Lead Manufacturing Operations Specialist

Your future starts here! Kick off 2026 with a career that makes a difference at Leonardo DRS in West Plains, MO. We're growing and actively hiring for multiple openings across a variety of roles. If you're motivated, ready to learn, and eager to make an impact, we want to hear from you. Explore our open positions and apply today:

The Leonardo DRS Land Systems business is a recognized leader in the design and integration of complex technologies into new and legacy systems and platforms for global military and commercial customers. We are a 5 year running Top Workplace in the Greater St. Louis area.

• Responsible for maintaining the Tooling and Fixtures records
• Ability to understand and work with Creo and Auto Cad drawing packages
• Build BOM's (Bill of Materials) for the fixtures
• Responsible for ordering all the material necessary to build each fixture
• Monitoring, receiving material and tracking the material through the process
• Working directly with the Tooling Machinists and Welders, developing the schedule and helping the department to meet those commitments
• Responsible and accountable for producing quality work to prescribed standards, with a focus on continuous improvement to meet customer commitments on schedule and within budget
• Follow written work instructions
• Work under minimal supervision on duties and tasks that are frequently non-routine, adapting procedures, techniques, tools, materials and/or equipment to meet special needs
• May perform more detailed tasks requiring deeper knowledge and experience in the specified processes and procedures
• Rely on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish assigned goals
• Able to effectively communicate with other functional departments, such as Engineering, Purchasing, Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, and Sales departments
• Resolve most questions and problems, referring only the most complex issues to higher levels
• Serve as a resource to others in the resolution of complex problems and issues
• Be a self-starter and demonstrate good decision making ability
• Must maintain a safe work environment by adhering to all safety procedures including those which govern the handling of materials, chemicals, tools, and equipment (WHMIS)
• Proper use of required PPE
• May periodically assist in orienting and training lower level employees
• May participate in LEAN Events, "Six S" activities, action teams etc.
• Support, communicate, reinforce and defend the mission, values and culture of the organization

• May assist in the supervision of the manufacturing functions across all production departments. This may include areas of: preparation of product for assembly, welding, mechanical, harness, cable, printed circuit board sub-assemblies, spray application, paint prep processes, and visual inspection of products or sub-assemblies, utilizing work instructions, models and/or drawings
• May assist technicians in interpreting work instructions
• May assist in basic troubleshooting and production related problems.
• Assist in supervising employees and coordinating production processes.
• Help ensure efficient workflows and maximum productivity.
• Monitor production activities to identify potential issues, minimize downtime and implement solutions.
• Assist in scheduling production personnel and adjusting schedules as needed.
• Help maintain and improve quality standards and ensure adherence to safety and quality standards.
• Identify inefficiencies and make recommendations for improvements.
• Communicate with supervisor, production team, and pass down information with off-shift supervision.

• High school diploma or GED with a minimum of 5 years of experience in specialty area e.g. welding, tool making
• Ability to read and understand drawings and prints
• Knowledge of Creo and Auto Cad drawing programs
• Knowledge of various material characteristics

Taking care of our people is a top priority at Leonardo DRS. We are proud to offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a company contribution to a health savings account, telemedicine, life and disability insurance, legal insurance, and a 401(k) savings plan. We champion…