Production Manager
Karman Space & Defense
Product
Huntington Beach, CA, USA
- Huntington Beach
SUMMARY
The Production Manager will serve as a critical leadership figure responsible for overseeing all aspects of our manufacturing operations. This role requires a dynamic professional who can balance strategic planning with hands-on operational management, ensuring that production goals are met while maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety that the aerospace industry demands.
Reporting directly to the Operations Manager, you will lead a team of production personnel while collaborating closely with Quality Assurance, Engineering/Program Management, Machine Shop, Supply Chain, and Supply Chain to ensure seamless operations and customer satisfaction.
ABOUT US
Karman Space & Defense provides concept-to-production solutions for mission-critical systems on spacecraft, launch vehicles, missiles, hypersonics, and integrated defense systems. We believe that solving the industry’s most complex and mission-critical challenges requires relentless determination and a willingness to push the boundaries of possibility. Karman Space & Defense brings to bear unparalleled production capabilities, unmatched engineering expertise, and unflinching analysis to render the impossible, possible.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
- Medical, Dental, Vision
- Company Paid Life Insurance
- 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Paid Holidays
- Tuition Reimbursement*
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Set daily, weekly, and monthly objectives and communicate them clearly to team members
- Plan and prioritize workflow, assign responsibilities, and develop schedules
- Supervise, mentor, and coach Production team members
- Recruit, interview, hire, and train personnel
- Oversee the daily operations of the Production department
- Provide timely, constructive performance feedback and conduct performance evaluations
- Monitor and approve timecards and ensure compliance with company policies
- Establish performance goals, track metrics, and drive continuous improvement
- Maintain visual management tools to monitor productivity, quality, and on-time delivery
- Ensure adherence to safety standards, company policies, and regulatory requirements
- Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and high performance
- Collaborate with Engineering, Machine Shop, and Quality teams to align schedules and priorities
- Implement and maintain 5S within departments
- Collaborate with Planning/Scheduling teams to improve workflow
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Direct and oversee all daily production activities, ensuring efficient workflow and optimal resource utilization across multiple production lines
- Develop and implement production schedules that meet customer delivery requirements while maximizing equipment utilization and minimizing downtime
- Monitor production metrics including throughput, cycle times, yield rates, and on-time delivery performance, implementing corrective actions as needed
- Manage production capacity planning and coordinate with program management and engineering teams to accommodate new programs and customer requirements
- Oversee the implementation of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity and reduce waste
- Implement and maintain CUI process controls across assigned areas and ensure employees are trained and adhere to established policies and procedures
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills with keen attention to detail.
- Ability to define problems verbally and writing.
- Ability to utilize common hand and power tools.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
- Experience: Generally, 5-8+ years in aerospace manufacturing or a related, regulated industry.
- 5+ years of Supervisory/Management experience
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, or Engineering.
- Technical Knowledge: Familiarity with aerospace materials, components, or specialized manufacturing processes.
- Leadership: Strong communication skills and experience leading teams in fast-paced environments
- Must be a U.S. Citizen and hold or be able to obtain a DoD SECRET clearance.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
- To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, certain positions may require applicants to be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: Some travel required for this position.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.
Karman is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis (“protected class”) including, but not limited to race; color; religion; genetic information; national origin; sex; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; age; disability; citizenship status; uniform servicemember status; or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law. Our management is dedicated to ensuring the fulfillment of this policy with respect to hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, recruitment advertising, pay, and other forms of compensation, training, and general treatment during employment.
M-F 8am-5pm
