Head of Plant Operations & Capacity, Aerospace Prototyping

Job Description Head of Plant Operations & Capacity, Aerospace Prototyping — Halcyon ManufacturingLocation: San Jose, CACompensation: $125,000 – $190,000 annual potentialCan you take a $4M+ aerospace CNC prototyping shop and scale it methodically to consistent $500K+ months—while keeping quality impeccable, delivery reliable, and cash conversion healthy? If your answer is yes, let's talk.About the roleThis is a sleeves-rolled-up operational leadership role, not corporate middle management. You'll partner directly with the CEO as the operational second-in-command, installing the structure, systems, and rhythms that turn strong demand into sustainable throughput.Your first 90 days — focus areasStabilize the flow: Build a baseline capacity model; identify and remove immediate bottlenecks in QC, scheduling, programming, and workflow; protect on-time delivery.Accelerate inspection: With Quality Engineering and QC leaders, expand inspection throughput and shorten inspection cycle times while upholding AS9100.Harden the schedule: Implement load-balanced job scheduling; create tight handoffs among Production, Quality, and the Front Office; improve job costing and margin visibility.Smart expansion: Stand up strategic subcontracting partnerships; launch vendor qualification and performance tracking; align outsourcing with capacity and profitability.Manage by metrics: Establish daily/weekly KPI reviews for OTD, scrap, throughput, and margin; forecast with the CEO; allocate resources using data, not emotion.What you bringTrack record scaling operations in a $5M–$15M CNC machining, aerospace, or precision manufacturing environment.Hands-on success eliminating production bottlenecks.Depth in throughput management, WIP control, and capacity modeling.Experience in regulated manufacturing (AS9100 preferred).Technical savvy in precision CNC machining and aerospace prototyping.ERP, scheduling, and operational analytics competence.Financial literacy with a clear view of P&L and margin drivers.Calm, credible leadership and strong customer-facing communication.Bachelor's Degree preferred.Your toolkitGD Blueprint ReadingLeadership / People ManagementContinuous Improvement, Kaizen, Lean Manufacturing PrinciplesAS9100; ISO 9001 Certification ExperienceITAR ComplianceDesign for Manufacturability (DFM)High-Level Operations AnalysisERP Systems; Basic Computer SkillsExcellent Communication Skills; Contract Negotiation ExperienceExperience in a Manufacturing EnvironmentDriver's LicenseMachines & technology you'll overseeCNC Mill: 3–5 axis VMC; 3–4 axis VMC (Fanuc); 5+ axis VMC (Fanuc)CNC Lathe: 2–7 axis; 2–4 axis (Doosan); 5+ axis (Doosan)Horizontal Machining Centers: 3–4 axis (Doosan) and 5+ axisCoordinate Measuring Machine (CMM)ERP Software2D Drawings and CAD ModelsHow success looks hereRising output with on-time delivery intactInspection throughput up; cycle time down; AS9100 compliance steadyControlled WIP supporting strong cash conversionClear job costing with healthier marginsQualified, high-performing subcontractor networkRewards & trajectoryCompetitive base salary built around your impact.Performance bonus tied to sustainable revenue growth, throughput stability, margin targets, and KPI achievement.A defining role building the operating engine for Halcyon's next stage of growth.Why you'll love it hereDirect partnership with ownership in a high-growth aerospace prototyping environment.Real autonomy and decision-making authority.A capable production team ready for disciplined expansion.Ready to architect the processes that scale a proven business? Apply now.