Operations Manager -Aerospace Manufacturing and Composite

We are recruiting an Operations Manager for a growing aerospace composite manufacturing company
. This role is responsible for end-to-end manufacturing operations in a prepreg-based composite environment
, supporting both R&D and production programs
.

This is a hands-on leadership role requiring deep experience in aerospace composite fabrication
, not general manufacturing or metals-based operations.

• Lead daily manufacturing operations, including scheduling, throughput, and WIP management.
• Ensure composite manufacturing processes meet quality, performance, and efficiency standards (prepreg layup, curing, trimming, bonding, finishing).
• Oversee safe and reliable operation of equipment and facilities, coordinating maintenance and capital planning.
• Partner with Engineering, Quality, and Program Management to ensure smooth transition from R&D to production.

• Own raw material flow, inventory control, supplier coordination, and outsourcing logistics.
• Ensure traceability and shelf-life compliance for prepreg and other controlled materials.

• Lead, mentor, and develop production supervisors, technicians, and support staff.
• Promote cross-training, accountability, and high-performance team behavior.
• Reinforce Innovative Composite Engineering's values of innovation, collaboration, and excellence through leadership example.

• Champion Lean manufacturing, 5S, visual factory, and standard work.
• Develop and implement KPIs to monitor productivity, quality, cost, and delivery.
• Identify bottlenecks, lead root cause investigations, and implement sustainable improvements.

• Serve as the operational voice in new product introduction, quoting, and strategic planning.
• Collaborate with Sales, Engineering, Quality, and Finance to align production capacity with customer requirements.
• Support regulatory and certification requirements, including NADCAP, AS9100, and customer audits.

• 7+ years in a manufacturing leadership role in aerospace or advanced composites
• Demonstrated expertise in prepreg composite fabrication: layup, cure cycles, trimming, bonding, and finishing
• Working knowledge of machining operations, inspection techniques (including FAI and dimensional metrology), and quality management systems
• Experience managing or coordinating supply chain, maintenance, and facilities functions
• Strong command of Lean principles, production planning tools, and ERP systems
• Proven ability to lead teams through growth, change, and performance challenges

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, Operations, or related field
• Hands-on knowledge of AS9100, NADCAP, or equivalent aerospace standards
• Experience scaling composite manufacturing operations for prototype and production volumes
• Background in both build-to-print and build-to-spec programs
• Other duties as assigned