Aerospace Manufacturing Lead

General Plastics & Composites LP•Houston, TX

5h•Onsite

About The Position

This role involves leading daily aerospace manufacturing activities, including lay-up, vacuum bagging, curing, autoclave operations, trimming, and assembly. The Lead will direct the activities of operators, assign work, establish priorities, and monitor productivity to meet production schedules and customer requirements. This position also involves coordinating workflow, monitoring staffing, providing hands-on leadership and technical guidance, and training personnel. Responsibilities include assisting with startup and operational readiness of the aerospace lay-up cell and supporting equipment, developing and implementing manufacturing processes, and ensuring compliance with all relevant procedures, quality standards, customer specifications, and regulatory requirements. The Lead will also support process qualification, assist Engineering and Quality teams with troubleshooting and root cause analysis, and develop/maintain manufacturing work instructions and documentation. Performance monitoring, target achievement, and participation in audits are also key aspects of this role, alongside promoting a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required.
Minimum 5 years of composite manufacturing experience required.
Minimum 2 years of leadership, lead, trainer, or supervisory experience required.
Strong knowledge of composite manufacturing processes, including hand lay-up, vacuum bagging, curing, and autoclave operations.
Understanding of aerospace quality systems and manufacturing requirements.
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, work instructions, and technical documents.
Knowledge of composite materials, tooling, and aerospace manufacturing best practices.
Ability to coordinate and prioritize multiple manufacturing activities simultaneously.
Ability to lead and develop manufacturing personnel in a team-oriented environment.
Working knowledge of production scheduling, workforce coordination, and manufacturing workflow management.
Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
Ability to train and develop manufacturing personnel.
Strong organizational and communication skills.
Ability to lead teams in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Demonstrated leadership and decision-making ability.
Ability to effectively communicate with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, and Leadership teams.
Strong sense of accountability and ownership for production results.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, lift, and perform hands-on manufacturing activities for extended periods.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation.
Must be a U.S. Person (Resident Alien or US Citizen) under 22 CFR 120 (due to ITAR Restrictions).

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in Manufacturing Technology, Engineering Technology, Aerospace Technology, or related field preferred.
Aerospace composites manufacturing experience strongly preferred.
Experience with autoclave operations, vacuum bagging, and process documentation preferred.
Familiarity with AS9100 quality systems preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead daily aerospace manufacturing activities, including lay-up, vacuum bagging, curing, autoclave operations, trimming, and assembly activities.
Direct the daily activities of the Cutting Table Operator, Lay-Up Technician, and Autoclave Operator.
Assign work, establish priorities, and monitor productivity to ensure production schedules and customer requirements are met.
Coordinate workflow between cutting, lay-up, curing, autoclave processing, trimming, and inspection activities.
Monitor staffing and production requirements and communicate resource needs to Aerospace Leadership.
Provide hands-on leadership, technical guidance, and daily direction to aerospace manufacturing personnel.
Train, coach, mentor, and evaluate personnel to ensure compliance with manufacturing procedures, quality standards, and safety requirements.
Assist with startup, qualification, installation, and operational readiness activities for the aerospace lay-up cell, cutting table, autoclave, and supporting equipment.
Support the development and implementation of manufacturing processes, production controls, work instructions, and training programs during startup activities.
Ensure compliance with all aerospace manufacturing procedures, quality standards, customer specifications, and regulatory requirements.
Coordinate production activities to support customer delivery schedules and program milestones.
Support process qualification, validation, and first article activities.
Assist Engineering and Quality teams with process development, troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and corrective actions.
Develop, maintain, and improve manufacturing work instructions, process documentation, and standard operating procedures.
Train, coach, and mentor aerospace manufacturing personnel on proper manufacturing techniques, quality requirements, safety practices, and process controls.
Verify personnel competency and readiness before performing critical aerospace manufacturing operations independently.
Monitor production performance, throughput, quality metrics, and schedule attainment; identify improvement opportunities and implement corrective actions as needed.
Ensure production targets, customer delivery commitments, and quality objectives are achieved.
Support material control, tooling readiness, and equipment maintenance activities.
Ensure compliance with AS9100, customer, safety, environmental, and company requirements.
Participate in audits, customer visits, and qualification activities as required.
Promote a culture of safety, quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Adhere to safety, environmental, and quality system requirements.
Adhere to all safety protocols, including PPE usage and handling hazardous materials (resins).
Adhere to all safety regulations and Foreign Object Debris (FOD) prevention policies.