Technical Operations Manager

Technical Operations ManagerSTC's Technical Operations Manager will lead day-to-day operations in our specialized brazing and materials joining facility in Santa Ana, CA. This site is focused on joining dissimilar materials (ceramic to metal). This role is ideal for an engineering-minded leader who thrives in a hands-on environment. Someone comfortable at the bench troubleshooting delicate assemblies as they are managing schedules, mentoring a team, and analyzing ERP data. Our environment is fast-paced, complex, and focused on high-mix, low-volume production with a focus on medical implant devices and aerospace/defense applications.Essential Functions:Oversee daily production operations to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality output in line with customer requirements and shipment goals.Plan and manage capacity, labor, and resources across a wide variety of projects.Develop and maintain a master production schedule using ERP system data and demand forecasts.Actively interrogate ERP systems (e.g., Epicor, NetSuite) and Excel to extract, clean, and analyze data for performance metrics and KPIs.Establish and maintain a robust preventative maintenance program with on-site technicians.Provide technical support on the floor—troubleshoot issues, work with engineering on root cause analysis, and guide team members through precision assembly tasks.Lead and support continuous improvement efforts using lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies.Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, quality, and R&D to ensure manufacturability, process readiness, and smooth transitions from prototype to production.Drive a culture of safety, accountability, and technical excellence.Conduct performance reviews, training plans, and ongoing development for direct reports.Participate in business proposal efforts and support delivery forecasting based on operational capacity.Support development of the Manufacturing Technology Roadmap and contribute to capital planning efforts.Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, especially for medical device work; familiarity with ISO 13485 and AS9100 a plus.Required Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Materials Science, or related discipline); MBA or technical management credentials a plus.6+ years of progressive experience in manufacturing operations or engineering leadership.Strong, hands-on experience working with small, delicate assemblies and high-precision processes.Excellent command of ERP systems and advanced Excel capabilities for operations analytics.Demonstrated success in team leadership, mentoring, and building strong shop floor relationships.Practical experience in capacity planning, resource scheduling, and project tracking.Familiarity with regulated environments such as medical devices or aerospace.Preferred Qualifications:Direct experience with brazing, welding, or other materials joining techniques.Working knowledge of FDA and ISO 13485 requirements.Background in AS9100 or aerospace contract manufacturing.Lean, Six Sigma, or similar training/certifications.Working Conditions:Work is performed on site in Santa Ana, CA. Office work is performed in a climate-controlled environment, but substantial time on the shop floor is required, which can be noisy and dusty, as well as warm during the summer. Proper safety equipment is provided by STC where necessary. Travel is anticipated to be a low percentage of time. STC provides proper safety equipment where necessary.Physical Demands:Work involves standing and walking for moderate periods of time, with some duties performed from a seated position. There is potential for eyestrain from reading detailed materials and computer screens. Deadlines, workloads during peak periods, and changing priorities may cause increased stress levels. Work may include occasional lifting and carrying objects or pushing/pulling carts weighing approximately 50 pounds, such as products, tools, gages, and equipment. Work normally requires finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination to operate computer keyboards at a moderate skill level. Repetitive motion injuries may occur. The company will provide adaptive devices as needed.Superior Technical Ceramics Corporation is an equal opportunity employer and offers employment opportunity to all qualified persons without regard to race, creed, color, religious belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, place of birth, physical or mental disability, or veteran status. Are you ready to join a different kind of company where our people, our culture, and our commitments are centered around providing trusted solutions that improve lives around the world?Total Rewards The compensation range for this position is $86,000.00 - $129,000.00, depending on experience. This position may be eligible for performance based bonus plan.Benefits Package Our comprehensive U.S. benefit offerings include: Health benefits, 401(k) retirement savings program with company match, PTO, and more. More information on our benefits and rewards can be found on our career page.IDEX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IDEX gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other consideration or protected category made unlawful by federal, state or local laws.Attention Applicants: If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, please let us know. Likewise, if you are limited in the ability to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, we will determine an alternate way for you to apply. Please contact our Talent Acquisition Team at View email address on click.appcast.io for assistance with an accommodation. 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