Aerospace Manufacturing Lead

Lead the day-to-day operations of aerospace composite manufacturing, including lay-up, vacuum bagging, autoclave processing, trimming, inspection preparation, and related production processes. Ensure products are manufactured safely, efficiently, and in compliance with customer, regulatory, and quality requirements. Support startup, qualification, and ongoing operation of aerospace manufacturing capabilities, including developing work instructions, training personnel, implementing best practices, and driving continuous improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily aerospace manufacturing activities, including lay-up, vacuum bagging, curing, autoclave operations, trimming, and assembly.
• Direct the daily activities of Cutting Table Operator, Lay-Up Technician, and Autoclave Operator; assign work, establish priorities, and monitor productivity to meet production schedules and customer requirements.
• Coordinate workflow between cutting, lay-up, curing, autoclave processing, trimming, and inspection activities.
• Monitor staffing and production requirements; communicate resource needs to Aerospace Leadership.
• Provide hands-on leadership, technical guidance, and daily direction to aerospace manufacturing personnel.
• Train, coach, mentor, and evaluate personnel to ensure compliance with manufacturing procedures, quality standards, and safety requirements.
• Assist with startup, qualification, installation, and operational readiness activities for aerospace lay-up cell, cutting table, autoclave, and supporting equipment.
• Support development and implementation of manufacturing processes, production controls, work instructions, and training programs during startup activities.
• Ensure compliance with aerospace manufacturing procedures, quality standards, customer specifications, and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate production activities to support customer delivery schedules and program milestones.
• Support process qualification, validation, and first article activities.
• Assist Engineering and Quality teams with process development, troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and corrective actions.
• Develop, maintain, and improve manufacturing work instructions, process documentation, and standard operating procedures.
• Train, coach, and mentor aerospace manufacturing personnel on proper manufacturing techniques, quality requirements, safety practices, and process controls.
• Verify personnel competency and readiness before performing critical aerospace manufacturing operations independently.
• Monitor production performance, throughput, quality metrics, and schedule attainment; identify improvement opportunities and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure production targets, customer delivery commitments, and quality objectives are achieved.
• Support material control, tooling readiness, and equipment maintenance activities.
• Ensure compliance with AS9100, customer, safety, environmental, and company requirements.
• Participate in audits, customer visits, and qualification activities as required.
• Promote a culture of safety, quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Adhere to safety, environmental, and quality system requirements, including PPE usage and handling hazardous materials (resins).
• Adhere to all safety regulations and Foreign Object Debris (FOD) prevention policies.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required; Associate degree in Manufacturing Technology, Engineering Technology, Aerospace Technology, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of composite manufacturing experience.
• Minimum 2 years of leadership, lead, trainer, or supervisory experience.
• Aerospace composites manufacturing experience strongly preferred.
• Experience with autoclave operations, vacuum bagging, and process documentation preferred.

Skills

• Strong knowledge of composite manufacturing processes, including hand lay-up, vacuum bagging, curing, and autoclave operations.
• Understanding of aerospace quality systems and manufacturing requirements.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, work instructions, and technical documents.
• Knowledge of composite materials, tooling, and aerospace manufacturing best practices.
• Ability to coordinate and prioritize multiple manufacturing activities simultaneously.
• Ability to lead and develop manufacturing personnel in a team-oriented environment.
• Working knowledge of production scheduling, workforce coordination, and manufacturing workflow management.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to lead teams in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated leadership and decision-making ability.
• Ability to effectively communicate with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, and Leadership teams.
• Strong sense of accountability and ownership for production results.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Familiarity with AS9100 quality systems preferred.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Manufacturing environment with exposure to machinery, tools, composite materials, chemicals, heat, noise, and personal protective equipment requirements.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, lift, and perform hands-on manufacturing activities for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Occasional overtime and weekend work may be required based on business needs.

Must be a U.S. Person (Resident Alien or US Citizen) under 22 CFR 120 (due to ITAR Restrictions). Applicant must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, Refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157, or Asylee under 8 U.S.C. 1158. Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without company immigration sponsorship now or in the future.