Operations Lead

Kaney, Inc•Freeland, MI

15h•Hybrid

About The Position

A hands-on and results-driven Site Lead to oversee daily operations at a small aerospace manufacturing facility. This role blends the technical depth of a Manufacturing Engineer with the leadership responsibilities of site management. The Site Lead will be responsible for ensuring efficient production processes, maintaining compliance with aerospace quality standards, and leading a cross-functional team to meet performance, quality, and delivery targets.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field
5+ years of experience in aerospace manufacturing or precision component production
Prior experience in a leadership or supervisory role within a manufacturing environment
Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes (machining, assembly, inspection) and continuous improvement methodologies
Familiarity with aerospace quality systems (e.g., AS9100) and regulatory requirements
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications
Excellent problem-solving, decision-making, and organizational skills
Strong communication and leadership abilities, with experience managing small teams
Operational leadership
Continuous improvement mindset
Accountability and ownership
Cross-functional collaboration
Quality and compliance focus

Nice To Haves

Experience with precision motion components such as ball screws, actuators, or similar assemblies
Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or higher preferred)
Experience with ERP/MRP systems and production planning tools
Background in New Product Introduction (NPI) and process validation
Familiarity with root cause analysis tools (e.g., 5 Whys, Fishbone diagrams)

Responsibilities

Lead day-to-day operations of the site, including production, scheduling, quality, and maintenance activities
Serve as the on-site leader responsible for team performance, engagement, and accountability
Design, implement, and continuously improve manufacturing processes, tooling, and workflows
Ensure compliance with aerospace standards (e.g., AS9100), customer requirements, and internal quality systems
Drive operational efficiency through lean manufacturing principles, waste reduction, and process optimization
Collaborate with engineering, supply chain, and sales teams to align production capabilities with customer demand
Oversee production planning, capacity management, and on-time delivery performance
Analyze production data and KPIs to identify trends and implement corrective actions
Manage site-level budgets, resource allocation, and cost control initiatives
Support new product introduction (NPI), including process validation and ramp-up activities
Act as the primary point of contact for site audits, customer visits, and inspections
Ensure a safe work environment by enforcing EHS policies and continuous safety improvements