Aerospace Operations Manager

Position Overview

PPG's Aerospace Business is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to oversee the day‑to‑day operations of our large‑scale aerospace sealants manufacturing facility. The successful candidate will manage production processes, ensure safety and quality standards, lead cross‑functional teams, and drive operational excellence to meet business objectives. This is a fully onsite position in Mojave, California reporting to the Plant Manager.

• Production Management
  • Oversee all manufacturing operations including mixing, blending, filling, and packaging of aerospace grade sealants
  • Develop and implement production schedules to meet customer demand and delivery commitments
  • Monitor and improve production metrics including throughput, yield, quality, and efficiency
  • Coordinate with planning and supply chain teams to optimize material flow and inventory levels
  • Ensure compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs) and all quality control standards
  • Manage and lead a team of production engineers and technicians
• Safety & Environmental Compliance
  • Champion safety culture and ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, and local environmental regulations
  • Lead safety initiatives and maintain excellent safety performance metrics
  • Oversee hazardous material handling and waste management programs
  • Conduct regular safety audits and implement corrective actions
  • Ensure proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety protocols
• Quality Assurance
  • Maintain product quality standards and specifications
  • Collaborate with Quality Control/Quality Assurance teams to resolve quality issues promptly
  • Implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product quality
  • Ensure compliance with AS9100 standards and customer specific quality requirements across the manufacturing process
• Team Leadership & Development
  • Lead and develop a team of 50–100+ manufacturing personnel, including engineers, supervisors, operators, and technicians
  • Provide coaching, mentoring, and performance management
  • Foster a culture of continuous improvement and employee engagement
  • Conduct regular team meetings and communication sessions
  • Manage staffing levels and overtime to meet production requirements
• Operational Excellence
  • Drive lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement initiatives
  • Identify and implement cost reduction opportunities
  • Optimize equipment utilization and minimize downtime
  • Lead root cause analysis and corrective action implementation
  • Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs)
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration
  • Partner with Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, Supply Chain, and R&D teams
  • Coordinate with Sales and Customer Service on delivery commitments
  • Support new product introductions and process improvements
  • Participate in capital project planning and implementation

• Only US Citizens, Green card holders, political asylees, or refugees are eligible to apply
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Operations Management, or related field
• 10+ years of manufacturing operations experience
• 5+ years of leadership experience in a manufacturing environment
• Six Sigma Black Belt or Green Belt certification preferred
• Experience with chemical or aerospace materials manufacturing, exposure to sealants, coatings, paints, or similar process industries
• Experience with QAP or similar ERP systems

Base salary range: $175,000–$200,000, with a possibility of an annual bonus up to 20% of base salary. PPG offers comprehensive benefits such as Health, Dental, Life, Retirement Plan, Paid Vacation & Holidays, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Disability/Leave, and other voluntary benefit offerings. Actual benefit offerings are confirmed at the time of hire.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, pregnancy, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, disability status, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.

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