Head of Aircraft Ground Test Operations - A320 (ESAO)

Airbus • Mobile, AL

21d • Onsite

About The Position

Airbus US Manufacturing Facility is looking for the Head of Aircraft Ground Test Operations - A320 (ESAO) t o join our team based in Mobile, AL. Position Summary The Head of Aircraft Ground Test Operations is responsible for overall leadership along with the technical oversight of all ground test activities encompassing two high-volume A320 production lines and the final completion area. As a senior site leader, you will provide executive leadership and technical governance for all A320 ground test operations. You are responsible for the strategic design, coordination, and execution of the aircraft testing operating system, ensuring all policies and procedures align with world-class aerospace standards. In this role, you will define the strategic roadmap for the A320 Performance Management Center, driving large-scale process improvements and organizational change to optimize production flow. You will serve as the primary authority for ground test activities, balancing technical oversight with the visionary leadership necessary to scale the Mobile facility's capabilities. Meet the Team: Our team at the Airbus U.S. Manufacturing facility takes our aircraft from concept to customer delivery – working with production teams on every aspect of assembly from managing technical information, quality control, maintenance tasks and health & safety – along flowlines and flightlines. Join our team and watch our aircraft come to life. Your Working Environment: On ‘Airbus Way’ you will find the Airbus U.S. Manufacturing Facility for commercial aircraft. Opened at the Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley in 2015, the facility produces A320 Family aircraft and added a second product line for the A220 in 2019. The facility, which strengthens the U.S. aerospace industry, is part of Airbus’ strategy to enhance its global competitiveness by meeting the growing needs of its customers in the United States and beyond.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelors' degree in Aeronautical, Industrial or Manufacturing Engineering or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Required Experience: 8 - 10 years of experience in Production Operations and/ or Aviation Management (Manufacturing Engineering, Assembly Processes, Production method, etc.).
• 5 or more years of experience in a leadership position.
• Experience with project management is preferred.
• Experience in a multicultural work environment.
• Experience with quality and logistics regulations in aviation manufacturing.
• Experience as a member and leader of an international team.
• Qualified Skills: Required Knowledge, Skills, Demonstrated Capabilities Knowledge of Production and Quality rules in aviation.
• Lean Manufacturing Methodologies.
• Technical Knowledge: Proficiency in Quality Management Systems, aviation manufacturing logistics, and industry safety practices.
• Required Communication Skills ( Spoken, Written, Influencing, Proficiency in Other Languages) Required: Fluency in written and spoken English.
• Demonstrated effective communication skills on different levels, a structured way of working and the ability to deal with a volume of complex information.
• Decision Making, Complexity: Strategic operational decisions and communicate clearly across the business.
• Long and short term decisions impacting cost and quality of the a/c build, including on-time delivery.
• Impact of missed opportunities can create ripple effects across the Airbus Operational System, safety of the workforce, and reputation of the organization.
• Decisions range in complexity that impact internal and external stakeholders.
• Decisions range from highly critical items regarding work allocation, planning, and resource allocation to more routine decisions around daily tasks.
• Job Dimensions Direct responsibility for ensuring a positive experience and maintaining high-quality relationships during all customer-facing stages of the production cycle.
• Accountable for maintaining "Takt" time early in the assembly process to prevent downstream delays that could jeopardize final delivery schedules.
• Responsible for the strategic management of resources and time to directly improve Value-Added Time (CVAT) and On-Time (OT) performance metrics.

Nice To Haves

• Preferred Education: Masters' degree in Aeronautical, Industrial or Manufacturing Engineering or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Preferred: Fluency in another language (French, German, and Spanish) is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Operations & Industrial Planning
• Organizational Leadership: Lead and manage Ground Test Operations (ESAO) across three core pillars: Operations, Ground Test Design Engineering, and the Tool Shop.
• Production Delivery: Accountable for delivering completely equipped, powered, and certified single-aisle aircraft on time, within quality standards, and on cost.
• Performance Excellence: Achieve and maintain a 95%+ In-station build rate across all value streams.
• Strategic Growth: Define and drive the growth plan for ground test design autonomy to support the Mobile site ramp-up.
• Industrial Planning : Manage aircraft manufacturing techniques and industrial processes, including line balancing and activity sequencing.
• Technical & Asset Management
• Asset Oversight : Responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of test tooling and assets valued at over $125M, including additional hangar spaces and Production Line 2.
• Testing Governance: Lead local Ground Test Designers in providing test instructions, troubleshooting support, and maintaining Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
• Compliance & Safety: Function as a role model for OSHA regulations and FOD (Foreign Object Debris) prevention, ensuring airworthiness and POA (Production Organisation Approval) compliance. Designate a local POM (Process Operational Manager) delegate for the specified processes: FU.IN.03.02, FU.IN.07, and FU.PD.03.
• Quality Control: Analyze "Cost of Non-Quality" data to identify root causes and eliminate human-factor defects early in the assembly process.
• Team Leadership & Development
• Workforce Management: Directly manage a team of 5 Managers, 4 Engineers, and approximately 50 frontline employees.
• Succession & Knowledge Transfer: Actively manage the transition of knowledge from expatriate trainers to local employees through structured succession planning.
• Competency Development: Forecast manpower requirements and establish "multiple skills" requirements to ensure workforce flexibility.
• Coaching: Train and mentor Operational Leaders using AOS (Airbus Operating System) tools and routines to meet annual Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• Financial & Stakeholder Management
• Budgetary Control : Monitor and manage all departmental budgets, including consumables, hand tools, and Jigs/Tooling maintenance in accordance with AOP objectives.
• Procurement Collaboration: Partner with procurement to ensure the acquisition of necessary materials, test tools, and equipment.
• Cross-Functional Engagement: Proactively resolve conflicts and engage with Quality, Procurement, and support staff to enhance existing work processes.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Benefits

• Financial Rewards: Competitive base salary, incentive compensation which may include profit sharing schemes, retirement savings plan and the ability to participate in an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”)
• Work/Life Balance: Paid time off including personal time, holidays and a generous paid parental leave program.
• Health & Welfare: Comprehensive insurance coverage including medical (traditional and high-deductible health plans), prescription, dental, vision, life, disability, Employee Assistance Plan (“EAP”) and other supplemental benefit coverages.
• Individual Development: Upskilling and development opportunities through our global Leadership University, including unlimited access to 10,000+ e-learning courses focusing on ways to develop your employability, certifications, career path as well as the opportunity to participate in accelerated development programmes and both national and international mobility.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager