Operations Senior Program Manager

FW ACQUISITION INC•Torrance, CA

1d•$132,000 - $183,000

About The Position

The Operations Sr. Program Manager is responsible for leading high-impact operational improvement initiatives across manufacturing, quality, supply chain, facilities, and production support functions within a military unmanned aerial systems (UAS) environment. This role drives cross-functional execution of strategic initiatives that improve throughput, quality performance, cost control, compliance, and scalability. The Operations Sr. Program Manager ensures alignment between program objectives and operational capability while establishing standardized processes, performance metrics, and sustainable execution frameworks.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or related technical field (Master’s degree preferred).
5+ years of experience in aerospace, defense, or regulated manufacturing environments.
Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional operational improvement initiatives.
Experience in program management within manufacturing or production environments.
Proven track record implementing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Operational Excellence initiatives.
Strong project management and organizational skills.
Deep understanding of manufacturing systems, production planning, and quality systems.
Advanced analytical and data interpretation skills.
Excellent executive communication and reporting capability.
Ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, high-growth environments.
Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and performance dashboards.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting unmanned aerial systems (UAS) or defense platforms.
Familiarity with production scaling from low-rate initial production (LRIP) to full-rate production.
Experience working within DoD contracts or government-funded programs.
Experience implementing visual management and structured tiered accountability systems.

Responsibilities

Strategic Operations Leadership Lead cross-functional operational improvement programs aligned with company growth and production scale objectives.
Translate executive strategy into executable operational roadmaps with defined milestones, KPIs, and risk mitigation plans.
Drive alignment between Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Planning, Engineering, and Flight Operations.
Support new product introduction (NPI) efforts to ensure operational readiness and production scalability.
Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence Lead Lean, Six Sigma, and structured problem-solving initiatives to eliminate waste, reduce variability, and improve process capability.
Develop and implement Visual Management systems and performance dashboards across operations.
Standardize workflows, documentation, and cross-functional handoffs to reduce rework and improve efficiency.
Identify and eliminate manufacturing workarounds caused by process or design gaps in partnership with Engineering and Quality.
Establish and maintain risk mitigation logs and corrective action tracking systems.
Program & Project Execution Own project plans including scope, budget alignment, timelines, resource planning, and deliverable tracking.
Facilitate recurring cross-functional program reviews and executive-level reporting.
Identify program risks early and implement corrective mitigation strategies.
Ensure initiatives remain compliant with AS9100, ITAR/EAR, and DoD program requirements.
Data & Performance Management Develop and maintain KPI tracking systems for throughput, yield, cost, OTD (On-Time Delivery), inventory turns, and labor efficiency.
Analyze operational performance data to identify trends and recommend corrective actions.
Support capacity planning and production scaling strategies.
Drive accountability through metric transparency and structured performance reviews.
Compliance & Regulatory Oversight Ensure operational programs comply with AS9100, OSHA, ITAR, EAR, and applicable DoD requirements.
Partner with Quality Assurance to ensure corrective actions and root cause analyses are effectively implemented.
Support audit readiness initiatives and operational documentation control.
Cross-Functional Leadership Act as the operational integrator between technical, manufacturing, and program teams.
Facilitate structured decision-making and issue resolution forums.
Influence without authority to drive accountability and execution.
Support leadership in building scalable operational systems and team capability.