Operations Lead

Aerospace Manufacturing | Onsite, LA | $80,000 - $140,000

A fast-growing aerospace and advanced manufacturing company is seeking an experienced Operations Lead to help optimize factory operations and improve production flow across a high-performance manufacturing environment.

This is a hands-on role focused on driving efficiency across the shop floor through lean manufacturing, process improvement, ERP integration, and factory flow optimization. The position offers the opportunity to play a key role in scaling production capabilities within an innovative and fast-paced organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead initiatives focused on improving material flow, reducing WIP, and optimizing production sequencing
• Support ERP implementation and shop floor integration, including routing, labor tracking, and transaction accuracy
• Analyze manufacturing workflows and develop future-state process improvements to increase throughput and reduce waste
• Design and improve factory layouts, production cells, and line balancing strategies
• Develop scalable manufacturing methods, tooling approaches, and process improvements
• Implement and enhance visual management systems including kanban, production boards, and standard work practices
• Partner closely with Production, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Quality teams to resolve bottlenecks and improve operational performance
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean methodologies such as 5S, Kaizen, and root cause analysis
• Create and maintain SOPs, work instructions, and manufacturing documentation
• Monitor KPIs including cycle time, on-time delivery, schedule adherence, and cost reduction metrics

Required Background

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial, Manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline
• 3–7 years of experience within manufacturing, industrial engineering, or operational excellence environments
• Experience working in aerospace, defense, or other complex manufacturing sectors preferred
• Hands-on experience with ERP systems and manufacturing process integration
• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing, value stream mapping, and process optimization
• Experience with factory layout planning, line balancing, and production flow improvements
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, manufacturing data, and operational metrics
• CAD experience (SolidWorks or similar) preferred
• Strong problem-solving skills with a proactive, ownership-driven mindset

Preferred Experience

• High-mix, low-to-medium volume manufacturing environments
• Scaling or high-growth manufacturing organizations
• AS9100 or regulated manufacturing exposure
• Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or above)

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys building processes, improving operational performance, and making a visible impact within a growing aerospace manufacturing business.