Operations Manager

Company Overview

Firecrest Aerospace is a U.S. aerospace propulsion company headquartered in Morrisville, North Carolina, with manufacturing operations being established in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. As a subsidiary of CSE USA, Inc., a member of CSG Group, Firecrest develops and manufactures advanced micro turbojet and turbofan engines for defense, aerospace, and other high-performance applications, supporting U.S. government, allied, and commercial customers.

The company is investing approximately $15 million to establish its initial U.S. manufacturing facility in Stevens Point, where it expects to create approximately 125 high-skilled manufacturing, engineering, and technical positions. As Firecrest expands from engine assembly, integration, and testing into full-scale manufacturing, engineering, and advanced product development, it is helping strengthen the U.S. aerospace and defense industrial base while advancing next-generation propulsion technologies.

At Firecrest Aerospace, you will have the opportunity to work alongside a growing team committed to engineering excellence, innovation, and mission success. Whether your expertise is in manufacturing, engineering, quality, operations, or business functions, you will play a direct role in building advanced propulsion systems that support critical national security and aerospace missions.

Position Summary

The Operations Manager will play a critical role in establishing, stabilizing, and scaling operations for a small turbine engine assembly and test facility. This role will initially function as an individual contributor, working closely with the VP of Propulsion Operations (located remotely) to stand up processes, systems, and infrastructure during the early phase of site development.

In Phase 1, the Operations Manager will work in tight coordination with the Quality Manager and Engineering Manager to build the foundational operations framework. As the organization transitions into production (Phases 2 and 3), the role evolves into a leadership position reporting to the on-site Plant Manager, with responsibility for supervising key operational functions including assembly, test, planning, maintenance, EHS&E, and facility security.

This position requires a hands-on leader capable of building operational excellence from the ground up and scaling production through defined maturity phases—from New Product Introduction (NPI) to full-rate production—in a highly regulated, safety-critical environment.

Operational Scaling Responsibility (Core to Role)

This role is explicitly accountable for scaling operations across three phases:

Phase 1: Site Startup & NPI (Individual Contributor reporting to VP of Propulsion Operations)

• Establish foundational assembly and test processes to support New Product Introduction (NPI)
• Develop initial work instructions, tooling strategies, and test readiness plans
• Partner with engineering to resolve design-for-manufacturability and testability gaps
• Stand up early production systems with a focus on process stability, defect identification, and variation management
• Begin tracking baseline production metrics (yield, cycle time, throughput)

Phase 2: NPI → Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) (Functional Manager reporting to Plant Manager)

• Transition from prototype builds to repeatable, controlled production
• Build and lead the initial operations team (supervisors, planners, support functions)
• Primary scaling lever: Improve First Pass Yield (FPY)
• Identify and eliminate sources of rework and scrap
• Implement root cause corrective action (RCCA) processes
• Drive process standardization and operator training
• Establish stable production cadence and predictable output
• Implement production planning, scheduling, and material flow systems
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and security standards including NIST 800-171

Phase 3: LRIP → Full-Rate Production (FRP) (Functional Manager reporting to Plant Manager)

• Scale from stable low-rate production to optimized, high-throughput operations
• Expand organizational structure and leadership depth
• Primary scaling lever: Improve Takt Time and Flow Efficiency (after FPY is stabilized)
• Reduce cycle time and eliminate bottlenecks
• Balance production lines and optimize staffing models
• Increase throughput without compromising quality or safety
• Drive Lean manufacturing initiatives and continuous improvement culture
• Optimize capacity planning, labor utilization, and equipment efficiency
• Maintain high levels of quality and compliance while increasing output

Key Responsibilities

Phase 1: Site Startup & Individual Contribution

• Partner with the VP of Propulsion Operations to develop and implement operational strategies
• Establish assembly and test workflows, SOPs, and process controls
• Support facility layout, equipment installation, and commissioning
• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, quality, and supply chain
• Assist in hiring strategy and workforce planning
• Support implementation of facility security aligned with NIST 800-171

Phase 2 & 3: Operational Leadership

• Transition to reporting to the Plant Manager and lead daily operations
• Directly manage:
• Assembly and Test Supervisors
• EHS&E Specialist
• Facility Security (including NIST 800-171 compliance)
• Facility Maintenance
• Master Scheduler / Planner
• Provide leadership oversight for all technician-level assembly and test personnel (via supervisors)
• Own production metrics: safety, quality, delivery, cost
• Lead structured problem-solving and continuous improvement initiatives
• Develop scalable systems for production planning and execution
• Build a high-performance, accountable operations culture

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 7 years of experience in manufacturing operations (aerospace or turbine engine preferred)
• Demonstrated experience transitioning products from NPI to production with a background in startup manufacturing
• Strong knowledge of yield improvement, root cause analysis, process control, and utilization of lean manufacturing and six sigma techniques
• Experience scaling operations in a structured, phase-based environment
• Proven ability to build processes and teams from the ground up
• Working knowledge of NIST 800-171

Key Competencies

• Builder mindset with strong execution focus
• Deep understanding of production scaling dynamics (FPY → takt time progression)
• Data-driven decision making and metric ownership
• Strong leadership and team development capability
• Cross-functional influence and collaboration

Work Environment

• On-site role within a turbine engine assembly and test facility
• Significant time on the production floor and in test environments
• Exposure to industrial equipment, noise, and regulated processes

Why This Role Matters

This role is responsible for building and scaling the operational backbone of the facility—from first engine builds through full-rate production. Success in this position will directly determine the organization’s ability to deliver reliable, high-quality turbine engines at scale.

What We Offer

• Competitive base salary with performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company contribution.
• Paid time off including vacation, personal days, and company holidays.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• Entrepreneurial, collaborative, and mission-driven work environment