VP of Operations

VP of Operations — Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing (Machining, Composites & Complex Assembly) — $220k to $280k Base + Bonus — Santa Ana, CA / Onsite — Tier 1 Aerospace Supplier This Jobot Job is hosted by: Billy Surch Are you a fit? Easy Apply now by clicking the "Quick Apply" button and sending us your resume. Salary: $230,000 - $350,000 per year A bit about us: Based in Santa Ana, California, we are an aerospace and defense manufacturer specializing in precision machining, composites, and complex assemblies, with a second operation in nearby Long Beach. Our flight hardware has supported DoD, space, and commercial platforms for decades, and much of it has stayed on our customers' programs since day one. We run a low-volume, high-mix build-to-print model under AS9100 and ITAR, making us one of the more capable independent suppliers in the region. Why join us? Base salary $220k–$280k + bonus + Equity Medical, dental, vision, matching 401(k), and other confirmed benefits Generous PTO, sick leave, and paid holidays Direct report to the President and a seat on the executive leadership team Long-standing customer programs and a stable, decades-deep backlog Job Details Lead and optimize all operations across machining, composites, and complex assembly, driving on-time, on-budget delivery while positioning the company for scalable, profitable growth. Own daily operations at the Santa Ana site — capacity planning, production scheduling, and resource allocation. Drive efficiency and cost competitiveness through Lean, Six Sigma, and advanced manufacturing. Maintain quality and compliance with AS9100, ITAR, and DoD/MIL requirements, and serve as executive point of contact for key customers. Lead modernization — digital manufacturing, automation, ERP/MES optimization — and evaluate make/buy strategy for supply chain resilience. Build, mentor, and retain the operations leadership team; drive accountability through KPIs and develop future leaders. Looking for: BS in Engineering, Manufacturing, or Operations Management; MBA or advanced degree preferred Director-level (or above) management in a relevant manufacturing environment; machine shop experience essential Proven low-volume, high-mix production leadership Deep knowledge of AS9100, ITAR, and DoD/MIL requirements Expertise in Lean/Six Sigma (A3, Takt, Kanban, 5 Whys, poka-yoke, VSM, line balancing); Green Belt a plus Experience in any of the following areas welcomed: Materials management, sourcing, inventory, and demand-flow techniques Build-to-print and custom systems/integration work Production automation Power generation or nuclear manufacturing MRP/Capacity Planning certification (APICS) Interested in hearing more? Easy Apply now by clicking the "Quick Apply" button. Jobot is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide an inclusive work environment that celebrates diversity and all qualified candidates receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age (40 and over), disability, military status, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Jobot also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. It is Jobot’s policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws respecting consideration of unemployment status in making hiring decisions. Sometimes Jobot is required to perform background checks with your authorization. Jobot will consider qualified candidates with criminal histories in a manner consistent with any applicable federal, state, or local law regarding criminal backgrounds, including but not limited to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring and the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. Information collected and processed as part of your Jobot candidate profile, and any job applications, resumes, or other information you choose to submit is subject to Jobot's Privacy Policy, as well as the Jobot California Worker Privacy Notice and Jobot Notice Regarding Automated Employment Decision Tools which are available at jobot.com/legal. By applying for this job, you agree to receive calls, AI-generated calls, text messages, or emails from Jobot, and/or its agents and contracted partners. Frequency varies for text messages. Message and data rates may apply. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. You can reply STOP to cancel and HELP for help. You can access our privacy policy here: jobot.com/privacy-policy