Aerospace Value Stream Lead – Operations & Improvement

Crane Aerospace and Electronics has an exciting opportunity for a Value Stream Manager I at our Lynnwood, WA location.

Crane Aerospace & Electronics supplies critical systems and components to the aerospace and defense markets. You’ll find Crane Aerospace & Electronics in some of the toughest environments: from engines to landing gear; from satellites to medical implants and from missiles to unmanned aerial systems (UAS). Located in the epicenter of United States aviation manufacturing, our Lynnwood, Wash., facility delivers industry‑leading aerospace & defense power and fluid solutions.

Our products are rugged enough to fly 5 billion miles from Earth on NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft. You’ll join a group of aerospace professionals committed to engineering excellence and work in a community tucked between the idyllic Puget Sound and Cascade Mountains.

The Value Stream Manager I (VSM) is responsible for ensuring customer satisfaction by leading a cross‑functional team to execute the Annual Operating Plan, focusing on Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, Inventory, and Growth. This role is accountable for the long‑term financial performance of the Value Stream by aligning with business needs, driving growth, establishing a strategic vision for the future, and developing and executing continuous improvement roadmaps.

The VSM I plays a critical role in fostering a culture of operational excellence and continuous improvement while building a motivated and customer‑focused team.

• Collaborate with various business functions, including Order Management, Supply Chain, Scheduling, Manufacturing and Design Engineering, Quality, Finance, Program Management, and Business Unit leaders, to ensure alignment and operational success.
• Drive accountability for daily performance reporting and problem‑solving of key performance indicators (KPIs) such as safety, quality, delivery, cost, and growth.
• Champion and lead kaizen events focused on continuous improvement and productivity initiatives, supporting lean initiatives and fostering a culture of operational excellence.
• Develop and mentor associates to reach their maximum potential, building a highly skilled, motivated, and customer‑focused team.
• Participate in budget preparation and long‑range capital planning to ensure financial alignment with operational goals.
• Own, develop, and implement the continuous improvement roadmap and plan to achieve operational objectives and align with the future state vision.
• Summarize operational results and prepare presentations for executive and customer reviews, ensuring transparency and alignment with stakeholders.
• Promote and practice safe work habits in compliance with OSHA standards and Crane policies.
• Support Crane Business System (CBS) initiatives, including 5S, KPIs, Standard Work, Problem Solving, and other continuous improvement efforts as needed.
• Ensure associate safety, product quality, on‑time delivery, financial performance (operational costs), and growth planning.
• Any other tasks as assigned by the supervisor or management.

• Experience:
  
  3+ years of experience directly supporting operations
• Knowledge:
  Production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods; business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, leadership techniques, and coordination of people and resources
• Skills/Abilities:
  Strong critical thinking skills; excellent time management/sense of urgency; complex problem solving ability; good judgment and decision making skills; strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Education/Certification:
  
  Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing or related field

• BA or BS degree in Science or Business
• 2+ years of supervision experience

• Normal manufacturing environment
• Use of safety equipment such as eye safety glasses, gowning, masks, hearing protectors, heel/wrist straps and other required PPE
• May be exposed to unusual environmental conditions such as loud noises, cold temperatures, confined spaces, dust or fumes
• May require up…