Operations Manager

Job Description

The Operations Manager is a critical leadership role responsible for the overall planning, direction, and coordination of all manufacturing operations related to Surface Mount Technology (SMT) and microelectronics packaging. This position ensures efficient, high-quality, and cost-effective production in a fast-paced, high-volume environment, adhering to stringent aerospace and defense industry standards (e.g., AS9100, IPC standards). The Operations Manager will lead a team driving continuous improvement, optimizing processes, and ensuring on-time delivery of products. This role is a key liaison between Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Program Management.

Responsibilities:

• Leadership & Team Management:
  
  • Lead, mentor, and develop a team including Production Managers, Engineers, Assembly Operators, and Test Technicians.
  • Manage performance, provide coaching, and conduct performance reviews.
  • Foster a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
  • Ensure adequate staffing levels and training to meet production demands.
• Production Planning & Execution:
  
  • Monitor production progress, identify and resolve bottlenecks, and ensure on-time delivery.
  • Manage and optimize SMT lines, including pick-and-place machines, reflow ovens, screen printers, and inspection equipment.
  • Oversee microelectronics packaging processes (e.g., wire bonding, flip chip, mold).
  • Drive efficiency improvements through lean manufacturing principles and process optimization.
• Quality & Compliance:
  
  • Ensure all manufacturing processes adhere to AS9100, IPC standards, and customer-specific requirements.
  • Work closely with the Quality team to investigate and resolve quality issues.
  • Implement and maintain robust process controls and documentation.
  • Manage and participate in internal and external audits.
• Cost Management:
  
  • Be a part of Operations budget setting and manage costs in own area.
  • Identify and implement cost reduction initiatives.
  • Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as yield, throughput, and cost per unit.
• Supply Chain Coordination: Work closely with supply chain to ensure material availability to meet production schedules and mitigate risk.
• EHS Management: Ensure a safe and compliant work environment, adhering to all environmental, health and safety regulations.

Required Education, Experience, & Skills

• Education: Bachelor's degree required. Master's degree preferred.
• Experience:
  
  • Minimum 7+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
  • Experience working in a bargaining unit environment
  • Proven experience in SMT and microelectronics packaging technologies.
  • Strong understanding of aerospace and defense industry standards (AS9100, IPC-A-610).
  • Demonstrated experience with high-volume manufacturing processes.
  • Experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES).
• Skills:
  
  • Strong leadership and team management skills.
  • Excellent problem-solving and analytical abilities.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Proficiency in Lean Manufacturing principles.
  • Knowledge of statistical process control (SPC).
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications.

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Must be able to obtain Secret security clearance.
• Experience working in a regulated aerospace and defense environment.
• Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or Black Belt).
• Project management experience.
• Experience with automated optical inspection (AOI) and X-ray inspection technologies.
• Familiarity with failure analysis techniques.
• Experience with process validation and qualification.
• Knowledge of supply chain management best practices

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $136000 - $231200

Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.

Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.

About BAE Systems Electronic Systems
BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it's what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts - defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team-making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you'll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference. Electronic Systems (ES) is the global innovator behind BAE Systems' game-changing defense and commercial electronics. Exploiting every electron, we push the limits of what is possible, giving our customers the edge and our employees opportunities to change the world. Our products and capabilities can be found everywhere - from the depths of the ocean to the far reaches of space. At our core are more than 14,000 highly talented Electronic Systems employees with the brightest minds in the industry, we make an impact - for our customers and the communities we serve.

This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.