Manufacturing Operations Manager || CNC Aerospace Precision Shop || Covina CA ##

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.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.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.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.Lead and optimize daily CNC machining and assembly operations in a high-mix, low-volume aerospace environmentLead daily GEMBA walks and contribute to weekly production and 360 meetingsManage a 48-person team including discipline, vacation and OT approvals, and performanceOwn safety, environmental, and regulatory compliance (NADCAP and AS9100 standards)Oversee production planning, scheduling, and resource allocation across multi-axis machining centers and assemblyMaintain data integrity in Epicor ERP and ensure production travelers are currentImplement lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiativesManage tooling, machine preventive maintenance, and uptime across the floorCollaborate with engineering, quality, sales, and supply chain to meet customer commitmentsThis 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.7+ years of CNC machining experience with hands-on floor background3+ years in aerospace operations leadership (AS9100 or NADCAP environment strongly preferred)Strong understanding of GD&T, blueprint reading, and CNC programming fundamentalsERP/MRP proficiency; Epicor preferredMust reside within 20 miles of Covina, CASix Sigma, Lean, or PMP certificationBachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or related fieldExperience growing a team during a period of production expansion???????? ????????????: $95,000 to $125,000 (experience dependent; flexibility above range for the right candidate)??????????: 15% annual target based on company performance metrics (company has exceeded targets every year under current leadership)????????????????: Monday through Thursday, 5:00 AM to 3:30 PM (four-day work week)??????: Negotiable for manager-level hires; can start at 80 hours in year one????????????????: Medical, dental, vision, and 401(k)????????????????: 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.