Operations Manager

Socket.dev; South El Monte (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

HSA with company contribution

FSA

Life and AD&D insurance

Disability coverage

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Karman Space & Defense is seeking an Operations Manager to oversee manufacturing operations and drive improvements across production, program management, and assembly activities in California. You will lead daily execution, guide shop supervision, and ensure processes and quality-management responsibilities are clearly defined and effective.

The role emphasizes throughput, product safety, and performance enhancements, with responsibility for budgets, forecasting, and scheduling.

Qualifications

• Four-year degree preferred in Engineering.
• Experience managing manufacturing operations and leading teams.
• Strong proficiency with Excel for KPI tracking and reporting.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specs.
• Experience with Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma principles.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day manufacturing operations in assigned areas.
• Supervise Assembly Technicians, Supervisors, and stock room activities.
• Develop and implement operational policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Identify bottlenecks and drive cross-functional improvement with PM, Eng, and QA.
• Monitor KPIs and drive on-time delivery, efficiency, and quality.

Skills

Excel proficiency

Engineering drawings

Lean manufacturing

Strategic planning

Capacity planning

Operational execution

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Budgeting & forecasting

ERP systems

Lean Six Sigma

Education

Four-year degree (Engineering preferred)

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Karman Space & Defense is a leader in the rapid design, development, and production of critical, next‑generation system solutions that align with the U.S. Department of War and its allies’ core mission priorities, and meet the accelerating demand for access to space. Building on nearly 50 years of success, we deliver Payload & Protection Systems, Aero/Hydrodynamic Interstage Systems, and Propulsion & Launch Systems to more than 80 prime contractors supporting over 130 space and defense programs.

This role is part of our Space and Launch business, which has contributed to the nation’s space programs for decades by delivering complete solutions from concept to flight. We enable successful space operations with mission‑critical technology supporting every step from first launch to final landing, including launch vehicle subsystems, propulsion systems, aerodynamic and interstage systems, and payload protection and deployment. Our high‑performance solutions are engineered to operate in the most extreme environments and meet precise mission requirements.

As an Operations Manager, you will oversee manufacturing operations and drive improvements that support production, program management, and assembly activities. You will lead daily operational execution, guide shop supervision, and ensure workflows, processes, and quality‑management responsibilities are clearly defined and effective. Your leadership will enhance throughput, ensure product conformity, support product safety, and strengthen overall operational performance.

Responsibilities

• Oversees day-to-day operations in assigned areas to ensure alignment with organizational goals.
• Oversees Operations Supervisors, Assembly Technicians, and stock room activities.
• Develops and implements operational policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Identifies workflow bottlenecks and leads cross‑functional improvement initiatives with program management, engineering, and quality.
• Supervises, trains, and supports employees to meet performance standards.
• Manages budgets, forecasting, resource allocation, and hardware completion timelines.
• Monitors key performance indicators (KPIs) and drives improvements in on‑time delivery, utilization, efficiency, scrap, and rework.
• Schedules daily assignments and provides support to ensure commitments remain on target.
• Leads continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and increase throughput.
• Addresses safety issues and partners with cross‑functional teams to resolve roadblocks and implement corrective actions.

Required Qualifications

• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data analysis, KPI tracking, forecasting, and operational reporting.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Experience with Lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Demonstrated capability in strategic planning, capacity planning, and operational execution.
• Knowledge of organizational effectiveness and operations management systems.
• Strong leadership, communication, and influencing skills.
• Excellent organizational and problem‑solving abilities.
• Experience managing budgets and forecasts in a production environment.
• Experience using advanced functionalities of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
• Experience implementing Lean Six Sigma principles.
• Four‑year degree (preferred in Engineering).
• Three or more years of experience in a manufacturing or operations leadership environment.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.
• The essential functions of this position must be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

Special Mentions

• Some travel may be required for this position.
• This position requires U.S. person status under U.S. export control laws, including U.S. citizens and nationals, lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees.

Benefits Include

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contribution
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Company‑paid life and AD&D insurance
• Short‑and long‑term disability coverage
• Tuition reimbursement

Karman Space and Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.