Senior Aerospace Operations Manager – Production & Quality

Aptiv; Garden Grove (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Aptiv is seeking an experienced Operations Manager in Garden Grove, CA to lead manufacturing operations across aerospace and defense projects. You will drive production flow, quality, safety, and continuous improvement while ensuring AS9100D compliance and meeting forecasted deliveries.

You will oversee multiple shifts, guide KPI reporting, and collaborate with engineering, supply chain, and leadership to manage budgeting and strategic growth for Ruggedized products.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering, electrical engineering, or related field preferred.
• 10–15 years of aerospace/defense operations management experience with progressive leadership responsibility.
• Minimum 7 years of senior leadership leading 50+ employees, preferably in aerospace manufacturing.
• AS9100D Lead Auditor certification and Six Sigma Black Belt preferred.
• Advanced understanding of aerospace quality systems and IPC standards.
• Experience creating operational dashboards, KPI reporting, and SPC documentation.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and strategic planning skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills for aerospace customers and internal stakeholders.
• Current ITAR compliance training and adherence required.

Responsibilities

• Lead manufacturing operations across large aerospace/defense projects.
• Ensure AS9100D compliance and manage production flow across shifts.
• Set operations strategy aligned with growth goals for Ruggedized products.
• Establish KPIs and communicate them across teams.
• Drive continuous improvement in quality, safety, and procedures.
• Collaborate cross-functionally and contribute to NPI projects and engineering requirements.
• Manage budgeting targets, revenue, and EBITDA/operating income.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Problem solving

Continuous improvement

ITAR compliance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing/industrial/electrical engineering or related field

Tools

Google Workspace

SmartView

Salesforce

ADP

Syspro

QMS

Planful

AwardCo

Job description

Aptiv is seeking an experienced Operations Manager in Garden Grove, CA to lead manufacturing operations across aerospace and defense projects. You will drive production flow, quality, safety, and continuous improvement while ensuring AS9100D compliance and meeting forecasted deliveries.

You will oversee multiple shifts, guide KPI reporting, and collaborate with engineering, supply chain, and leadership to manage budgeting and strategic growth for Ruggedized products.