Operations Manager, CNC Machining (Aerospace) | Covina, CA

You've built CNC operations from the floor up. You know what a well-run aerospace shop looks like because you've created one. Now there's a chance to take the reins of a production floor with 60 years of precision heritage, a team of high-skill technical experts, and the backing to grow.

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Pave Talent is hiring on behalf of our client, an established aerospace manufacturer specializing in flight-critical, high-pressure valves and fluid conveyance fittings. This company supplies precision components to major aerospace and defense OEMs and has been in continuous operation for over six decades. They are part of a larger platform of precision aerospace manufacturers, and they are investing in operational leadership to match their growth trajectory.

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𝗪𝗛𝗬 𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗦 𝗥𝗢𝗟𝗘

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This isn't a maintenance hire. The company is actively growing headcount (adding 5 machine operators), investing in capacity, and looking for someone who can elevate the entire operation. You'll inherit a team of nearly 50 across two shifts, including seasoned machinists who know their craft inside and out. Your job in the first 90 days: earn their respect by demonstrating you understand the machines, the processes, and the standards as well as they do.

The hiring manager put it simply: they need someone who can walk the floor, command respect from highly skilled technical people, and drive real operational improvement without losing the culture.

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𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗢𝗣𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗬

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You'll lead all CNC machining and assembly operations in a high-mix, low-volume aerospace environment. Your team includes 38 direct labor and 10 indirect labor reports split across first and second shifts (32 on days, 6 on nights). You report into the General Manager and work closely with engineering, quality, sales, and supply chain.

This is an on-site leadership role in Covina, CA. You'll be on the floor daily, not behind a desk.

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𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗬𝗢𝗨'𝗟𝗟 𝗢𝗪𝗡

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• Lead daily GEMBA walks and contribute to weekly production and 360 meetings

• Manage production planning, scheduling, and resource allocation across multi-axis machining centers and assembly

• Own safety, environmental, and regulatory compliance across the facility

• Ensure compliance with NADCAP and AS9100 standards and customer-specific aerospace requirements

• Maintain production travelers and data integrity in Epicor ERP

• Develop and implement lean manufacturing initiatives and continuous improvement strategies

• Mentor and develop machinists, assemblers, deburrers, department leads, and support staff

• Monitor KPIs and implement corrective actions to drive efficiency, quality, and cost control

• Manage tooling inventory, machine preventative maintenance schedules, and machine utilization to maximize uptime

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𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗟 𝗧𝗔𝗟𝗞

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The team on this floor is experienced. Many of these machinists have been doing precision aerospace work for years. They'll test you. If you come in swinging a clipboard and quoting lean theory without understanding their machines, you'll lose them. But if you can speak their language, understand the tolerances they hold, and show you're there to remove obstacles rather than create new ones, they'll follow you.

The first 90 days matter more here than at most shops. Demonstrate solid command of the floor, understand the processes, and win over the technical experts. That's the job before the job.

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𝗤𝗨𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦

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𝗥𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱:

• 7 years of CNC machining experience, with hands-on knowledge of setups, programming, and operations

• 3 years in aerospace operations leadership managing production teams

• Strong understanding of GD&T, blueprint reading, and CNC programming fundamentals

• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems, specifically Epicor

• Working knowledge of NADCAP and AS9100 standards

• Proven track record implementing lean manufacturing and continuous improvement in a machine shop environment

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𝗕𝗼𝗻𝘂𝘀 𝗣𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁𝘀:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field

• Six Sigma, Lean, PMP, or Certified Manager (CM) certification

• CAD/CAM exposure

• Experience in high-mix, low-volume production environments

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𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗦𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗕𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗙𝗜𝗧𝗦

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𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘆: Competitive and flexible depending on experience

𝗕𝗼𝗻𝘂𝘀: 15% annual target based on company performance metrics

𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀: Medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with match

𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗹𝗲: Full-time, on-site in Covina, CA

𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲: Immediate need, moving quickly for the right candidate

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Apply via LinkedIn and we'll reach out to schedule a conversation. Confidential search; your application is fully private.

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𝗣𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁 | 𝗛𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗥𝗲𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗱