Production Manager - Machine Shop and Assembly Operations - Black Mountain, NC

Kearfott Corporation; Grovestone (NC); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401K with company match

Tuition reimbursement

9/80 schedule with every other Friday

Job summary

Kearfott Corporation, a leader in precision motion control and inertial navigation, seeks a Manager for the Machine Shop & Lower Assembly to drive Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement within the Motion Systems Division. You will mentor a world-class team, implement standards, and champion waste reduction initiatives on the shop floor.

The role requires hands-on CNC leadership, Six Sigma expertise, and a track record in regulated manufacturing environments, including AS9100/ITAR, with a

Qualifications

• BS degree preferred; strong hands-on machine shop leadership may substitute.
• Experience managing heavy CNC machining and assembly operations.
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt preferred.
• Familiar with CNC software and programming platforms.
• US Citizen required due to ITAR compliance and security requirements.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day machine shop and lower assembly workflows to meet metrics.
• Set and track departmental KPIs aligned with MSD business goals.
• Provide regular metrics on shipments, plant efficiency, and improvements.
• Design and implement manufacturing standards and process metrics.
• Lead RCCA, Six Sigma Council, 6S and lean initiatives.
• Coach shop floor associates and ensure accountability.
• Optimize assembly processes to reduce waste and lead times.
• Foster proactive lean culture with frontline ownership.
• Ensure compliance with policies, regulations, and safety on the shop floor.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma belt

Operations management

Leadership coaching

Continuous improvement

Education

BS in Engineering or related field

Tools

CNC programming

CNC software

Job description

Founded in 1918, Kearfott Corporation, a global Aerospace and Defense supplier for over 100 years, is a leader in the design and manufacture of precision motion control products and inertial navigation components.
Kearfott has a very long history of innovation and excellence, and is the go-to brand for many of our global clients. Kearfott is trusted, respected and plays a vital role in the success of America's aerospace and defense industries. With over a century of expertise & experience, Kearfott is dedicated to providing quality, reliability, and cutting-edge technology to customers worldwide to meet their sea, land, air, and space navigation and guidance requirements.
Kearfott offers a comprehensive benefits package including a 401K, and Tuition Reimbursement. We offer a 9/80 schedule with every other Friday off.
We are looking for talented individuals who want to be part of a world-class work force. Join Kearfott and become part of a company that is recognized for technical expertise and respected world-wide as a 'full service' provider.
For more information, visit our website at www.kearfott.com

The Manager, Machine Shop & Lower Assembly directs all machining and low-level assembly operations for the Motion Systems Division (MSD) of Kearfott Corporation. This critical leadership role requires an experienced mentor capable of developing a world-class manufacturing team. As a vital Lean Manufacturing change agent, the Manager will champion continuous improvement and drive waste-reduction initiatives across the department.

Essential Functions:

• Manage day-to-day machine shop and lower assembly workflows to consistently meet or exceed key customer and business performance metrics.
• Establish, track, and execute departmental goals and key performance indicators (KPIs) in strict alignment with overall MSD business objectives.
• Foster continuity across manufacturing areas, support corporate initiatives, and provide executive stakeholders with regular metrics regarding shipments, plant efficiency, and operational improvements.
• Lead the organization in designing and implementing manufacturing standards, methods, and process metrics to enhance production consistency.
• Actively contribute to Root Cause/Corrective Action (RCCA) initiatives, the Six Sigma Council, Green/Yellow Belt training programs, 6S, and broader lean manufacturing frameworks.
• Coach, mentor, and empower shop floor associates, ensuring clear accountability and complete understanding of individual and team performance objectives.
• Analyze, design, and optimize assembly processes to aggressively reduce waste, cut lead times, and optimize inventory management.
• Cultivate a proactive lean manufacturing culture, ensuring frontline buy-in and genuine employee ownership of continuous improvement metrics.
• Enforce rigid compliance with all company policies, regulatory guidelines, and workplace safety procedures, maintaining an active, highly visible presence on the shop floor.

Required Qualifications/Education:

• Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field is preferred; however, a strong track record of extensive, hands-on machine shop leadership experience is highly valued and may substitute for a formal degree.
• Proven, deep experience managing operations within a heavy CNC machining and assembly environment.
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification is strongly preferred.
• Familiarity or direct experience with modern CNC machining software and programming platforms is preferred.
• Prior experience operating within highly regulated manufacturing environments governed by AS9100 quality management systems and ITAR compliance standards is preferred.
• Must be a US Citizen.

Equal Opportunity Employer/including Disabled/Veterans