Director of Operations

A leading Space and Defense manufacturer in Los Angeles is seeking a Director of Operations to lead a technically complex production environment specializing in large, lightweight metallic structures and assemblies serving aerospace, missile, and hypersonic markets.

This facility focuses on metallic forming, precision forming, advanced spin forming, CNC machining, fabrication, and assembly integration. The Director of Operations will own full site-level operational performance and P&L accountability, driving production discipline across multi-step manufacturing routings involving machining, forming, welding coordination, heat treat, finishing, and final assembly.

This is a hands-on manufacturing leadership role for an operator who understands large-part CNC machining, tight-tolerance metallic components (aluminum highly desired), and the execution rigor required to scale throughput while improving margin performance.

Responsibilities:

• Lead all production operations across CNC machining, metallic forming, spin forming, fabrication, finishing, and assembly.
• Establish structured daily production management cadence to improve schedule adherence, throughput, and flow.
• Drive performance across large gantry milling, 3-axis and 5-axis machining environments.
• Optimize complex manufacturing routings spanning machining, deburring, forming, welding coordination, heat treat, and integration.
• Own site-level P&L performance, improving labor efficiency, equipment utilization, and cost control.
• Implement and sustain Lean manufacturing systems including 5S, SMED, TPM, and OEE-based performance management.
• Improve spindle utilization, setup reduction, preventative maintenance discipline, and machining efficiency.
• Partner cross-functionally with Engineering, Quality, and Program Management to ensure production readiness and operational scalability.
• Build and lead high-performance manufacturing teams with strong shop-floor engagement.

Qualifications:

Required

• 10 years of progressive leadership experience in aerospace or advanced CNC manufacturing environments.
• 5 years leading a machining-intensive manufacturing operation with full production accountability.
• Experience producing large, tight-tolerance metallic components (aluminum strongly preferred).
• Demonstrated oversight of 3-axis, 5-axis, and large gantry milling environments.
• Proven P&L ownership within a manufacturing facility.
• Experience managing complex multi-step production flows and downstream processes.
• Strong working knowledge of Lean manufacturing systems and operational metrics (OEE, labor efficiency, cycle time, TPM).
• ERP/MRP production planning proficiency.

Preferred

• Experience in metallic forming, spin forming, or structural fabrication environments.
• Background supporting aerospace, missile, or space-related programs.
• Lean Six Sigma certification or formal continuous improvement leadership experience.

Salary: $180,000 - $200,000