Operations Manager

Operations Manager (Shop Floor / CNC Machining & Assembly)
Type: Full-time
Location: Newark, CA (on-site)
Comp: $175,000-$220,000 base
Clearance/Compliance: ITAR/EAR environment (U.S. work authorization required; export compliance eligibility required)

Overview

A well-funded, growth-oriented A dvanced Manufacturing / Space & Defense manufacturer is hiring an Operations Manager to own day-to-day shop floor execution and build scalable processes that consistently meet customer requirements. This leader will drive production performance, safety, training, workflow optimization, and cross-functional alignment (especially with Quality) across CNC machining and mechanical assembly operations.

What You'll Do

• Own shop floor performance : workflow coordination, schedule attainment, turnaround time, labor utilization, and daily execution.
• Lead and coordinate across production areas to hit throughput, quality, and delivery targets.
• Build, deliver, and/or facilitate safety training ; ensure ongoing compliance with safety requirements.
• Establish and maintain training requirements and skill matrices by area; coordinate external training when needed.
• Enforce labor timekeeping discipline; review timecards and labor clocking accuracy.
• Support annual budget planning (headcount + capex) and build operational plans aligned to the budget.
• Lead capital equipment selection, installation, and start-up; drive productivity ROI.
• Optimize shop floor layout and material/workflow to reduce wastes and improve flow.
• Own response leadership for emergency/hazardous situations on the floor.
• Manage/optimize the production schedule to maximize productivity and meet goals.
• Partner with Quality leadership to implement/maintain processes that achieve quality objectives .
• Use performance data to identify and eliminate inefficiencies across process, product, and shop systems .
• Own preventive maintenance program requirements.
• Participate in MRB and Corrective/Preventive Action (CAPA) activities to drive systemic improvements.
  
  

Leadership / People Management

• Hire, train, coach, and develop employees
• Plan/assign work; set expectations and hold the team accountable
• Performance evaluations, recognition, and corrective action
• Interviewing and resolving employee issues/concerns
  
  

Required Qualifications

• 10-15+ years of related manufacturing operations experience
• Proven people leadership in a production environment
• Strong Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement background
• Experience in CNC machining (hands-on working knowledge of machining operations)
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office , plus Project and an ERP system
• Strong communication, decision-making, and problem-solving skills
• Customer-focused mindset and ability to manage competing priorities
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• BS in Engineering or Operations Management (or equivalent technical breadth)
• CNC programming exposure/experience
• Mechanical assembly experience
• Strong knowledge of brazing (SST, steel, aluminum, copper, other metals)
• Familiarity with AS9100 (preferred, not required)