Operations Manager -Aerospace Manufacturing and Composite Experience

David Joseph & Company•White Salmon, WA

About The Position

We are recruiting an Operations Manager for a growing aerospace composite manufacturing company. This role is responsible for end-to-end manufacturing operations in a prepreg-based composite environment, supporting both R&D and production programs. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring deep experience in aerospace composite fabrication, not general manufacturing or metals-based operations. Manufacturing Operations Lead daily manufacturing operations, including scheduling, throughput, and WIP management. Ensure composite manufacturing processes meet quality, performance, and efficiency standards (prepreg layup, curing, trimming, bonding, finishing). Oversee safe and reliable operation of equipment and facilities, coordinating maintenance and capital planning. Partner with Engineering, Quality, and Program Management to ensure smooth transition from R&D to production. Supply Chain & Materials Own raw material flow, inventory control, supplier coordination, and outsourcing logistics. Ensure traceability and shelf-life compliance for prepreg and other controlled materials. Workforce & Team Development Lead, mentor, and develop production supervisors, technicians, and support staff. Promote cross-training, accountability, and high-performance team behavior. Reinforce Innovative Composite Engineering's values of innovation, collaboration, and excellence through leadership example. Continuous Improvement Champion Lean manufacturing, 5S, visual factory, and standard work. Develop and implement KPIs to monitor productivity, quality, cost, and delivery. Identify bottlenecks, lead root cause investigations, and implement sustainable improvements. Cross-functional Collaboration Serve as the operational voice in new product introduction, quoting, and strategic planning. Collaborate with Sales, Engineering, Quality, and Finance to align production capacity with customer requirements. Support regulatory and certification requirements, including NADCAP, AS9100, and customer audits.

Requirements

7+ years in a manufacturing leadership role in aerospace or advanced composites
Demonstrated expertise in prepreg composite fabrication: layup, cure cycles, trimming, bonding, and finishing
Working knowledge of machining operations, inspection techniques (including FAI and dimensional metrology), and quality management systems
Experience managing or coordinating supply chain, maintenance, and facilities functions
Strong command of Lean principles, production planning tools, and ERP systems
Proven ability to lead teams through growth, change, and performance challenges

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, Operations, or related field
Hands-on knowledge of AS9100, NADCAP, or equivalent aerospace standards
Experience scaling composite manufacturing operations for prototype and production volumes
Background in both build-to-print and build-to-spec programs

Responsibilities

Lead daily manufacturing operations, including scheduling, throughput, and WIP management.
Ensure composite manufacturing processes meet quality, performance, and efficiency standards (prepreg layup, curing, trimming, bonding, finishing).
Oversee safe and reliable operation of equipment and facilities, coordinating maintenance and capital planning.
Partner with Engineering, Quality, and Program Management to ensure smooth transition from R&D to production.
Own raw material flow, inventory control, supplier coordination, and outsourcing logistics.
Ensure traceability and shelf-life compliance for prepreg and other controlled materials.
Lead, mentor, and develop production supervisors, technicians, and support staff.
Promote cross-training, accountability, and high-performance team behavior.
Reinforce Innovative Composite Engineering's values of innovation, collaboration, and excellence through leadership example.
Champion Lean manufacturing, 5S, visual factory, and standard work.
Develop and implement KPIs to monitor productivity, quality, cost, and delivery.
Identify bottlenecks, lead root cause investigations, and implement sustainable improvements.
Serve as the operational voice in new product introduction, quoting, and strategic planning.
Collaborate with Sales, Engineering, Quality, and Finance to align production capacity with customer requirements.
Support regulatory and certification requirements, including NADCAP, AS9100, and customer audits.