Operations Manager, CNC Machining (Aerospace) | Covina, CA

You've built CNC operations from the floor up. You know what a well‐run aerospace shop looks like because you've created one. Now there's a chance to take the reins of a production floor with 60+ years of precision heritage, a team of high‐skill technical experts, and the backing to grow. Pave Talent is hiring on behalf of our client, an established aerospace manufacturer specializing in flight‐critical, high‐pressure valves and fluid conveyance fittings. This company supplies precision components to major aerospace and defense OEMs and has been in continuous operation for over six decades. They are part of a larger platform of precision aerospace manufacturers, and they are investing in operational leadership to match their growth trajectory. This isn't a maintenance hire. The company is actively growing headcount (adding 5 machine operators), investing in capacity, and looking for someone who can elevate the entire operation. You'll inherit a team of nearly 50 across two shifts, including seasoned machinists who know their craft inside and out. Your job in the first 90 days: earn their respect by demonstrating you understand the machines, the processes, and the standards as well as they do. The hiring manager put it simply: they need someone who can walk the floor, command respect from highly skilled technical people, and drive real operational improvement without losing the culture. You'll lead all CNC machining and assembly operations in a high‐mix, low‐volume aerospace environment.

The team on this floor is experienced. Many of these machinists have been doing precision aerospace work for years. They'll test you. If you come in swinging a clipboard and quoting lean theory without understanding their machines, you'll lose them. But if you can speak their language, understand the tolerances they hold, and show you're there to remove obstacles rather than create new ones, they'll follow you. The first 90 days matter more here than at most shops. Demonstrate solid command of the floor, understand the processes, and win over the technical experts. That's the job before the job.