Operations Manager
Operations Manager (Shop Floor / CNC Machining & Assembly)
Type: Full-time
Location: Newark, CA (on-site)
Comp: $175,000-$220,000 base
Clearance/Compliance: ITAR/EAR environment (U.S. work authorization required; export compliance eligibility required)
Overview
A well-funded, growth-oriented Advanced Manufacturing / Space & Defense manufacturer is hiring an Operations Manager to own day-to-day shop floor execution and build scalable processes that consistently meet customer requirements. This leader will drive production performance, safety, training, workflow optimization, and cross-functional alignment (especially with Quality) across CNC machining and mechanical assembly operations.
What You'll Do
- Own shop floor performance: workflow coordination, schedule attainment, turnaround time, labor utilization, and daily execution.
- Lead and coordinate across production areas to hit throughput, quality, and delivery targets.
- Build, deliver, and/or facilitate safety training; ensure ongoing compliance with safety requirements.
- Establish and maintain training requirements and skill matrices by area; coordinate external training when needed.
- Enforce labor timekeeping discipline; review timecards and labor clocking accuracy.
- Support annual budget planning (headcount + capex) and build operational plans aligned to the budget.
- Lead capital equipment selection, installation, and start-up; drive productivity ROI.
- Optimize shop floor layout and material/workflow to reduce wastes and improve flow.
- Own response leadership for emergency/hazardous situations on the floor.
- Manage/optimize the production schedule to maximize productivity and meet goals.
- Partner with Quality leadership to implement/maintain processes that achieve quality objectives.
- Use performance data to identify and eliminate inefficiencies across process, product, and shop systems.
- Own preventive maintenance program requirements.
- Participate in MRB and Corrective/Preventive Action (CAPA) activities to drive systemic improvements.
Leadership / People Management
- Hire, train, coach, and develop employees
- Plan/assign work; set expectations and hold the team accountable
- Performance evaluations, recognition, and corrective action
- Interviewing and resolving employee issues/concerns
Required Qualifications
- 10-15+ years of related manufacturing operations experience
- Proven people leadership in a production environment
- Strong Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement background
- Experience in CNC machining (hands-on working knowledge of machining operations)
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, plus Project and an ERP system
- Strong communication, decision-making, and problem-solving skills
- Customer-focused mindset and ability to manage competing priorities
Preferred Qualifications
- BS in Engineering or Operations Management (or equivalent technical breadth)
- CNC programming exposure/experience
- Mechanical assembly experience
- Strong knowledge of brazing (SST, steel, aluminum, copper, other metals)
- Familiarity with AS9100 (preferred, not required)
FAQs
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