Operational Excellence Lead

Operational Excellence Lead

From engine bay to payload, we protect vital structures and systems.

Hera Technologies is a premier contract manufacturer specializing in high-precision metallic and non-metallic solutions for the aerospace, defense, and space sectors. Our commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction has positioned us as an industry leader in the design, manufacturing, and maintenance of thermal support systems. Our team is driven by excellence, integrity, and a passion for advancing aerospace technology.

Take the next step in your career with a company committed to excellence, where your contributions are recognized, and your potential is realized.

Hera Technologies is seeking a hands-on Operational Excellence Lead to drive factory flow optimization across our production floor. This role will focus on improving end-to-end material flow, implementing ERP-driven manufacturing processes, and enhancing operational efficiency in a fast-paced aerospace manufacturing environment.

The ideal candidate brings a strong blend of lean manufacturing, systems thinking, and shop floor execution, with the ability to translate data into actionable improvements that impact throughput, cost, and on-time delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead factory flow optimization initiatives, including material movement, work-in-process (WIP) reduction, and production sequencing
• Support ERP system deployment and adoption on the shop floor, ensuring accurate routing, labor tracking, and transaction flow
• Analyze current-state workflows and develop future-state value stream maps to improve throughput and eliminate waste
• Design and implement facility layouts, cell configurations, and line balancing to maximize efficiency and capacity utilization
• Develop and optimize manufacturing methods, tooling, and equipment to support scalable production
• Establish and enhance visual factory systems (kanban, production boards, standard work) to improve visibility and control
• Partner cross-functionally with production, quality, supply chain, and engineering to resolve bottlenecks and process inefficiencies
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using lean principles (5S, Kaizen, root cause analysis, etc.)
• Create and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and routing documentation
• Support quality and compliance efforts, ensuring processes meet aerospace standards and internal specifications
• Monitor and drive performance against KPIs such as on-time delivery, WIP levels, cycle time, schedule adherence, and cost reduction

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in industrial engineering, manufacturing engineering, mechanical engineering, or related field
• 3–7+ years of experience in manufacturing or industrial engineering, preferably within aerospace, defense, or complex manufacturing environments
• Hands-on experience with ERP systems (implementation, optimization, or shop floor integration)
• Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing principles, value stream mapping, and visual management systems
• Experience with factory layout design, process flow optimization, and line balancing
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, production data, and cost metrics to drive decisions
• Proficiency with CAD software (SolidWorks or similar) for layout and process design
• Proven problem-solving skills with the ability to identify root causes and implement sustainable solutions
• Strong communication and project management skills with a high level of ownership and accountability

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a high-mix, low-to-medium volume aerospace or defense manufacturing environment
• Exposure to PE-backed or rapidly scaling organizations, with the ability to build and standardize processes in a growth setting
• Familiarity with AS9100 quality standards and regulated manufacturing environments
• Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or higher)

Job Details: Job Type: Fulltime, Salaried Location: 100% onsite Ontario, CA Reports to: Director of Operations Schedule: Core business hours, Monday to Friday Travel: None

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Total compensation will also include a comprehensive set of benefits including but not limited to: Company paid employee medical, dental, and vision insurance. Retirement plan participation (eligibility required), paid sick leave, paid vacation, paid holidays, and discretionary bonuses.

EXPORT CONTROL REQUIREMENTS:

To conform to US Government export regulations, the applicant must be a (i) US Citizen, (ii) lawful permanent resident of the U.S. (aka green card holder), (iii) protected individual as defined by U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or (iv) eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Canopy A&D is an Equal Opportunity Employer, employment with Canopy A&D is governed on the basis of merit, competence, and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.