Organization: YBI

Location: Youngstown, Ohio (regional travel required)

Employment Type: Full-time

Reports To: Chief Manufacturing Officer

About the Role

YBI is seeking an Industrial Base Development Manager to work directly for YBI while supporting the activities of the Youngstown Innovation Hub for Defense and Aerospace. This role is focused on strengthening and expanding Northeast Ohio’s advanced manufacturing Industrial base by engaging small- and medium-sized manufacturers (SMEs) and connecting them to defense and aerospace subcontracting opportunities.

The Industrial Base Development Manager will conduct direct outreach to regional manufacturers, identify technical capabilities and capacity, and help position companies for participation in defense and aerospace programs. A core responsibility of this role is to build, maintain, and analyze a comprehensive database of advanced manufacturing companies, with emphasis on additive manufacturing, machining, tooling, castings, and related production capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

Industrial base Outreach & Engagement

• Conduct proactive outreach to small- and medium-sized manufacturers across Northeast Ohio.

• Build trusted relationships with company owners, plant managers, and technical leadership.

• Identify companies positioned for defense and aerospace subcontracting.

• Serve as a connector between regional manufacturers, prime contractors, and Innovation Hub partners.

Defense & Aerospace Industrial Base Development

• Support integration of regional manufacturers into defense and aerospace Industrial bases.

• Assist companies in understanding defense and aerospace requirements.

• Identify Industrial base gaps and opportunities tied to Innovation Hub programs.

• Support manufacturing readiness and technology transition initiatives.

Data, Mapping & Ecosystem Intelligence

• Build and maintain a dynamic database of advanced manufacturing companies.

• Capture data on processes, materials, certifications, workforce, and readiness.

• Analyze Industrial base strengths, vulnerabilities, and growth opportunities.

• Support reporting needs for Innovation Hub and public-sector partners.

Partnerships & Regional Collaboration

• Collaborate with economic development organizations, workforce partners, and industry groups.

• Represent YBI at industry events, plant visits, and regional meetings.

• Support collaborative initiatives to strengthen regional manufacturing competitiveness.

On a Typical Day, You Might

• Visit a regional manufacturer to assess capabilities.

• Update and analyze Industrial base data for upcoming programs.

• Coordinate supplier engagement strategies with Innovation Hub leadership.

• Meet with economic development partners.

• Participate in manufacturing or defense-focused industry events.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Industrial base, Economic Development, or related field.

• 5+ years of experience in economic development, Industrial base development, or manufacturing outreach.

• Strong understanding of SME manufacturing environments.

• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and travel regionally.

Preferred / Bonus

• Experience with defense and aerospace Industrial bases.

• Familiarity with advanced manufacturing and additive manufacturing.

• Experience managing databases or CRM systems.

• Knowledge of Northeast Ohio or Midwest manufacturing ecosystems.

Why Join YBI

• Work directly for Youngstown Business Incubator.

• Support the Youngstown Innovation Hub for Defense and Aerospace.

• Make a measurable impact on regional manufacturing growth.

• Contribute to resilient U.S. defense and aerospace Industrial bases.

• Collaborate with industry, government, and academic partners.

Send resumes to: sgaffney@ybi.org