Job Overview
The Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing daily manufacturing operations for aerospace and rail interior components, including aircraft galleys, seating systems, and other cabin interior structures. This role ensures production efficiency, regulatory compliance, quality standards, and on-time delivery while maintaining cost control and operational excellence.
The Operations Manager leads cross-functional teams across production, supply chain, quality, and engineering to support a high-mix, precision manufacturing environment that meets aerospace and rail industry standards.
The ideal candidate brings deep experience in aerospace manufacturing, composite materials, AS9100-certified environments, and program execution tied to commercial aviation interiors.
Essential Responsibilities
1. Operations & Production Management
- Oversee daily manufacturing operations including fabrication, assembly, and finishing of interior components such as galleys, seating systems, and cabin interior structures.
- Develop and manage production schedules to meet customer delivery commitments and program milestones.
- Monitor operational performance metrics including throughput, scrap rates, labor efficiency, and on-time delivery.
- Ensure production processes meet required quality and safety standards.
- Identify operational bottlenecks and implement process improvements to optimize production flow and reduce waste.
- Collaborate with engineering teams to improve manufacturability and production scalability.
- Ensure compliance with aerospace and rail industry regulations and quality standards (e.g., AS9100, ISO 9001, FAA, EASA, or other applicable standards).
- Work closely with Quality Assurance to maintain product conformity and resolve non-conformances.
- Support audits, corrective actions, and root cause analyses.
- Ensure compliance with OSHA and company safety policies.
- Promote safe work practices and maintain a safe manufacturing environment.
- Investigate and address workplace safety incidents.
2. Team Leadership
- Manage and mentor production supervisors and manufacturing staff.
- Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Coordinate workforce planning, training, and performance management.
3. Supply Chain & Inventory Control
- Collaborate with supply chain and procurement teams to ensure availability of materials and components.
- Manage inventory levels to balance production needs with cost efficiency.
- Coordinate with logistics teams to ensure timely shipment of finished products.
4. Program & Customer Coordination
- Support customer programs and production milestones for aerospace and rail clients.
- Collaborate with program management and engineering teams during product launches and design transitions.
- Address operational issues impacting customer schedules or quality requirements.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Operations Management, Manufacturing, or related field.
- 5–10+ years of manufacturing operations management experience, preferably in aerospace or rail.
- Experience in composite manufacturing (prepreg, resin infusion, RTM, bonding, trim & assembly).
- Knowledge of AS9100 and aerospace regulatory environments.
- Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems.
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings and technical documentation.
- Experience supporting commercial aviation cabin interior programs.
- Background in lightweight structural composite development.
Core Competencies
- Leadership and team management.
- Quality system management.
- Regulatory compliance and auditing.
- Technical documentation review.
- Data analysis and reporting.
- Strong problem-solving and decision making.
- Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $130,000.00 - $170,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
