Demo

Operations Manager

Kranze Technology Solutions, Inc
Des Plaines, IL Full Time
POSTED ON 3/21/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/20/2026
KTS is seeking to add an Operations Manager to fill a key role in the company's manufacturing team, leading the build of embedded avionics processors and aircraft harnesses for our military customers. The candidate should be a self-starter with new ideas and have experience producing military equipment. This role facilitates long and short-term plan optimization by balancing capacity, constraints, and profitability for a make-to-order manufacturing environment.

The candidate will oversee the production process within the Operations department, ensuring products are made efficiently, on time, and meeting required quality and governmental standards. They will improve processes and structures for better performance. They will help maintain or upgrade equipment to increase efficiency. They will work closely with oversee production efforts, supporting, and guiding employees within the Operations department. They will frequently work with other departments to coordinate cross-departmental efforts and provide support as needed.

Responsibilities:
  • Lead the development and building of embedded avionics processors for military aircraft
  • Lead the development and building of aircraft integration kits (avionics hardware, aircraft cable harnesses, filters, switches, etc...)
  • Support team's efforts to troubleshoot, identify failures, and implement corrective actions
  • Setting productivity goals for the production team
  • Enforcing policies and regulations to ensure compliance with health and safety standards
  • Develop, establish, or update policies and procedures for ensuring all products meet quality standards and support companies AS9100 Quality Management System
  • Develop technical training programs for production technicians and engineers
  • Manage the production budget and implement cost-saving measures
  • Optimize equipment utilization and manufacturing productivity, resolving problems or delays in production
  • Support cross departmental ERP and PLM implementation and sustainment
Educational Qualifications & Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field or relevant military experience
  • US citizen with the ability to obtain a Secret clearance
  • 5-10 years’ experience as Production Manager
  • Direct experience in the Aerospace or defense area
  • Managed the building of embedded processors or RF equipment
  • Six Sigma, TPS or other lean manufacturing experience
  • Proficiency with financial and technical reports
  • Ability to stand up a group, develop processes and grow a team 
  • Demonstrated strategic and analytical problem-solving skills regarding engineering, mechanical, systems/processes, quality control and personnel issues
  • Problem solving skills
  • Understanding of AS9100 implementation and sustainment
  • Working knowledge and understanding of PLM software and its usage across an organization
  • Proficient in MS Office Suite
Benefits
Kranze Technology Solutions is proud to provide extremely competitive benefits to all full time employees including:
  • Comprehensive Leave plan (Paid Time Off)
  • Comprehensive Health Care package including Medical, Vision, Dental, Health Savings Account (HSA), and more
  • 401 (k) retirement plan
  • Paid Overtime
  • Flex Time and Flexible Scheduling
  • Opportunities to travel
  • Tuition Reimbursement options
  • Casual and relaxed work environment
We recognize that attracting the best talent is key to our strategy and success as a company. As a result, we aim for flexibility in structuring competitive compensation offers to ensure we are able to attract the best candidates. As required by law in this state, the estimated salary range for this position is $107,500-$168,000 and represents our good faith estimate as to what our ideal candidates are likely to expect.   We tailor our offers within the range based on organizational needs, internal equity, market data, geographic zone, and the selected candidate’s experience, education, industry knowledge, location, technical and communication skills, and other factors that may prove relevant during the selection process.

About Kranze Technology Solutions
We are part of an SPX Technologies’ Communication Technologies platform in the Detection & Measurement business segment. KTS is focused in the defense industry specializing in Infrared Countermeasures (IRCM) systems, digital interoperability and networking, and program support for the US Navy, US Marine Corps, and Special Operations Command.    We provide hardware and software product development, systems integration, system test and evaluation support, modeling and simulation analysis, and other engineering services to support the Warfighter.

Each team member has significant opportunities to solve a variety of complex technical challenges in small teams while working hand in hand with our defense customers.

KTS is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind.  All applicants will be considered for employment without regards to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status, or any other segmenting characteristics protected by law.

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to:
Human Resources
847-737-7299
[email protected]

Salary : $107,500 - $168,000

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