Production Manager

Location: San Luis Obispo, CA US

Citizenship Required for this Position: Yes

Company Overview:

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc. (ESAero) is a growing aerospace company in the San Luis Obispo area that provides various services, which include but are not limited to rapid system development, on-demand niche engineering, hands-on development/testing, electrified aircraft propulsion expertise, and small UAS aerospace system manufacturing.

Job Summary:

ESAero is seeking a Production Manager with experience in developing and leading a production manufacturing environment to join our team in San Luis Obispo, CA. As the Production Manager you will be responsible for the development, technical management, supervision, and control of industrial production processes. Your primary focus will be on the overall design and setup of manufacturing lines and ensuring their efficiency and effectiveness in producing aerospace components and systems.

Responsibilities and Duties:

Technical Management and Supervision:

· Oversee and manage the entire production process, including planning, scheduling, and execution of manufacturing activities.

· Provide technical guidance and expertise to production teams, ensuring adherence to industry standards, specifications, and quality requirements.

· Supervise and coach production staff, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, efficiency, and quality excellence.

Production Planning and Control:

· Develop and implement production plans, schedules, and strategies to meet production targets, ensuring optimal resource utilization.

· Monitor production activities, track progress, and make necessary adjustments to ensure on-time delivery and maximize productivity.

· Implement effective production control measures to minimize waste, reduce costs, and enhance overall efficiency.

Resource Management:

· Manage and allocate resources, including personnel, equipment, and materials, to meet production demands and optimize utilization.

· Collaborate with procurement and supply chain teams to ensure the availability of materials and equipment required for uninterrupted production.

· Identify staffing requirements, recruit and train production staff, and provide ongoing coaching and performance management.

Quality Assurance and Compliance:

· Establish and enforce quality control procedures to ensure compliance with industry and company standards, regulations, and customer requirements.

· Conduct regular inspections and audits to monitor product quality, identify non-conformities, and implement corrective actions.

· Collaborate with the quality assurance team to resolve quality issues and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Health and Safety:

· Ensure compliance with occupational health and safety regulations and promote a safe working environment.

· Conduct risk assessments, implement safety protocols, and provide training to employees on safety procedures and best practices.

Required Qualifications and Skills:

· Bachelor's degree in engineering, manufacturing, or a related field.

· Proven experience as a Production Manager or in a similar manufacturing leadership role within the aerospace/DoD industry, with a minimum of 10 years of experience.

· Extensive experience in the design, setup, and optimization of manufacturing lines in an aerospace or DoD manufacturing environment.

· In-depth knowledge of aerospace manufacturing processes, technologies, and quality control standards, with a focus on overall design and setup of manufacturing lines.

· Familiarity with Department of Defense (DoD) regulations and experience in working on DoD manufacturing contracts.

· Strong understanding and practical application of AS9100, ISO9001, or similar quality management system standards.

· Strong leadership abilities with the capability to motivate and manage a diverse production team.

· Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to make informed decisions under pressure.

· Proficient in using manufacturing software, production planning tools, and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.

· Outstanding organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively.

· Effective communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.

· Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.

· Demonstrated leadership abilities, including the ability to motivate and inspire a team and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

· Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite.

Desired Qualifications and Skills:

· Master's degree in engineering, manufacturing, or a related field.

· 15 years of experience in aerospace manufacturing or related industry.

· Experience in managing manufacturing operations within the aerospace and DoD industry.

· Extensive knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and experience implementing lean methodologies in an aerospace manufacturing setting.

· Experience in implementing automation solutions to improve manufacturing efficiency.

· Proven track record of successfully leading and implementing continuous improvement projects.

· Professional certifications related to manufacturing, quality, or leadership, such as Lean Six Sigma certifications or Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

Benefits and Perks:

· Health Insurance: Several competitive plans offered with large employer contribution

· Dental, Vision, & Life Insurance: Fully covered

· Retirement: 401k with company match

· PTO & holidays

· Flexible schedule

· Year-end performance bonuses

· Casual dress code, free snacks, dog friendly office

· Amazing location to live, work, and play

Hiring Range: $95k-$180k Annually

Salary : $95,000 - $180,000