You've spent years running production floors. You know the machines, you can read a blueprint, and your team respects you because you've done the work yourself. Now there's a seat at the table to lead a 48-person aerospace precision machining operation, with full ownership of the floor and a general manager who wants you to succeed.
𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗣𝗔𝗡𝗬
Pave Talent is hiring on behalf of our client, a 60+ year precision aerospace manufacturer in Covina, CA. The company produces flight-critical hydraulic and pneumatic fittings and valves for customers in the commercial aerospace and defense sectors. AS9100 and NADCAP certified. Four-day, ten-hour work week, Monday through Thursday.
𝗖𝗔𝗥𝗘𝗘𝗥 𝗢𝗣𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗬
This isn't a corporate ops role with four layers between you and the shop floor. You report directly to the General Manager and own daily operations for a 48-person team, including machinists, assemblers, deburrers, and department leads. If you want real authority, clear accountability, and a chance to build something that lasts, this is it.
𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗢𝗣𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗬
You'll lead a team of 38 direct labor and 10 indirect reports across first and second shift. The company runs multi-axis CNC machining centers and a dedicated assembly department producing high-mix, low-volume precision components. You'll have a mandate to improve machine utilization, tighten scheduling, and build a culture of accountability on the floor.
The first 90 days: demonstrate solid command of the shop, learn the processes, and win over the high-skill technical experts who have been there for years.
𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗬𝗢𝗨'𝗟𝗟 𝗢𝗪𝗡
- Lead and optimize daily CNC machining and assembly operations in a high-mix, low-volume aerospace environment
- Lead daily GEMBA walks and contribute to weekly production and 360 meetings
- Manage a 48-person team including discipline, vacation and OT approvals, and performance
- Own safety, environmental, and regulatory compliance (NADCAP and AS9100 standards)
- Oversee production planning, scheduling, and resource allocation across multi-axis machining centers and assembly
- Maintain data integrity in Epicor ERP and ensure production travelers are current
- Implement lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives
- Manage tooling, machine preventive maintenance, and uptime across the floor
- Collaborate with engineering, quality, sales, and supply chain to meet customer commitments
𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗟 𝗧𝗔𝗟𝗞
This is a hands-on role. The leadership team values technical knowledge and will assess it. You need to be comfortable on the floor every day, not managing from a desk. The shop runs a 5:00 AM start (Mon-Thu), and second shift coverage is occasionally needed. If you thrive in a high-accountability environment where the work is visible and the impact is immediate, this will feel like home.
𝗤𝗨𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦
𝗥𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱:
- 7+ years of CNC machining experience with hands-on floor background
- 3+ years in aerospace operations leadership (AS9100 or NADCAP environment strongly preferred)
- Strong understanding of GD&T, blueprint reading, and CNC programming fundamentals
- ERP/MRP proficiency; Epicor preferred
- Must reside within 20 miles of Covina, CA
𝗕𝗼𝗻𝘂𝘀 𝗣𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁𝘀:
- Six Sigma, Lean, or PMP certification
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field
- Experience growing a team during a period of production expansion
𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗦𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗕𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗙𝗜𝗧𝗦
𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘆: $95,000 to $125,000 (experience dependent; flexibility above range for the right candidate)
𝗕𝗼𝗻𝘂𝘀: 15% annual target based on company performance metrics (company has exceeded targets every year under current leadership)
𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗹𝗲: Monday through Thursday, 5:00 AM to 3:30 PM (four-day work week)
𝗣𝗧𝗢: Negotiable for manager-level hires; can start at 80 hours in year one
𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀: Medical, dental, vision, and 401(k)
𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Covina, CA (San Gabriel Valley; accessible from Pomona, West Covina, Glendora, Azusa, and surrounding communities)
Apply via LinkedIn and we'll reach out to schedule a conversation. Confidential search; your application is fully private.
𝗣𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁 | 𝗛𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗥𝗲𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗱