Operations Manager

Operations Manager Stevens Point, WI | Full-Time | On-Site About the Role: We are seeking an experienced Operations Manager to help establish, stabilize, and scale operations within a new aerospace propulsion manufacturing facility. This is a unique opportunity to play a foundational role in launching a high-performance manufacturing operation that produces advanced turbine engines for aerospace and defense applications. Initially, this position functions as a hands-on individual contributor responsible for building operational systems, production processes, and manufacturing infrastructure during facility startup. As operations mature and production scales from New Product Introduction (NPI) through Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) to Full-Rate Production (FRP), the role evolves into a key operational leadership position overseeing production planning, assembly, testing, maintenance, environmental health and safety, facility security, and continuous improvement initiatives. Responsibilities: Lead operational readiness activities to support the launch and scale-up of a new aerospace manufacturing facility. Develop and implement standardized assembly, testing, production, and operational workflows to support New Product Introduction (NPI). Partner with Engineering and Quality to improve manufacturability, process stability, and production readiness. Support facility layout, equipment installation, commissioning, and production startup activities. Develop work instructions, operating procedures, tooling strategies, and production process documentation. Establish production planning, scheduling, material flow, and capacity planning systems. Build and lead operations teams as production transitions from startup to full-rate manufacturing. Oversee assembly, testing, production planning, maintenance, environmental health and safety, and facility security functions. Drive improvements in First Pass Yield (FPY), throughput, cycle time, takt time, and overall manufacturing efficiency. Lead Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA), structured problem solving, and continuous improvement initiatives. Monitor key operational metrics including safety, quality, delivery, cost, productivity, and equipment utilization. Collaborate with Supply Chain, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality to resolve production challenges and improve operational performance. Implement Lean Manufacturing principles, Six Sigma methodologies, and best practices that improve productivity and eliminate waste. Ensure compliance with quality, environmental, safety, and security standards, including NIST 800-171 requirements. Recruit, mentor, and develop supervisors and operational staff while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or a related field. Equivalent experience will be considered. Minimum of 7 years of manufacturing operations experience , preferably within aerospace, defense, propulsion systems, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments. Demonstrated experience transitioning products from New Product Introduction (NPI) into production manufacturing. Proven success supporting startup manufacturing operations or greenfield facility launches. Strong knowledge of production planning, manufacturing operations, process control, yield improvement, and operational scaling. Experience implementing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Root Cause Analysis, RCCA, and continuous improvement methodologies. Experience building operational processes, systems, and teams from the ground up. Strong understanding of production metrics including First Pass Yield (FPY), takt time, throughput, capacity planning, and operational performance. Working knowledge of NIST 800-171 or similar security and compliance standards is preferred. Excellent leadership, communication, project management, and organizational skills. Desired Qualifications: Experience supporting aerospace propulsion systems, turbine engine manufacturing, or complex electromechanical assembly operations. Previous leadership experience overseeing production supervisors, planners, maintenance, or manufacturing support teams. Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma Green Belt/Black Belt certification. Experience with AS9100 quality systems or other regulated manufacturing standards. Background implementing ERP, MES, or production planning systems. Demonstrated ability to scale manufacturing operations while maintaining quality, safety, and delivery performance. Why Join Us? This is a rare opportunity to help build the operational foundation of a next-generation aerospace manufacturing facility. You'll play a pivotal role in developing scalable manufacturing systems, building high-performing teams, and leading the transition from startup operations to full-rate production. In addition to competitive compensation, this position offers annual bonus potential, equity participation, relocation assistance, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact on a rapidly growing aerospace manufacturing organization.