologies
Technical Program Manager (8 mos)
R&D Machine Shop Foreman (1 yr)
Manual Machinist (8 mos)
Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc.
2nd Shift Machine Shop Foreman (2 yrs 8 mos)
Strom Engineering
Traveling Machinist lead (5 yrs 3 mos)
Joy Global Inc.
Lead Mazak machinist (8 mos)
West Coast Choppers/ JJFU
Warehouse Manager/ Lathe machinist (2 yrs 10 mos)
NOV
Machinist (4 yrs 5 mos)
Royal Oak Industries
Engineering Technician Lead (5 yrs 6 mos)
Texas Hydraulics, Inc.
Machinist (6 yrs 1 mo)
Education
Value Chain Management Specialization at Gies College of Business - University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Strategic Leadership and Management Specialization at Gies College of Business - University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Business and Financial Modeling Specialization at The Wharton School
