Senior Operations Manager

Stellant Systems is a premier manufacturer of critical power amplification products, specializing in microwave devices for ground-based, airborne, and satellite communications, industrial and medical equipment, and radar. We are the only U.S. supplier of space-qualified Traveling Wave Tube and Traveling Wave Tube Amplifiers, combining cutting-edge technology with world-class engineering teams to deliver innovative solutions.

About the role

The Senior Operations Manager is a key high-level leader responsible for overseeing daily activities, optimizing organizational processes, and driving strategic initiatives to ensure efficiency and profitability. This role provides hands-on leadership to the manufacturing team within a high-energy, customer- and mission-focused environment, focusing on developing people, leading a high-performing team, ramping up a microelectronics production line, and driving continuous improvement in operating metrics (safety, quality, delivery, cost, and lead time). The role interfaces cross-functionally across the organization, coordinating with Program Management, Finance, Mission Assurance/Quality, Supply Chain, Production Planning, Manufacturing Engineering, and Test Engineering functions.

Responsibilities

• Translate operations goals into actionable daily production plans and long-term production team roadmaps; meet production area annual operation plan targets.
• Lead Manufacturing/Operations processes to ensure tools, processes, and staff are aligned to business needs; develop Manufacturing/Process Technology roadmap and required capital planning.
• Support pursuits and proposals, including review, approval, and generation of production schedules.
• Communicate production strategies broadly to expedite adoption and institutionalization of best practices.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to develop and meet operations goals while supplying expertise and guidance on operations projects and systems.
• Manage and mentor an operations team while building a culture that supports workforce engagement, retention, and efficiency improvements.
• Develop cross-functional and team relationships that support a “one team” approach to execution.
• Serve as key leader of a manufacturing team, providing leadership, strategy, and execution of day-to-day operations.
• Establish and maintain an effective and clearly defined training plan for area(s) of responsibility.
• Deliver progress and production reports to executive team members routinely and as requested.
• Implement Lean Six Sigma methodologies to identify/reduce bottlenecks, eliminate waste, and continuously improve workflows utilizing KPIs and visual management.
• Analyze metrics and drive root cause/corrective actions to address any operational performance gaps; develop and execute productivity improvement plans.
• Achieve program labor budgets for product lines under responsibility; develop and drive cost improvement plans.
• Improve quality metrics that result in cost savings for the affected programs.
• Ensure a healthy and safe working environment and comply with federal and state regulations through collaboration with environmental, health, and safety staff.
• Ensure production areas maintain high quality standards.

Requirements

• Undergraduate degree required (Engineering, Operations Management, or Business preferred). A Master’s degree is an advantage.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in operations management, supply chain, or manufacturing with emphasis on RF passive, active, and microelectronics products.
• Strong business acumen and understanding of the P&L and balance sheet while exhibiting an ownership mindset supportive of the company’s growth initiatives.
• Experience with high-reliability assembly processes for highly engineered products.
• Working knowledge of the cultural issues impacting lean implementation and demonstrated success in overcoming these issues.
• Experience deploying new production lines and establishing product line-based flow lines.
• Experience in applying best practice FMEA/DFMA/DTC methodologies.
• Experience in lean manufacturing implementation; Six Sigma Green/Black Belt Certification a plus.
• Demonstrated computer skills: MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Project.

Preferred Skills

• Experience leading within a union facility.
• Background in IPC and MIL STD’s requirements for passive and active devices.
• Experience in DC, RF, and environmental test processes.
• Background in the development/LRIP manufacturing efforts.
• Proficiency in ERP systems, data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI), and project management software.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully manage multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining high quality and focus on details.
• Ability to work in a fast-moving environment under tight schedules and coordinate multiple tasks effectively.

Pay

$165,000–$185,000/yr, depending on experience.

Career Progression

The successful candidate will be afforded long-term career opportunities within Stellant Systems based upon performance in the role.