Aerospace Operations Manager - Forging & Outsourcing Lead

The Operations Manager is responsible for planning, directing, and optimizing front-end manufacturing and outside processing operations, including raw material procurement, forging, machining, heat treatment, and non-destructive testing. This role ensures safe, efficient, and cost-effective production while meeting all customer quality and delivery requirements.

The Operations Manager provides leadership across multiple departments, drives continuous improvement initiatives, and uses performance data to enhance productivity, reduce cost, and improve throughput while maintaining compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

• Lead daily operations across forging and post-forge processing departments
• Manage outsourcing processes and vendor performance to ensure quality and delivery compliance
• Review production schedules, establish priorities, and adjust workflows to meet customer demand
• Ensure adherence to safety policies and drive a strong safety culture
• Analyze production data (scrap, labor, efficiency, cost) and implement corrective actions
• Collaborate with engineering, metallurgical, and quality teams to meet product specifications
• Develop and implement process improvements to increase efficiency and reduce waste
• Supervise, coach, and develop employees, fostering a high-performance team environment
• Monitor inventory levels and coordinate material flow to support production
• Prepare and deliver KPI reports and performance analyses
• Participate in daily production meetings and communicate operational status to leadership
• Ensure compliance with company policies, ITAR requirements, and regulatory standards
• Safety performance
• Product quality and defect rates
• Cost control and productivity
• Throughput and on-time delivery
• Employee engagement and development
• Scrap and rework reduction

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.

Minimum Experience required:

Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience in an aerospace manufacturing environment; forging or heavy industrial experience preferred.

Skills Required:

• Strong leadership and team development skills
• Ability to analyze and interpret production and financial data
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes (forging, machining, heat treatment preferred)
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making ability
• Effective communication and organizational skills
• Experience with production planning, scheduling, and inventory management
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ERP system

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

EEO

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, age, handicap, physical or mental disability, veteran status, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable state or federal laws. Absent undue hardship, Carlton Forge Works will provide reasonable accommodation for the physical or mental limitations of an otherwise qualified applicant or employee.

Physical

Job Description:

Typical

Working Conditions:

(Describe environment including exposure to heat, cold, fumes, chemicals, allergens, mold, etc.)

Manufacturing environment with frequent exposure to high heat, noise, vibration, and industrial equipment. Exposure to dust, fumes, oils, and metal particulates is common. Work is performed both in an office setting and on the production floor.

• Computers, ERP systems, and office equipment
• Industrial manufacturing machinery (indirect interaction)
• Forklifts, cranes, and material handling equipment (as needed)
• Measurement and inspection tools

• Walking the production floor for extended periods
• Standing, bending, and reaching to observe operations
• Occasional lifting of materials or equipment
• Use of computer and office equipment for reporting and communication
• Ability to…