General Manager - Aerospace Manufacturing Site

Hatched Recruitment Group; Yakima (WA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace manufacturer in Yakima, WA, is seeking an Operations Leader to drive execution excellence. This hands-on role requires strong experience in CNC machining and operations leadership, with responsibility for daily manufacturing. You will implement Lean and Six Sigma strategies to solve production challenges and improve efficiency. The position offers significant exposure to senior leaders and a clear path to a VP role, making it an excellent opportunity for career progression.

Qualifications

• 8–12+ years of hands-on operations leadership in aerospace or regulated manufacturing.
• Proven experience with CNC machining and precision assembly.
• Strong background in Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily manufacturing and assembly operations with strong shop floor presence.
• Resolve production, quality, and workflow issues using Lean and Six Sigma.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance throughput and yield.

Skills

CNC machining

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

operations leadership

problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, or related field

Job description

If you are aerospace operations leader with strong CNC machining experience who thrives on being on the shop floor, solving production challenges, and driving measurable performance improvements and are looking to progress in your career this would be an excellent next step for you.

You will get to further develop your hands‑on execution across complex machining and assembly operations, using your Six Sigma and Lean skills to optimize flow, quality, and delivery.

In this highly visible position you will work closely with senior leaders and have a clear pathway to progress within the organization.

About the Company

A leading aerospace manufacturer delivering high‑reliability components and systems for defense and commercial platforms is seeking an Operations Leader to drive execution excellence. The organization partners with OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers and operates in a highly regulated, AS9100‑certified environment, with a strong culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.

This is a hands‑on leadership role with direct accountability for day‑to‑day operational execution. You will spend significant time on the shop floor, addressing production bottlenecks, improving process reliability, and ensuring delivery, quality, and safety targets are consistently met.

While execution is the initial focus, this role offers a highly visible career pathway into the VP of Operations, giving you the opportunity to shape operations strategy across multiple facilities over time.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead daily manufacturing and assembly operations, with a strong presence on the shop floor.
• Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve production, quality, and workflow issues using Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce cycle time, scrap, and waste while improving throughput and yield.
• Partner with Engineering on new product introductions, ensuring Design for Manufacturing (DFM) principles are applied.
• Monitor and act on operational KPIs including safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity.
• Oversee material flow, production planning, and inventory control to maintain schedule adherence.
• Ensure compliance with AS9100, FAA, ITAR, ISO, and customer‑specific manufacturing requirements.
• Support capital investment planning and productivity programs.
• Build, mentor, and develop high‑performing teams, strengthening problem‑solving capability across the operation.

What You Bring

• 8–12+ years of hands‑on operations leadership within aerospace or a highly regulated manufacturing environment.
• Strong experience with CNC machining and precision assembly operations.
• Proven track record applying Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement tools to real production challenges.
• Background in aerospace manufacturing, MRO, or complex electromechanical / systems integration environments.
• Comfortable collaborating across functions including Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Program Management.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, or related field (MBA or advanced degree a plus).
• Ambition and capability to grow into a VP‑level operations role over time.
• U.S. work authorization and willingness to travel across facilities as required.