Sr. Director of Operations

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc. • San Luis Obispo, CA

20h • Onsite

About The Position

The Sr. Director of Operations leads and manages the core functions of Planning and Production Control, Manufacturing, and Manufacturing Engineering. This role ensures the efficient execution of all Operations processes, the building of quality products, and meeting delivery schedule requirements for assigned Business Areas. The position is also responsible for driving Visual/Lean Factory implementation, MRP Optimization, and Metrics-Based Performance Management throughout the factory. The company, Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc (ESAero), is a leader in aerospace engineering, product development, and manufacturing, focused on delivering high-quality, innovative, and cost-effective solutions. They specialize in cutting-edge system design, rapid product development, precision manufacturing, comprehensive testing, and technology demonstrations. ESAero is committed to excellence, on-time delivery, and continuous growth, investing in infrastructure to expand manufacturing and aftermarket capabilities while maintaining high standards of engineering services.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing, mechanical or industrial engineering is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• 15+ years of relevant experience in both Manufacturing/Operations and at least 7+ years of progressive leadership roles
• Experienced/trained in Lean/Six-Sigma practices
• Proven experience driving the long-range strategic planning process for operations
• Occasionally may be required to travel within the Continental U.S.
• US citizenship or US resident status
• Must be able to pass background check and drug test

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrates effective leadership skills and experience in a highly technical environment
• Exhibits strong verbal and written communication skills
• Proficient with MS Office and other office productivity tools
• Uses vision to think beyond the immediate situation, explore multiple potential paths, and adapt decision-making style based on the situational circumstances
• Inspires, motivates, and empowers people to deliver organizational goals, while also delivering value back to employees
• Brings organizational values to life using personality, uniqueness and the creation of a shared vision
• Champions the process of change and promotes a culture of quick adaptation while helping others deal with the effects of change
• Demonstrates the ability to develop and maintain internal and external trusting, professional relationships
• Assesses the degree of risk and opportunity in plans or actions and takes appropriate action to mitigate them or makes plans to build on the opportunity

Responsibilities

• Leadership and management of all personnel within assigned business area’s Operations Department
• Leadership of Visual/Lean Factory, MRP Optimization and Metrics-Based Performance Management
• Achievement of annual business area operating performance objectives and KPI metrics
• Implementation of the key characteristics required to transition products to production
• Integral part of key suppliers qualifying and ongoing collaborative relationships
• Coordinates inputs to and outputs from the business area leadership teams to ensure objectives are met
• Translate customer requirements into state-of-the-art manufacturing strategies and processes, resulting in cost-effective processing and profitable manufacturing of company product
• Ensures product quality and delivery schedule requirements are achieved for all customer deliverables of materials, components, parts, subassemblies, manufactured systems, tooling, and equipment
• Ensures the development of, manufacture of, certification of and maintenance of manufacturing tooling, equipment, and procedures
• Works closely with Product Line Management and Engineering leadership to develop production documentation (drawings, bills of materials, and assembly and test procedures)
• Secure and maintain the necessary facilities for supporting manufacturing, for multiple sites across diverse product lines
• Ensure best-in-class processes/procedures are leveraged across the organization

Benefits

• Choose from three health, dental, and vision plans - including a 100% employer-paid option covering both employees and their families
• 120 hours of PTO, 80 hours accrued plus an additional 40 hours of holiday break pay in addition to Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day off
• $25,000 employer-paid life insurance policy, with the option to purchase additional coverage for employees and their families
• Access optional benefits such as Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, and Critical Illness with Skin Cancer coverage
• Take advantage of a tax-advantaged HSA to manage medical expenses
• 401(k) with a company match to support your financial future
• 9 paid holidays throughout the year
• A casual dress code, complimentary snacks, and a welcoming company culture

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director