PROJECT DIRECTOR

LISI Aerospace•Torrance, CA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

We are executing a major North America manufacturing expansion and industrialization initiative to support long-term growth in precision aerospace components. The Project Director will lead the end-to-end execution of a complex, capital-intensive program, including deployment of new production capabilities, coordination of multi-site operations, and ramp to stable, scalable output. This role carries full ownership of execution, timeline, capital investment, operational readiness, and cross-functional alignment, with direct visibility to senior leadership and key customers. This is a high-impact leadership role with a clear path to broader operational responsibility.

Requirements

10+ years of experience in aerospace, industrial, automotive, or precision manufacturing environments
Proven track record leading: Large-scale manufacturing expansion or industrialization initiatives, CapEx-intensive programs ($10M+), Complex operational ramp activities
Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, plant start-up, industrialization, and production systems
Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams in high-pressure, fast-paced environments

Nice To Haves

Experience in highly regulated manufacturing environments
Exposure to customer qualification and operational approval processes
Experience coordinating multi-site manufacturing operations or production transitions
Familiarity with advanced manufacturing and operational excellence methodologies

Responsibilities

Lead full lifecycle execution of a large-scale manufacturing expansion and industrialization initiative
Own delivery against key milestones including: Capacity deployment, Production readiness, Operational ramp
Develop and manage integrated master schedules, critical path activities, and execution cadence
Drive disciplined milestone management and escalation processes
Lead implementation of new manufacturing capabilities across operations
Oversee: Equipment specification, sourcing, and installation; Process industrialization and operational readiness; Facility and infrastructure requirements
Ensure scalability, manufacturability, and long-term operational efficiency
Lead phased production ramp activities to support customer demand
Coordinate transition and alignment across multiple manufacturing locations
Ensure continuity of supply and operational stability during production transfers and ramp-up activities
Establish execution plans to achieve throughput, delivery, and quality targets
Partner with internal and external stakeholders to align: Production timelines, Qualification and readiness plans, Capacity and delivery expectations
Support execution of strategic customer programs and operational initiatives
Maintain strong communication and alignment across leadership, operations, engineering, and commercial teams
Own capital investment planning and execution
Track performance against: Budget, Timeline, Forecasted milestones
Implement disciplined forecasting, cost control, and reporting processes
Support business case validation and investment reviews
Lead readiness activities for: Industry certifications, Customer approvals, Operational qualification requirements
Ensure quality systems and operational processes are aligned with ramp and production requirements
Partner with quality and engineering teams to drive process validation and risk mitigation
Build and lead a high-performing cross-functional team including: Engineering, Quality, Supply chain / procurement, Operations, Program support resources
Establish strong accountability, execution discipline, and performance management processes
Develop organizational capability to support long-term operational growth
Identify and mitigate key risks related to: Labor availability, Equipment lead times, Ramp execution, Production stability, Qualification timing
Drive proactive problem-solving and escalation management
Maintain clear visibility to critical issues and recovery plans
Provide structured, data-driven updates to executive leadership
Lead milestone reviews, execution meetings, and governance forums
Ensure alignment across cross-functional and global stakeholders
Ensure compliance with HSE procedures, instructions, guidelines and golden rules
Ensure that the HSE procedures and instructions of his/her department are always adapted and updated
Ensure the acquisition and maintenance of HSE skills of its employees in relation to the tasks performed by its teams
Ensure that the equipment under his/her responsibility is in good condition and operates safely. If this is not the case, he/she will ensure that protective measures are taken and/or that the equipment is consigned
Identify and deal with HSE risk situations during the appropriate PSM
Manage emergency situations with the help of the first aiders and first response team members
Relay and lead HSE communication within his/her teams
Ensure that the necessary resources are available to guarantee the preservation of the health and safety of the people in his/her department
Ensure that the necessary resources are made available to guarantee the limitation of the environmental impact of his/her department
Within his/her scope, implement actions to achieve the site's HSE objectives
Participating in the HSE management review