Operations Manager

Operations Manager

RTCA is a precision aerospace and defense manufacturing group built on decades of hands-on machining expertise, with roots spanning more than 50 years. We support mission-critical commercial and government aerospace programs across North America through four U.S. Centers of Excellence operating as an integrated platform with 150+ CNC machines and a team of 250+ professionals.

Unlike large organizations where roles can be narrow, RTCA offers hands-on ownership and real visibility – you understand how your work supports the team, the operation, and the end customer. Our flat structure allows employees to take initiative, grow their skills, and have their contributions recognized, while still providing the stability, advanced technology, and meaningful work of an established aerospace manufacturer.

At RTCA, we believe in teamwork, excellence, and delivering with pride. One Team! One Mission!

The Operations Manager is responsible for leading all CNC machine shop operations to ensure the safe, efficient, and profitable manufacture of precision aerospace components. This role provides strategic and tactical leadership across production, machining, quality, and continuous improvement initiatives to achieve operational excellence, on-time delivery, and customer satisfaction. The Operations Manager is responsible for optimizing machine capacity, workforce utilization, productivity, quality, and manufacturing performance while supporting future growth.

What you'll be doing as an Operation Manager:

• Working a full-time, onsite position at our Chatsworth, CA location.
• Provide leadership and direction for daily CNC machining operations, including mills, lathes, secondary operations, and inspection activities.
• Drive operational performance related to safety, quality, productivity, efficiency, and on-time delivery.
• Develop and mentor supervisors, leads, and production personnel to build a high-performing team culture.
• Monitor machine capacity, labor utilization, and workflow to ensure production schedules and customer commitments are achieved.
• Partner with Planning, Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to identify and eliminate production bottlenecks.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives utilizing Lean Manufacturing principles, including Kaizen, 5S, SMED, visual management, and waste reduction.
• Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) including OTD, labor efficiency, machine utilization, scrap, and throughput.
• Ensure compliance with AS9100 requirements, customer specifications, and company quality standards.
• Promote a safe work environment by ensuring compliance with all EHS policies and procedures.
• Drive cost reduction initiatives while maintaining quality and delivery performance.
• Review departmental performance metrics and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications (Education, skills and experience):

• 8+ years of manufacturing experience with progressively increasing leadership responsibilities.
• 3+ years of experience managing production teams in a CNC machining or precision manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of CNC machining operations, including milling, turning, setup, tooling, production scheduling, and workflow management.
• Experience leading and developing supervisors, leads, and production personnel.
• Working knowledge of blueprint reading, GD&T, and manufacturing process controls.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office applications.
• Demonstrated success driving operational improvements related to quality, productivity, cost, and delivery.
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications (Education, skills and experience):

• Aerospace, defense, or other high-precision manufacturing experience.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, Business, or a related field.
• Hands-on CNC machining experience with mills and/or lathes.
• Experience in a high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of AS9100 quality management systems and aerospace customer requirements.
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement certification.
• Experience with capacity planning, labor forecasting, and machine utilization analysis.
• Familiarity with difficult-to-machine materials commonly used in aerospace manufacturing.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Choice of medical plan options, including a no-cost employee-only coverage plan
• HSA-eligible health plan with employer contributions
• Basic and supplemental life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• 401(k) plan with up to a 6% QACA company match
• Paid time off including vacation, sick time, and nine (9) paid company holidays
• Shift differentials for applicable off-shifts
• Discretionary bonus programs based on position and company performance

The Operations Manager Compensation range for onsite California applicants is $150,000 – $170,000 annually commensurate with experience. Some shifts may include shift differential pay rates. Other site ranges may differ.

This position must meet Export Control compliance requirements, therefore a "US Person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 is required.

RTCA is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Candidates will receive consideration without discrimination in accordance with Article 9, Chapter XVIII of the City of Los Angeles Municipal Code and applicable federal, state, and local laws.