Operations Lead

Kaney

$70K — $95K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field
  • 5+ years of experience in aerospace manufacturing or precision component production
  • Prior leadership or supervisory experience in a manufacturing setting
  • Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes and continuous improvement methodologies
  • Familiarity with aerospace quality systems and regulatory requirements
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications
  • Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills
  • Strong communication and leadership abilities

Responsibilities

  • Lead daily operations covering production, scheduling, quality, and maintenance
  • Serve as site leader accountable for team performance and engagement
  • Design and improve manufacturing processes and workflows
  • Ensure compliance with aerospace standards and customer requirements
  • Drive operational efficiency through lean manufacturing practices
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align production with demand
  • Oversee production planning and on-time delivery performance
  • Analyze production data to identify trends and implement corrective actions
  • Manage site budgets and cost control initiatives
  • Support new product introductions and process validation
  • Act as the main point of contact for audits and inspections
  • Enforce EHS policies to maintain a safe work environment

Benefits

  • Opportunity to lead and influence operations at a growing aerospace facility
  • Generous benefits package including health insurance and retirement plans
  • Professional development opportunities including training and certifications
  • Collaborative work environment with a cross-functional team
  • Engagement in innovative projects related to aerospace manufacturing
Full Job Description
A hands-on and results-driven Site Lead to oversee daily operations at a small aerospace manufacturing facility. This role blends the technical depth of a Manufacturing Engineer with the leadership responsibilities of site management. The Site Lead will be responsible for ensuring efficient production processes, maintaining compliance with aerospace quality standards, and leading a cross-functional team to meet performance, quality, and delivery targets.

Requirements

Major Responsibilities:
  • Lead day-to-day operations of the site, including production, scheduling, quality, and maintenance activities
  • Serve as the on-site leader responsible for team performance, engagement, and accountability
  • Design, implement, and continuously improve manufacturing processes, tooling, and workflows
  • Ensure compliance with aerospace standards (e.g., AS9100), customer requirements, and internal quality systems
  • Drive operational efficiency through lean manufacturing principles, waste reduction, and process optimization
  • Collaborate with engineering, supply chain, and sales teams to align production capabilities with customer demand
  • Oversee production planning, capacity management, and on-time delivery performance
  • Analyze production data and KPIs to identify trends and implement corrective actions
  • Manage site-level budgets, resource allocation, and cost control initiatives
  • Support new product introduction (NPI), including process validation and ramp-up activities
  • Act as the primary point of contact for site audits, customer visits, and inspections
  • Ensure a safe work environment by enforcing EHS policies and continuous safety improvements


Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field
  • 5+ years of experience in aerospace manufacturing or precision component production
  • Prior experience in a leadership or supervisory role within a manufacturing environment
  • Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes (machining, assembly, inspection) and continuous improvement methodologies
  • Familiarity with aerospace quality systems (e.g., AS9100) and regulatory requirements
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications
  • Excellent problem-solving, decision-making, and organizational skills
  • Strong communication and leadership abilities, with experience managing small teams


Minimum Competencies:
  • Operational leadership
  • Continuous improvement mindset
  • Accountability and ownership
  • Cross-functional collaboration
  • Quality and compliance focus


Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with precision motion components such as ball screws, actuators, or similar assemblies
  • Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or higher preferred)
  • Experience with ERP/MRP systems and production planning tools
  • Background in New Product Introduction (NPI) and process validation
  • Familiarity with root cause analysis tools (e.g., 5 Whys, Fishbone diagrams)


Operational Details / Work Environment
  • Work occurs at company facilities and may include customer and supplier sites.
  • Role includes both office and laboratory-based tasks.
  • Travel may be required.
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds on occasion.


Salary Description

$70,000.00 - $95,000.00

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