Director of Operations - Aerospace Manufacturing

Director of Operations - Aerospace ManufacturingPosition OverviewLead and scale day-to-day manufacturing and operations for an aerospace business, driving on-time delivery, quality, cost control and continuous improvement. This role is responsible for developing and executing operational strategy, ensuring compliance with aerospace standards, managing production and maintenance of machining and casting processes, and building a high-performing operations team to meet customer and business objectives.

Key ResponsibilitiesDevelop and implement operations strategy aligned with company goals, driving efficiency, quality, and profitability across aerospace production.

Oversee production planning, scheduling and capacity management for machining, aluminum and investment casting processes to meet delivery and budget targets.

Ensure compliance with aerospace quality and certification standards (AS9100, NADCAP) and maintain robust quality management systems and documentation.

Lead continuous improvement programs using Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to reduce waste, improve throughput, and lower costs.

Manage cross-functional collaboration with engineering, supply chain, procurement and quality to resolve production issues and support new product introductions.

Direct vendor and supplier management to secure materials, subcontracts and services that meet aerospace requirements and cost targets.

Establish and track operational KPIs, financial metrics and reporting; develop corrective actions and performance improvements as needed.

Champion safety, environmental and regulatory compliance programs to ensure a safe workplace and adherence to applicable regulations.

Recruit, develop and retain operations talent; build a culture of accountability, skills development and continuous learning.

Drive capital planning for equipment, tooling and facility investments; oversee maintenance, uptime and reliability initiatives.

QualificationsRequired:

Significant operations leadership experience in the aerospace industry with proven results driving production, quality and delivery.

Required:

Demonstrated experience in operations management, including production planning, cost control and team leadership.

Bachelors degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Manufacturing or related field (or equivalent experience).8+ years of progressively responsible experience in manufacturing or operations; prior leadership of multi-site or complex manufacturing operations preferred.

Strong knowledge of aerospace quality systems and regulatory expectations; experience with AS9100 and NADCAP is highly desirable.

Experience with manufacturing processes including machining, aluminum casting and investment casting is highly desirable.

Practical experience leading Continuous Improvement programs and applying Lean and Six Sigma tools; certification (e.g., Green/Black Belt) is a plus.

Proven ability to manage capital projects, vendor relationships and supply chain challenges in a manufacturing environment.

Excellent communication, problem-solving and stakeholder management skills; proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence at all levels of the organization.

BenefitsHealth, dental, and vision insurance401k with company matchPaid time offPaid holidays