Aerospace Manufacturing Lead

General Plastics & Composites LP; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

General Plastics & Composites LP in Houston, TX seeks an experienced operations leader to direct aerospace manufacturing activities. You will oversee lay-up, vacuum bagging, curing, autoclave operations, trimming, and assembly, while directing the Cutting Table Operator, Lay-Up Technician, and Autoclave Operator to meet schedules and quality standards.

The role requires at least 5 years in composite manufacturing and 2 years of leadership experience, with strong AS9100 knowledge, reading

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; associate degree preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of composite manufacturing experience.
• Minimum 2 years of leadership or supervisory experience.
• Aerospace composites manufacturing experience strongly preferred.
• Experience with autoclave operations, vacuum bagging, and process documentation.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily aerospace manufacturing activities: lay-up, vacuum bagging, curing, autoclave, trimming, and assembly.
• Direct the daily activities of the Cutting Table Operator, Lay-Up Technician, and Autoclave Operator.
• Assign work, set priorities, monitor productivity to meet schedules and customer requirements.
• Coordinate workflow between manufacturing steps and inspections.
• Provide hands-on leadership, technical guidance, and daily direction to personnel.
• Train, coach, and evaluate staff to ensure procedures, quality, and safety compliance.
• Support startup, qualification, installation, and readiness activities for lay-up cells and equipment.
• Develop and implement manufacturing processes, work instructions, and training programs.
• Ensure compliance with AS9100, customer specs, safety, environmental, and company requirements.

Skills

Composite manufacturing

Engineering drawings

Production scheduling

Leadership

Quality systems

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree in Manufacturing Technology, Engineering Technology, Aerospace Technology, or related field

Job description

• Lead daily aerospace manufacturing activities, including lay-up, vacuum bagging, curing, autoclave operations, trimming, and assembly activities.
• Direct the daily activities of the Cutting Table Operator, Lay-Up Technician, and Autoclave Operator.
• Assign work, establish priorities, and monitor productivity to ensure production schedules and customer requirements are met.
• Coordinate workflow between cutting, lay-up, curing, autoclave processing, trimming, and inspection activities.
• Monitor staffing and production requirements and communicate resource needs to Aerospace Leadership.
• Provide hands‑on leadership, technical guidance, and daily direction to aerospace manufacturing personnel.
• Train, coach, mentor, and evaluate personnel to ensure compliance with manufacturing procedures, quality standards, and safety requirements.
• Assist with startup, qualification, installation, and operational readiness activities for the aerospace lay‑up cell, cutting table, autoclave, and supporting equipment.
• Support the development and implementation of manufacturing processes, production controls, work instructions, and training programs during startup activities.
• Ensure compliance with all aerospace manufacturing procedures, quality standards, customer specifications, and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate production activities to support customer delivery schedules and program milestones.
• Support process qualification, validation, and first article activities.
• Assist Engineering and Quality teams with process development, troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and corrective actions.
• Develop, maintain, and improve manufacturing work instructions, process documentation, and standard operating procedures.
• Train, coach, and mentor aerospace manufacturing personnel on proper manufacturing techniques, quality requirements, safety practices, and process controls.
• Verify personnel competency and readiness before performing critical aerospace manufacturing operations independently.
• Monitor production performance, throughput, quality metrics, and schedule attainment; identify improvement opportunities and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Ensure production targets, customer delivery commitments, and quality objectives are achieved.
• Support material control, tooling readiness, and equipment maintenance activities.
• Ensure compliance with AS9100, customer, safety, environmental, and company requirements.
• Participate in audits, customer visits, and qualification activities as required.
• Promote a culture of safety, quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Adhere to safety, environmental, and quality system requirements
• Adhere to all safety protocols, including PPE usage and handling hazardous materials (resins)
• Adhere to all safety regulations and Foreign Object Debris (FOD) prevention policies

Qualifications & Experience:

• Education:
  • High school diploma or GED required.
  • Associate degree in Manufacturing Technology, Engineering Technology, Aerospace Technology, or related field preferred.
• Experience:
  • Minimum 5 years of composite manufacturing experience required.
  • Minimum 2 years of leadership, lead, trainer, or supervisory experience required.
  • Aerospace composites manufacturing experience strongly preferred.
  • Experience with autoclave operations, vacuum bagging, and process documentation preferred.
• Skills:
  • Strong knowledge of composite manufacturing processes, including hand lay‑up, vacuum bagging, curing, and autoclave operations.
  • Understanding of aerospace quality systems and manufacturing requirements.
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, work instructions, and technical documents.
  • Knowledge of composite materials, tooling, and aerospace manufacturing best practices.
  • Ability to coordinate and prioritize multiple manufacturing activities simultaneously.
  • Ability to lead and develop manufacturing personnel in a team‑oriented environment.
  • Working knowledge of production scheduling, workforce coordination, and manufacturing workflow management.
• Personal Attributes:
  • Strong troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills.
  • Ability to train and develop manufacturing personnel.
  • Strong organizational and communication skills.
  • Ability to lead teams in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.
  • Demonstrated leadership and decision‑making ability.
  • Ability to effectively communicate with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, and Leadership teams.
  • Strong sense of accountability and ownership for production results.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
  • Familiarity with AS9100 quality systems preferred.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment:

• Manufacturing environment with exposure to machinery, tools, composite materials, chemicals, heat, noise, and personal protective equipment requirements.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, lift, and perform hands‑on manufacturing activities for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Occasional overtime and weekend work may be required based on business needs.
• Must be a U.S. Person (Resident Alien or US Citizen) under 22 CFR 120 (due to ITAR Restrictions)

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.