Sr. Operations Technical TrainerDepartment: Operations
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Hawthorne, California
Compensation: $100,000 - $135,000 / year
DescriptionWe are seeking a meticulous and experienced Sr. Operations Technical Trainer to join our team. The role involves developing, delivering, and continuously improving technical training that enables production, integration, test, and quality teams to execute aerospace manufacturing processes safely, consistently, and in compliance with customer and internal requirements. This role owns the training system for operations: work-instruction-based instruction, on-the-job training (OJT), skills qualification and certification, new-hire, and process-change training ensuring that our manufacturing team is trained in all areas of production ensuring the organization meets the highest standards of Quality and Reliability. This role will report to the Quality Engineering Manager.
What you'll do:- Develop, maintain, and deliver technical training for operations processes including assembly, integration, test, inspection, material handling, tooling use, and related support activities
- Convert engineering drawings, work instructions, process specifications, and quality procedures into clear lesson plans, job aids, demonstrations, and competency checks
- Administer the operations training matrix: required courses, OJT sign-offs, recertification intervals, and role-based qualifications for technicians, operators, inspectors, and leads
- Conduct classroom, shop-floor, and virtual instruction; qualify trainers and designated OJT coaches; observe work to verify transfer of training to the floor
- Partner with Quality and Operations on nonconformance, escape, and CAPA trends; design targeted retraining or process-standardization training when human-factor or skill gaps are identified
- Lead new-hire operations onboarding and process-change training so production teams are qualified before work is released
- Evaluate training effectiveness using assessments, observation, first-pass yield / rework indicators, and trainee and supervisor feedback; revise content accordingly
- Manage training calendars, room and equipment logistics, and vendor or OEM training when specialized equipment or processes require external instruction
- Contribute to continuous improvement of work instructions and standard work so training material matches the current approved process
- Uphold a professional, respectful training environment and model operational excellence, safety, and quality culture on the floor
What you'll bring:Basic Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), or related field; OR equivalent years of relevant aerospace / manufacturing experience
- 5+ years of experience in aerospace, defense, or similarly regulated manufacturing operations (production, integration, test, quality, or technical training)
- Experience developing and delivering technical or shop-floor training (classroom, OJT, or blended)
- Experience reading and interpreting engineering drawings, work instructions, process specifications, and quality procedures
Preferred Qualifications - Experience in aerospace, space, defense, or other highly regulated manufacturing industries
- Experience with space-grade materials and manufacturing processes
- Experience in environmental testing for space applications
- Experience with IPC standards (e.g., J-STD-001, IPC-A-610, IPC/WHMA-A-620), or company equivalent workmanship standards
- Experience with NASA standards for production build, test, and inspection standards
Benefits and Perks- Join a team of best-in-class engineers building the foundation of planetary surface exploration
- Equity ownership in the company
- Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and mental health support
- 401(k) plan with company match
- Flexible PTO and parental leave
- Weekly lunch stipend, plus complimentary snacks and beverages on-site
- Once a month social hour on-site with food and drinks
