Operational Excellence Specialist

Axillon Aerospace; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Axillon Aerospace in California seeks an Operational Excellence Specialist to drive the site continuous improvement plan. You will analyze processes, lead Kaizen events, and develop measurable improvements across manufacturing and operations.

The role requires 3–5 years in lean manufacturing, Six Sigma familiarity, and strong written/verbal communication. This on-site position focuses on safe, efficient production and data-driven decision making.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a related field.
• 3–5 years of relevant experience in Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement.
• Experience in Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen events, and continuous improvement techniques.
• Familiarity with Six Sigma methodology; Change Management is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Work within the Axillon Operating System to support lean principles and teamwork.
• Lead continuous improvement projects including Kaizen events and value stream mapping.
• Apply improvement initiatives and develop sustainable, repeatable process improvements.
• Analyze, measure, and report the effectiveness of manufacturing processes.
• Train employees on continuous improvement tools and techniques.
• Evaluate new technologies to support engineering business processes.
• Help maintain a safe production environment.
• Exercise independent judgment and make recommendations accordingly.

Skills

Lean concepts

Data analysis

Technical writing

Verbal communication

Computer-based tools

Six Sigma

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Problem solving

Prioritization

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

SPC principles

Kaizen methods

Job description

About Axillon Aerospace

Axillon Aerospace is a leading provider of complex, highly engineered composite and polymer solutions for demanding commercial and defense applications. We are comprised of five, purpose-built centers of excellence throughout the USA and Mexico, each strategically focused on serving specific markets across aerospace engines and airframes, as well as munitions, radomes, antennas and fuel containment. Learn more at axillonaerospace.com.

Summary

The Operational Excellence Specialist provides expertise in implementing the site continuous improvement plan and initiatives. Analyzes and measures the effectiveness of existing business processes and develops sustainable, repeatable and quantifiable business process improvements.

Core Responsibilities

• Be able to work in a team environment and demonstrate support of the Axillon Operating System lean principles; teamwork, cooperation, respect and integrity
• Lead continuous improvement projects such as Kaizen events, Value Stream Mapping and other Lean projects
• Effectively apply improvement initiatives
• Develop sustainable, repeatable and quantifiable process improvements
• Analyzes, measures and reports the effectiveness of existing manufacturing processes
• Assists in training and skills enhancement for all employees with respect to continuous improvement tools and techniques
• Provides expertise when recommending solutions to problems and implementation of corrective actions
• Participates in the evaluation of new technologies and determines how they can support engineering business processes
• Assists in maintaining a safe production environment
• The primary duties of this job require administrative, non-manual work directly related to business operations involving responsibility for processes and policies of significance, evaluation of possible solutions and results of the work for which the employee is responsible and making recommendations and/or decisions accordingly using professional judgment. Consistent exercise of independent judgment and discretion in matters of significance.

Job Specifications

• Education - Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of relevant education and work experience that will allow successful performance of job expectations
• Years Experience - 3-5 years of relevant experience
• Experience in Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen events, and continuous improvement techniques
• Familiarity/experience with continuous improvement and Six Sigma methodology
• Change Management experience a plus

Skills

• Proficient with Lean concepts and able to implement them to increase productivity and remove waste
• Ability to analyze data to identify projects and implement improvements
• Good technical writing and presentation skills
• Good verbal and communication skills
• Proficiency with computer based methods and tools
• Familiarity with Six Sigma and SPC principles and methods
• Good interpersonal skills
• Strong prioritization skills
• Ability to work well with others in the areas of teamwork and communication
• Ability to logically solve problems and to keep projects moving in an orderly and structured fashion

Please note that the salary range information is only applicable for California. Compensation is based on a variety of factors, candidate experience, qualifications, location as well as market and business considerations. Pay Range: $85k-$90k/yr.

Axillon is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Axillon is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job related reasons regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

This position requires 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. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder'), Political Asylee, or Refugee.

Required Skills

Required Experience