Applied Composites (AC) is seeking a Manager, Operations who leads and manages the day-to-day activities for our advanced composites production operations. In this role you will lead a team of technicians in a fast-paced, high-precision environment while aligning tasks with company policies and procedures. You will be responsible for ensuring safety, meeting strict on-time delivery schedules, maintaining AS9100 quality standards and driving continuous improvement.
About AC: Come and join the Applied Composites team. We are a leading provider of complex composite components, assemblies, engineering and tooling to the aerospace, defense and space system markets. Our employees are treated with respect and given the support, knowledge, and resources they need to thrive. If you are looking for a company that values and develops its employees while offering engaging work, Applied Composites may be the place for you.
Job Accountabilities:
- Initiates plans and processes which minimize manufacturing costs through effective utilization of manpower, equipment, facilities, materials and capital
- Ensures attainment of business objectives, and production schedules while ensuring product standards that meet or exceed our customer’s expectations
- Leads the Production Team in achieving daily tasks, schedules, and goals in areas such as lay-up, vacuum bagging, cleanroom, autoclave/oven curing, winding, machining and assembly to ensure on-time delivery
- Develops a world-class operations organization by providing training, coaching, and counseling, and top grading as appropriate
- Confirms that resources are utilized effectively and drives improvements through Lean Manufacturing principles to eliminate bottlenecks while improving efficiency
- Ensure general safety, compliance with relevant legislation, regulations and company requirements
- Leads and directs work for team of employees as defined by business needs
- Manages staff selection, performance, development and training processes to ensure team competencies and capabilities to reach the business goals and expectations
- Tracks operations hours to budget and ensures proper staffing levels
- Ensures cross-functional collaboration with Engineering, Quality Assurance, Program Management and Supply Chain to resolve issues impacting Production
- Any other duties assigned, and further responsibilities as directed.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering or equivalent combination of relevant education and work experience that will allow successful performance of job expectations
Years’ Experience: 7-10 years of relevant experience, ideally in aerospace manufacturing, specifically focused on advanced composite materials
Skills:
- Solid experience in production engineering, production management, or related activity, ideally in advanced composites
- Experience with and advanced training in Lean manufacturing concepts and techniques with significant exposure to kanban managed supply chain
- Ability to understand and interpret blueprints and engineering specifications
- Ability to identify and resolve technical, operational and organizational problems
- Knowledge of composite manufacturing methods, machining, and mechanical assembly.
- Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
- Computer proficient, including Microsoft Windows software application as well as basic understanding of Microsoft project.
- Position will require interfacing and presenting to both internal and external (customers) parties
Benefits: At Applied Composites, we recognize how important your career and benefits are to you and your family. We offer a full suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability coverage, accident insurance, critical illness insurance, basic and supplemental life insurance, employee assistance plan, retirement savings and matching, tuition reimbursement and other developmental opportunities. We are committed to supporting the way you live and work.
AC is an Equal Opportunity Employer Veterans/Disabled - Affirmative Action Employer.
This position requires the use of information which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be U.S. persons within the meaning of ITAR. ITAR defines a U.S. person as a U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder'), Political Asylee, or Refugee.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering, or equivalent relevant education and work experience
- 7–10 years of relevant experience
- Experience in production engineering, production management, or related operations
- Experience with advanced composite materials and aerospace manufacturing
- Advanced training and experience in Lean Manufacturing concepts and techniques
- Significant exposure to Kanban-managed supply chains
- Ability to interpret blueprints and engineering specifications
- Ability to identify and resolve technical, operational, and organizational problems
- Knowledge of composite manufacturing methods, machining, and mechanical assembly
- Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
- Computer proficiency with Microsoft Windows applications and basic Microsoft Project knowledge
- Ability to interface with and present to internal and external customers
- Must qualify as a U.S. person under ITAR requirements
Applied Composites Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Applied Composites and has not been reviewed or approved by Applied Composites.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and options like FSA/HSA, with disability coverage and an EAP also available. Wellness programs further contribute to overall health support.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time off includes a vacation plan, wellness days, and 10 paid holidays each year. PTO accrual increases with tenure, expanding available leave over time.
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Retirement Support — A 401(k) plan with employer matching is offered. This provides structured support for long‑term savings.
Applied Composites Insights
What We Do
Applied Composites is a leading provider of complex composite components, assemblies, engineering, and tooling to the aerospace, defense, and space systems markets. Vertically integrated with six strategic locations, we have widespread capabilities to serve expanding industry needs in many high-growth aerospace and defense platforms. Specializing in complex composite assemblies for the aerospace industry, Applied Composites has a long history of providing customer satisfaction by focusing on continuous improvement processes that help reduce time and cost. Our aerospace composite manufacturing capabilities are among the best in the industry.
