Aerospace Operations Manager

PPG's Aerospace Business is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to oversee the day-to-day operations of our large-scale aerospace sealants manufacturing facility. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing production processes, ensuring safety and quality standards, leading cross-functional teams, and driving operational excellence to meet business objectives. This is a fully onsite position in Mojave, California reporting to the Plant Manager.

Key Responsibilities

• Production Management

  • Oversee all manufacturing operations including mixing, blending, filling, and packaging of aerospace grade sealants

  • Develop and implement production schedules to meet customer demand and delivery commitments

  • Monitor, develop and implement strategies for improvement of production metrics including throughput, yield, quality, and efficiency

  • Coordinate with planning and supply chain teams to optimize material flow and inventory levels

  • Ensure compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs) and all quality control standards

  • Manage and lead team of production engineers and technicians

• Safety & Environmental Compliance

  • Champion safety culture and ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, and local environmental regulations

  • Lead safety initiatives and maintain excellent safety performance metrics

  • Oversee hazardous material handling and waste management programs

  • Conduct regular safety audits and implement corrective actions

  • Ensure proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety protocols

• Quality Assurance

  • Maintain product quality standards and specifications

  • Collaborate with Quality Control/Quality Assurance teams to timely resolve quality issues

  • Implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product quality

  • Ensure compliance with AS9100 standards and customer specific quality requirements across the manufacturing process

• Team Leadership & Development

  • Lead and develop a team of 50-100+ manufacturing personnel including engineers, supervisors, operators, and technicians

  • Provide coaching, mentoring, and performance management

  • Foster a culture of continuous improvement and employee engagement

  • Conduct regular team meetings and communication sessions

  • Manage staffing levels and overtime to meet production requirements

• Operational Excellence

  • Drive lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement initiatives

  • Identify and implement cost reduction opportunities

  • Optimize equipment utilization and minimize downtime

  • Lead root cause analysis and corrective action implementation

  • Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs)

• Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Partner with Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, Supply Chain, and R&D teams

  • Coordinate with Sales and Customer Service on delivery commitments

  • Support new product introductions and process improvements

  • Participate in capital project planning and implementation

Qualifications

• Only US Citizens, Green card holders, political asylees, or refugees are eligible to apply

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

• 10+ years of manufacturing operations experience

• 5+ years of leadership experience in a manufacturing environment

• Six Sigma Black Belt or Green belt certification preferred

• Experience with chemical or aerospace materials manufacturing, exposure to sealants, coatings, paints, or similar process industries

• Experience with QAP or similar ERP systems

• #LI-ONSITE

The base salary range for this position is $175,000-$200,000, with a possibility of an annual bonus up to 20% of base salary. PPG offers comprehensive benefits such as Health, Dental, Life, Retirement Plan, Paid Vacation & Holidays, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Disability/Leave, and other Voluntary benefit offerings. Actual benefit offerings confirmed at the time of hire.

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