Senior Manufacturing Manager- Defense Electronics- Onsite Position
About The Position
We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Manager, Manufacturing Defense Electronics at our growing facility in Santa Clarita, CA! As our Senior Manager of Manufacturing, you will lead the end-to-end production operations of Curtiss-Wrights’ Integrated Systems business unit, ensuring quality, cost, delivery, and compliance targets are consistently achieved. This role requires a strong leader who can drive operational excellence, implement lean manufacturing practices, and maintain compliance with stringent aerospace and defense standards. The Senior Manager will collaborate with engineering, supply chain, quality, customer support and program management teams to scale manufacturing capabilities in support of growth, innovation, and customer success.
Requirements
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and team-building skills.
- Ability to drive cultural change and operational discipline.
- Strategic thinker with a track record of delivering measurable improvements in cost, quality, and delivery.
- Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Experience with ERP/MES systems (SAP, Oracle, or equivalent).
- Familiarity with aerospace and defense requirements (AS9100, ITAR, Nadcap, DFARS).
- Good understanding of FAA repair station process and requirements
- Demonstrated ability to lead NPI ramp-ups into production.
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Management, or related field (master’s preferred).
- 10+ years of manufacturing experience, with at least 5 years in a leadership role within aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated industries.
- Proven success in managing high-mix, low-to-medium volume electronic or mechanical assemblies.
Nice To Haves
- master’s preferred
Responsibilities
- Lead and develop a high-performing manufacturing team across multiple shifts and product lines.
- Translate corporate strategy into operational plans to meet production, delivery, and cost objectives.
- Drive continuous improvement and lean transformation across the facility.
- Support both short and long-term capacity planning to align with business growth.
- Oversee daily production performance to achieve output, yield, and on-time delivery targets.
- Implement and maintain robust production systems in compliance with AS9100, ITAR, and other regulatory requirements.
- Ensure effective use of MES/ERP systems for scheduling, traceability, and performance monitoring.
- Drive manufacturing readiness for new product introductions (NPI) in partnership with engineering.
- Ensure manufacturing processes meet or exceed aerospace and defense quality standards.
- Partner with Quality and Regulatory teams to address audit requirements, corrective actions, and customer specifications.
- Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and compliance throughout the facility.
- Manage departmental budgets, capital projects, and operating expenses.
- Optimize conversion costs, labor efficiency, and resource utilization.
- Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) aligned with operational and corporate goals.
- Mentor, coach, and develop team managers, supervisors and frontline leaders.
- Foster a culture of empowerment, engagement, and accountability.
- Drive workforce development initiatives, including training on advanced manufacturing methods and digital tools.
Benefits
- Paid Time Off
- 401K with Employer Match
- Profit Sharing
- Health and Wellness Benefits
- Learning and Development Opportunities
- Referral Program
- Competitive Pay
- Recognition
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
