Description

The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. transforms the lives of people who are blind, DeafBlind, and blind with other disabilities. Through employment opportunities, we are a catalyst for empowerment. We foster self-confidence and instill a life changing affirmation that independence is possible. From our expertise in cutting-edge technology to our understanding of mobility, we help people who are blind and DeafBlind live fulfilling lives.

We believe everyone, no matter their vision abilities, deserves to experience the power of employment. Our goal for each person we reach is to ignite a fire of determination that is centered on the reality that blindness doesn’t define who you are or how you choose to live.

We are currently seeking a person who identifies strongly with our mission and core values to join our team in Seattle as an Aerospace Division Manager. This is an ideal role for someone who is experienced in an aerospace manufacturing environment (at least 5 years in current role), who has excellent managerial skills and organization (overseeing a team of 75-100),  and who is energized by and is adaptable to change.

Have you been in a management role in the field, successfully overseeing a large team, and you are ready to shift to a new challenge where you can be energized by an important company mission on a daily basis? Joining the Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. might be the perfect career move for you! Be sure to attach a cover letter with your application to let us know why you are the candidate we seek.

Relocation candidates are welcome to apply! Relocation benefits available for an experienced and qualified relocation candidate. 

Purpose:

Oversee the day-to-day operations of aerospace division. Responsible for meeting all production goals including employee safety, production schedules and productivity, quality, delivery, employee and customer satisfaction. Accountable for routine to complex troubleshooting and decision-making for aerospace production. Supervise, develop, train, motivate, evaluate staff, and manages functions that directly support production personnel.

Responsibilities:

• Supervision of machine shop manager, aerospace estimator, CNC programmer(s), production scheduler, production expediter(s), and production planner/engineer.
• Coordinate activities as related to production responsibilities such as planning, organization, development, and training.
• Maintain hands on awareness of manufacturing processes, capabilities and constraints to provide valid and thorough information.
• Address business inquiries from customers and team members in a timely and professional manner.
• Assist in employee recruitment, performance evaluation, promotion, retention and termination activities.
• Assist with process improvement in support of lean manufacturing.
• Investigate new technologies that help to make the Lighthouse more competitive and efficient.
• Introduces new ideas and suggestions to improve and maintain systems. Recommend cost-reduction initiatives while maintaining productivity and quality, and accordingly develop action plans.
• Provide direction and decision-making for a wide variety of unplanned issues that can develop and require immediate attention.
• Maintains overall vision that supports company mission by communicating with employees on a regular basis, (i.e., shop meetings, small group activities, and individually).
• Ability to work well with all levels and all departments within the company. Ability to work with diverse employees from all backgrounds, any that may require special communication methods (i.e., braille, large print, interpreter, voice only).
• Ensures safe and efficient operation by overseeing and assuring that routine maintenance and housekeeping are performed to keep production equipment and tools operating safely and efficiently.
• Responsible for assisting in the development and implementation of BMS policies and procedures within an established time frame that will ensure adherence to department and company practices and policies. Performs duties in conformance to company BMS as well as AS9100/ISO standards and procedures.
• Ensures the adherence to production safety and health standards, policies and procedures.
• Immediately notify supervisor and/or Safety Manager of any safety and health concerns and problems.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements:

• College degree (BS or BA) preferred or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum seven years management experience, preferably in an aerospace manufacturing environment.
• Thorough understanding of aerospace machine shop operations, processes, and quality requirements, preferably in sheet metal fabrication, 3-axis and 4-axis CNC machining, non-metallic parts machining, and complex assemblies.
• Experience in estimating aerospace parts and assemblies.
• Demonstrated ability to comprehend all aspect of engineering data and correctly interpret requirements.
• Strong leadership skills with a proven ability to act as a coach, teacher, and auditor as required to develop staff.
• Excellent analytical skills.
• Complex and non-routine problem solving experience is necessary.
• Good advanced math concepts.
• Computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft Suite are required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate with all levels of internal departments and external elements such as customers, suppliers, etc. required.
• Proven consistency to perform all duties to high level of quality with accuracy and attention to detail required.

Company benefits may include:

• 12 Paid Holidays per year
• Up to 17 days of Paid Time Off (PTO) per year
• Medical, Dental, and vision plans
• Long-term and short-term disability, AD&D
• Life Insurance
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with 6% employer match
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Team Member Referral Bonus Program
• Paid Leave for Service Animal Training
• Focus on Upward Mobility
• Inclusive and Supportive Team Environment

Please note: Under the AbilityOne Program, The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. gives hiring preference to individuals who are legally blind. Any decision to disclose a disability by an applicant related to the hiring preference is completely voluntary. Requesting such information is also a part of our affirmative action efforts. Information that is disclosed will remain confidential. Also, your decision not to disclose disability status will not have a negative impact in the hiring process. 

The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, the use of a dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Qualifications