Operations Manager, CNC Machining (Aerospace) | Covina, CA

Pave Talent; Covina (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An aerospace manufacturer is seeking a Production Manager to lead CNC machining and assembly operations in Covina, CA. The ideal candidate will have over 7 years of CNC machining experience and 3 years of leadership in aerospace operations. Responsibilities include managing production planning, ensuring compliance with industry standards, and implementing lean initiatives. This hands-on role requires a proven ability to build respect within a skilled team and drive operational improvements. Competitive salary and benefits offered.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of CNC machining experience, with hands-on knowledge of setups, programming, and operations.
• 3+ years in aerospace operations leadership managing production teams.
• Proven track record implementing lean manufacturing and continuous improvement in a machine shop environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily GEMBA walks and contribute to weekly production meetings.
• Manage production planning, scheduling, and resource allocation.
• Ensure compliance with NADCAP and AS9100 standards.

Skills

CNC machining experience

Leadership in aerospace operations

Lean manufacturing

Blueprint reading

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field

Six Sigma, Lean, PMP certification

Tools

Epicor ERP

Job description

You've built CNC operations from the floor up. You know what a well‑run aerospace shop looks like because you've created one. Now there's a chance to take the reins of a production floor with 60+ years of precision heritage, a team of high‑skill technical experts, and the backing to grow.

Pave Talent is hiring on behalf of our client, an established aerospace manufacturer specializing in flight‑critical, high‑pressure valves and fluid conveyance fittings. This company supplies precision components to major aerospace and defense OEMs and has been in continuous operation for over six decades. They are part of a larger platform of precision aerospace manufacturers, and they are investing in operational leadership to match their growth trajectory.

This isn't a maintenance hire. The company is actively growing headcount (adding 5 machine operators), investing in capacity, and looking for someone who can elevate the entire operation. You'll inherit a team of nearly 50 across two shifts, including seasoned machinists who know their craft inside and out. Your job in the first 90 days: earn their respect by demonstrating you understand the machines, the processes, and the standards as well as they do.

The hiring manager put it simply: they need someone who can walk the floor, command respect from highly skilled technical people, and drive real operational improvement without losing the culture.

You'll lead all CNC machining and assembly operations in a high‑mix, low‑volume aerospace environment. Your team includes 38 direct labor and 10 indirect labor reports split across first and second shifts (32 on days, 6 on nights). You report into the General Manager and work closely with engineering, quality, sales, and supply chain.

This is an on‑site leadership role in Covina, CA. You'll be on the floor daily, not behind a desk.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily GEMBA walks and contribute to weekly production and 360 meetings
• Manage production planning, scheduling, and resource allocation across multi‑axis machining centers and assembly
• Own safety, environmental, and regulatory compliance across the facility
• Ensure compliance with NADCAP and AS9100 standards and customer‑specific aerospace requirements
• Maintain production travelers and data integrity in Epicor ERP
• Develop and implement lean manufacturing initiatives and continuous improvement strategies
• Mentor and develop machinists, assemblers, deburrers, department leads, and support staff
• Monitor KPIs and implement corrective actions to drive efficiency, quality, and cost control
• Manage tooling inventory, machine preventative maintenance schedules, and machine utilization to maximize uptime

The team on this floor is experienced. Many of these machinists have been doing precision aerospace work for years. They'll test you. If you come in swinging a clipboard and quoting lean theory without understanding their machines, you'll lose them. But if you can speak their language, understand the tolerances they hold, and show you're there to remove obstacles rather than create new ones, they'll follow you.

The first 90 days matter more here than at most shops. Demonstrate solid command of the floor, understand the processes, and win over the technical experts. That's the job before the job.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of CNC machining experience, with hands‑on knowledge of setups, programming, and operations
• 3+ years in aerospace operations leadership managing production teams
• Strong understanding of GD&T, blueprint reading, and CNC programming fundamentals
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems, specifically Epicor
• Working knowledge of NADCAP and AS9100 standards
• Proven track record implementing lean manufacturing and continuous improvement in a machine shop environment
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field
• Six Sigma, Lean, PMP, or Certified Manager (CM) certification
• Experience in high‑mix, low‑volume production environments