Manufacturing Plant Operations Director

Elbit Systems of America; De Leon Springs (FL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare coverage

401k with match

Paid time off (PTO)

Parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Lifestyle spending account

Employee referral program

Job summary

Twenty-Six Defense Maritime seeks an experienced Manufacturing Plant Operations Director to lead all production activities on the shop floor, ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant manufacturing. The role requires direct line management experience and a track record of driving operational excellence in a high‑volume setting.

The ideal candidate has a bachelor’s in engineering or business (master’s preferred), 12+ years of leadership, and strong expertise in Lean and Six Sigma with knowledge of

Qualifications

• 12 years progressive operations leadership experience with direct, hands‑on line management.
• Proven success leading production teams, managing budgets, implementing quality systems, and driving EHS and operational excellence in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong background in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and process improvement in high‑mix, low‑volume operations.
• Certified Six Sigma Black Belt or Green Belt preferred.
• US Citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily production operations with direct oversight of line performance, personnel, quality, and throughput.
• Enforce manufacturing policies, operating standards, and best practices across cost control, waste reduction, safety, quality, and on‑time delivery.
• Drive Lean initiatives including Kaizens, Standard Work, 5S, TPM, and root cause/corrective action activities.
• Build, coach, and develop high‑performing production teams; strengthen employee engagement and working relationships.
• Maintain compliance with OSHA, EPA, ITAR, and customer‑specific requirements.
• Oversee capacity planning, scheduling, materials usage, and compliance with the company’s management and quality systems.
• Manage operations budget and support cross‑functional collaboration with Finance, HR, Supply Chain, BD, and IT.
• Promote continuous improvement, problem solving, and a culture of accountability and empowerment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Leadership

Budgeting

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or business

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

ERP systems

MS Office

Job description

Twenty-Six Defense Maritime, a Twenty-Six Defense company, is a world leader in the design, development, testing and production of complex electromechanical systems and sensors, including Sparton sonobuoys. The company delivers a variety of sensing and advanced analytics capabilities that enable our nation to dominate the maritime domain.

Job Summary

The Manufacturing Plant Operations Director oversees all production activities and provides hands‑on leadership on the shop floor. This role ensures products are manufactured safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with company, customer, and regulatory requirements. Applicants must have proven, direct experience leading a production line or manufacturing operation.

Responsibilities And Tasks

• Lead daily production operations with direct oversight of line performance, personnel, quality, and throughput.
• Implement and enforce manufacturing policies, operating standards, and best practices across cost control, waste reduction, safety, quality, and on‑time delivery.
• Drive Lean initiatives including Kaizens, Standard Work, 5S, TPM, and root cause/corrective action activities.
• Build, coach, and develop high‑performing production teams; strengthen employee engagement and working relationships.
• Maintain compliance with all state, federal, OSHA, EPA, ITAR, and customer‑specific requirements.
• Oversee capacity planning, scheduling, materials usage, and compliance with the company’s management and quality systems.
• Manage operations budget and support cross‑functional collaboration with Finance, HR, Supply Chain, BD, and IT.
• Promote continuous improvement, problem solving, and a culture of accountability and empowerment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education, Experience & License or Certification

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or business (master’s preferred).
• Minimum 12 years progressive operations leadership experience with direct, hands‑on line management.
• Proven success leading production teams, managing budgets, implementing quality systems, and driving EHS and operational excellence in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong background in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and process improvement in high‑mix, low‑volume operations.
• Electronics contract manufacturing, NASA standards, CQE, or Six Sigma certification preferred.

Skills And Abilities

• Strong communication, analytical, and leadership skills.
• Ability to interpret complex documents, technical requirements, and metrics.
• Proficient with standard office software and manufacturing systems.
• Knowledge of GMP, OSHA, EPA, and related regulations.
• Working with other functional areas, such as Finance, HR, Supply Chain Management, Business Development, and IT, to ensure Operations is being managed effectively and receiving the proper support from the organization
• Demonstrated project success with Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma/Black Belt quality initiatives in a high-volume assembly and manufacturing environment.
• Certified Six Sigma Black Belt or Green Belt preferred
• Mechanical background a plus.
• Must be a US Citizen

Travel/Physical Requirements

• Minimal travel
• The physical demands describe here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. The work environment characteristics described are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. This job operates in a professional office environment and a manufacturing environment. The employee may be exposed to fumes or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts and vibration. The employee is occasionally exposed to a variety of extreme conditions in the plant. The noise level in the work environment may be loud.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, talk, and communicate, use hands/finger, feel, and reach with arms. This position requires the ability to lift, bend or stoop as necessary up to 50lbs.

Benefits Highlights

Healthcare

• Robust medical, dental, vision, & disability coverage.
• Healthcare concierge to help you navigate your benefit selections.
• Virtual health solutions for physical therapy, menopause, and diabetes.
• Company paid Basic Life Insurance. Additional Life & AD&D Insurances are available.
• On-site wellness clinic.

Paid Benefits

• Competitive compensation.
• 401k program to plan for your future with company match 75% up to 8% plus 1% Employer contribution.
• Company Paid Time Off (Vacation and Sick).
• Paid parental leave.
• Adoption assistance.
• Fertility and family building assistance.

Additional Benefits

• Flexible work schedules available based on position:
• 9/80 schedule providing every other Friday off
• 5/8s
• 4/10s
• 3/12s
• Lifestyle spending account.
• Perks at work.
• Generous employee referral program.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Voluntary benefits available: longer term care, legal, identity theft, pet Insurance, and many more options

These are highlights of Twenty-Six Defense benefits. If there is a conflict with these highlights, company policy or benefits plan documents shall govern. Benefits are subject to change.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Accessibility

Twenty-Six Defense Maritime is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you need special assistance or an accommodation while seeking employment, please email us at @26defensemartime.com

Disclaimer

This job description does not list all the duties of the job. You may be asked by your supervisors or managers to perform other duties. The employer has the right to revise this job description at any time. The job description is not a contract for employment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.