Operational Excellence Lead

Canopy A&D • Ontario, CA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Hera Technologies is seeking a hands-on Operational Excellence Lead to drive factory flow optimization across our production floor. This role will focus on improving end-to-end material flow, implementing ERP-driven manufacturing processes, and enhancing operational efficiency in a fast-paced aerospace manufacturing environment. The ideal candidate brings a strong blend of lean manufacturing, systems thinking, and shop floor execution, with the ability to translate data into actionable improvements that impact throughput, cost, and on-time delivery.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
• 3–7+ years of experience in manufacturing or industrial engineering, preferably within aerospace, defense, or complex manufacturing environments
• Hands-on experience with ERP systems (implementation, optimization, or shop floor integration)
• Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing principles, value stream mapping, and visual management systems
• Experience with factory layout design, process flow optimization, and line balancing
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, production data, and cost metrics to drive decisions
• Proficiency with CAD software (SolidWorks or similar) for layout and process design
• Proven problem-solving skills with the ability to identify root causes and implement sustainable solutions
• Strong communication and project management skills with a high level of ownership and accountability

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a high-mix, low-to-medium volume aerospace or defense manufacturing environment
• Exposure to PE-backed or rapidly scaling organizations, with the ability to build and standardize processes in a growth setting
• Familiarity with AS9100 quality standards and regulated manufacturing environments
• Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or higher)

Responsibilities

• Lead factory flow optimization initiatives, including material movement, work-in-process (WIP) reduction, and production sequencing
• Support ERP system deployment and adoption on the shop floor, ensuring accurate routing, labor tracking, and transaction flow
• Analyze current-state workflows and develop future-state value stream maps to improve throughput and eliminate waste
• Design and implement facility layouts, cell configurations, and line balancing to maximize efficiency and capacity utilization
• Develop and optimize manufacturing methods, tooling, and equipment to support scalable production
• Establish and enhance visual factory systems (kanban, production boards, standard work) to improve visibility and control
• Partner cross-functionally with Production, Quality, Supply Chain, and Engineering to resolve bottlenecks and process inefficiencies
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean principles (5S, Kaizen, root cause analysis, etc.)
• Create and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and routing documentation
• Support quality and compliance efforts, ensuring processes meet aerospace standards and internal specifications
• Monitor and drive performance against KPIs such as on-time delivery, WIP levels, cycle time, schedule adherence, and cost reduction

Benefits

• Company paid employee medical, dental and vision insurance
• Retirement plan participation (eligibility required)
• Paid sick leave
• Paid vacation
• Paid holidays
• Discretionary bonuses

What This Job Offers

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