Manager, Operations

Applied Composites; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

Retirement matching

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Applied Composites seeks a Manager, Operations to lead day-to-day advanced composites production. You will guide a team of technicians in a fast-paced, high-precision setting, ensuring safety, on-time delivery, and AS9100 quality adherence.

The role emphasizes Lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and cross-functional collaboration with Engineering, Quality Assurance, Program Management and Supply Chain to resolve production issues.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering field or equivalent experience.
• 7–10 years of aerospace manufacturing experience with advanced composites.
• Experience with Lean manufacturing concepts and kanban supply chain.
• Ability to read blueprints and engineering specifications.

Responsibilities

• Initiates plans to minimize manufacturing costs through efficient use of manpower, equipment, and materials.
• Ensures production schedules meet customer expectations and product standards.
• Leads production team across lay-up, vacuum bagging, cleanroom, autoclave, winding, machining and assembly for on-time delivery.
• Develops a world-class operations organization through training, coaching, and top‑grading.
• Ensures safety and regulatory compliance; drives Lean improvements to reduce bottlenecks.

Skills

Production management

Lean manufacturing

Blueprint reading

Problem solving

Composite manufacturing

Organizational skills

Microsoft Project

Customer interfacing

Education

Bachelors in Aerospace Engineering

Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelors in Industrial Engineering

Job description

Applied Composites (AC) is seeking a Manager, Operations who leads and manages the day-to-day activities for our advanced composites production operations. In this role you will lead a team of technicians in a fast-paced, high-precision environment while aligning tasks with company policies and procedures. You will be responsible for ensuring safety, meeting strict on-time delivery schedules, maintaining AS9100 quality standards and driving continuous improvement.

About AC: Come and join the Applied Composites team. We are a leading provider of complex composite components, assemblies, engineering and tooling to the aerospace, defense and space system markets. Our employees are treated with respect and given the support, knowledge, and resources they need to thrive. If you are looking for a company that values and develops its employees while offering engaging work, Applied Composites may be the place for you.

Job Accountabilities:

• Initiates plans and processes which minimize manufacturing costs through effective utilization of manpower, equipment, facilities, materials and capital
• Ensures attainment of business objectives, and production schedules while ensuring product standards that meet or exceed our customer’s expectations
• Leads the Production Team in achieving daily tasks, schedules, and goals in areas such as lay-up, vacuum bagging, cleanroom, autoclave/oven curing, winding, machining and assembly to ensure on-time delivery
• Develops a world-class operations organization by providing training, coaching, and counseling, and top grading as appropriate
• Confirms that resources are utilized effectively and drives improvements through Lean Manufacturing principles to eliminate bottlenecks while improving efficiencyEnsure general safety, compliance with relevant legislation, regulations and company requirements
• Leads and directs work for team of employees as defined by business needs
• Manages staff selection, performance, development and training processes to ensure team competencies and capabilities to reach the business goals and expectations
• Tracks operations hours to budget and ensures proper staffing levels
• Ensures cross-functional collaboration with Engineering, Quality Assurance, Program Management and Supply Chain to resolve issues impacting Production
• Any other duties assigned, and further responsibilities as directed.

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering or equivalent combination of relevant education and work experience that will allow successful performance of job expectations

Years’ Experience:

7-10 years of relevant experience, ideally in aerospace manufacturing, specifically focused on advanced composite materials

Skills:

• Solid experience in production engineering, production management, or related activity, ideally in advanced composites
• Experience with and advanced training in Lean manufacturing concepts and techniques with significant exposure to kanban managed supply chain
• Ability to understand and interpret blueprints and engineering specifications
• Ability to identify and resolve technical, operational and organizational problems
• Knowledge of composite manufacturing methods, machining, and mechanical assembly.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Computer proficient, including Microsoft Windows software application as well as basic understanding of Microsoft project.
• Position will require interfacing and presenting to both internal and external (customers) parties

Benefits: At Applied Composites, we recognize how important your career and benefits are to you and your family. We offer a full suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability coverage, accident insurance, critical illness insurance, basic and supplemental life insurance, employee assistance plan, retirement savings and matching, tuition reimbursement and other developmental opportunities. We are committed to supporting the way you live and work.

AC is an Equal Opportunity Employer Veterans/Disabled - Affinitve Action Employer.

This position requires the use of information which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be U.S. persons within the meaning of ITAR. ITAR defines a U.S. person as a U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder'), Political Asylee, or Refugee.