Vice President of Operations

Vice President of Operations — Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing (Machining, Composites & Complex Assembly) — $220k to $280k Base + Bonus — Santa Ana, CA / Onsite — Tier 1 Aerospace Supplier

This Jobot Job is hosted by: Billy Surch
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Salary: $230,000 - $350,000 per year

A bit about us:

Based in Santa Ana, California, we are an aerospace and defense manufacturer specializing in precision machining, composites, and complex assemblies, with a second operation in nearby Long Beach. Our flight hardware has supported DoD, space, and commercial platforms for decades, and much of it has stayed on our customers' programs since day one. We run a low-volume, high-mix build-to-print model under AS9100 and ITAR, making us one of the more capable independent suppliers in the region.

Why join us?

Base salary $220k–$280k + bonus + Equity
Medical, dental, vision, matching 401(k), and other confirmed benefits
Generous PTO, sick leave, and paid holidays
Direct report to the President and a seat on the executive leadership team
Long-standing customer programs and a stable, decades-deep backlog

Job Details

Lead and optimize all operations across machining, composites, and complex assembly, driving on-time, on-budget delivery while positioning the company for scalable, profitable growth.
Own daily operations at the Santa Ana site — capacity planning, production scheduling, and resource allocation.
Drive efficiency and cost competitiveness through Lean, Six Sigma, and advanced manufacturing.
Maintain quality and compliance with AS9100, ITAR, and DoD/MIL requirements, and serve as executive point of contact for key customers.
Lead modernization — digital manufacturing, automation, ERP/MES optimization — and evaluate make/buy strategy for supply chain resilience.
Build, mentor, and retain the operations leadership team; drive accountability through KPIs and develop future leaders.

Looking for:
BS in Engineering, Manufacturing, or Operations Management; MBA or advanced degree preferred
Director-level (or above) management in a relevant manufacturing environment; machine shop experience essential
Proven low-volume, high-mix production leadership
Deep knowledge of AS9100, ITAR, and DoD/MIL requirements
Expertise in Lean/Six Sigma (A3, Takt, Kanban, 5 Whys, poka-yoke, VSM, line balancing); Green Belt a plus

Experience in any of the following areas welcomed:
Materials management, sourcing, inventory, and demand-flow techniques
Build-to-print and custom systems/integration work
Production automation
Power generation or nuclear manufacturing
MRP/Capacity Planning certification (APICS)

Interested in hearing more? Easy Apply now by clicking the "Apply" button.

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