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VP of Operations

Jobot

Santa Ana, CA

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JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$230,000–$350,000 Per Year
SKILLS
APICS Certification, AS 9100, Aerospace and Defense, Budget Management, Business Administration, Capacity Management, Composite Materials, Customer Relations, ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), Hardware Administration, Kanban, Leadership, Lean Six Sigma, Legal, Line Balancing, Machining, Machining Operations, Maintain Compliance, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Automation, Manufacturing Management, Manufacturing Operations Management, Materials Management, Mentoring, Nuclear Power Generation, Operations, Performance Metrics, Production Schedule, Quality Management, Resource Management, Supply Chain, System Integration (SI), Time Management, United States Department of Defense (DoD)
LOCATION
Santa Ana, CA
POSTED
4 days ago
VP of Operations — Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing (Machining, Composites & Complex Assembly) — $220k to $280k Base + Bonus — Santa Ana, CA / Onsite — Tier 1 Aerospace Supplier

This Jobot Job is hosted by: Billy Surch
Are you a fit? Easy Apply now by clicking the "Quick Apply" button and sending us your resume.
Salary: $230,000 - $350,000 per year

A bit about us:

Based in Santa Ana, California, we are an aerospace and defense manufacturer specializing in precision machining, composites, and complex assemblies, with a second operation in nearby Long Beach. Our flight hardware has supported DoD, space, and commercial platforms for decades, and much of it has stayed on our customers' programs since day one. We run a low-volume, high-mix build-to-print model under AS9100 and ITAR, making us one of the more capable independent suppliers in the region.

Why join us?

Base salary $220k–$280k + bonus + Equity
Medical, dental, vision, matching 401(k), and other confirmed benefits
Generous PTO, sick leave, and paid holidays
Direct report to the President and a seat on the executive leadership team
Long-standing customer programs and a stable, decades-deep backlog

Job Details

Lead and optimize all operations across machining, composites, and complex assembly, driving on-time, on-budget delivery while positioning the company for scalable, profitable growth.
Own daily operations at the Santa Ana site — capacity planning, production scheduling, and resource allocation.
Drive efficiency and cost competitiveness through Lean, Six Sigma, and advanced manufacturing.
Maintain quality and compliance with AS9100, ITAR, and DoD/MIL requirements, and serve as executive point of contact for key customers.
Lead modernization — digital manufacturing, automation, ERP/MES optimization — and evaluate make/buy strategy for supply chain resilience.
Build, mentor, and retain the operations leadership team; drive accountability through KPIs and develop future leaders.

Looking for:
BS in Engineering, Manufacturing, or Operations Management; MBA or advanced degree preferred
Director-level (or above) management in a relevant manufacturing environment; machine shop experience essential
Proven low-volume, high-mix production leadership
Deep knowledge of AS9100, ITAR, and DoD/MIL requirements
Expertise in Lean/Six Sigma (A3, Takt, Kanban, 5 Whys, poka-yoke, VSM, line balancing); Green Belt a plus

Experience in any of the following areas welcomed:
Materials management, sourcing, inventory, and demand-flow techniques
Build-to-print and custom systems/integration work
Production automation
Power generation or nuclear manufacturing
MRP/Capacity Planning certification (APICS)

Interested in hearing more? Easy Apply now by clicking the "Quick Apply" button.

Jobot is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide an inclusive work environment that celebrates diversity and all qualified candidates receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age (40 and over), disability, military status, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Jobot also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. It is Jobot’s policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws respecting consideration of unemployment status in making hiring decisions.

Sometimes Jobot is required to perform background checks with your authorization. Jobot will consider qualified candidates with criminal histories in a manner consistent with any applicable federal, state, or local law regarding criminal backgrounds, including but not limited to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring and the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

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About the Company

J

Jobot

Jobot is on a mission to connect good people with good jobs. By combining AI-powered technology with the expertise of Jobot Pros, our experienced recruiters, we help you find career opportunities that align with your goals and values.

Founded in 2018 and employee-owned since 2024, Jobot is committed to fostering a culture of kindness, respect, innovation, and connection.  As an industry leader, we’ve been recognized as a top workplace by Forbes, Fortune, USA Today, and Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA).

Ready to find a good job? Create your profile today at Jobot.com 🤖

COMPANY SIZE
100 to 499 employees
INDUSTRY
Staffing/Employment Agencies
FOUNDED
2018
WEBSITE
http://www.jobot.com