Aerospace Operations Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

PPG's Aerospace Business is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to oversee the day-to-day operations of our large-scale aerospace sealants manufacturing facility. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing production processes, ensuring safety and quality standards, leading cross-functional teams, and driving operational excellence to meet business objectives. This is a fully onsite position in Mojave, California reporting to the Plant Manager.

Key Responsibilities

• Production Management

  • Oversee all manufacturing operations including mixing, blending, filling, and packaging of aerospace grade sealants

  • Develop and implement production schedules to meet customer demand and delivery commitments

  • Monitor, develop and implement strategies for improvement of production metrics including throughput, yield, quality, and efficiency

  • Coordinate with planning and supply chain teams to optimize material flow and inventory levels

  • Ensure compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs) and all quality control standards

  • Manage and lead team of production engineers and technicians

• Safety & Environmental Compliance

  • Champion safety culture and ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, and local environmental regulations

  • Lead safety initiatives and maintain excellent safety performance metrics

  • Oversee hazardous material handling and waste management programs

  • Conduct regular safety audits and implement corrective actions

  • Ensure proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety protocols

• Quality Assurance

  • Maintain product quality standards and specifications

  • Collaborate with Quality Control/Quality Assurance teams to timely resolve quality issues

  • Implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product quality

  • Ensure compliance with AS9100 standards and customer specific quality requirements across the manufacturing process

• Team Leadership & Development

  • Lead and develop a team of 50-100+ manufacturing personnel including engineers, supervisors, operators, and technicians

  • Provide coaching, mentoring, and performance management

  • Foster a culture of continuous improvement and employee engagement

  • Conduct regular team meetings and communication sessions

  • Manage staffing levels and overtime to meet production requirements

• Operational Excellence

  • Drive lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement initiatives

  • Identify and implement cost reduction opportunities

  • Optimize equipment utilization and minimize downtime

  • Lead root cause analysis and corrective action implementation

  • Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs)

• Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Partner with Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, Supply Chain, and R&D teams

  • Coordinate with Sales and Customer Service on delivery commitments

  • Support new product introductions and process improvements

  • Participate in capital project planning and implementation

Qualifications

• Only US Citizens, Green card holders, political asylees, or refugees are eligible to apply

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Operations Management, or related field

• 10+ years of manufacturing operations experience

• 5+ years of leadership experience in a manufacturing environment

• Six Sigma Black Belt or Green belt certification preferred

• Experience with chemical or aerospace materials manufacturing, exposure to sealants, coatings, paints, or similar process industries

• Experience with QAP or similar ERP systems

• #LI-ONSITE

The base salary range for this position is $175,000-$200,000, with a possibility of an annual bonus up to 20% of base salary. PPG offers comprehensive benefits such as Health, Dental, Life, Retirement Plan, Paid Vacation & Holidays, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Disability/Leave, and other Voluntary benefit offerings. Actual benefit offerings confirmed at the time of hire.

#LI-PRT1

About us: 

PPG: WE PROTECT AND BEAUTIFY THE WORLD™ 

Through leadership in innovation, sustainability and color, PPG helps customers in industrial, transportation, consumer products, and construction markets and aftermarkets to enhance more surfaces in more ways than does any other company. To learn more, visit www.ppg.com and follow @PPG on X. 

The PPG Way 2030  

We are customer champions 

Proactive. Bold. Trustworthy. Everything we do starts with our customers. We listen, move fast and don’t stop until we solve their biggest challenges. When our customers win, we all grow. 

We act with purpose and speed 

Agile. Data-driven. Empowered. We take smart risks to stay ahead of the competition. We work proactively with agility, using quality data to develop solutions that create value.  

We are excellent operators 

Productive. Collaborative. Accountable. No matter our role, we identify problems, take ownership and always bring solutions. We are both proactive and responsive to drive continuous improvement and deliver results. We support our frontline, the faces of PPG to our customers.   

We compete to win 

Future-focused. Driven. Ambitious. We are passionate about growing our business and winning with our customers. We deliver results, embrace new technologies and leverage agility and speed as strengths. 

We are PPG proud 

Strong. United. Passionate. We work safely, act with integrity and value our diverse perspectives. We celebrate achievements and take pride in the positive impact we create together to protect and beautify the world. 

At PPG we use AI in the hiring process to make the process more efficient. AI tools do not make hiring decisions. You can learn more by going to  https://careers.ppg.com/us/en/candidate-resources.  

PPG provides equal opportunity to all candidates and employees. We offer an opportunity to grow and develop your career in an environment that provides a fulfilling workplace for employees, creates an environment for continuous learning, and embraces the ideas and diversity of others. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, pregnancy, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, disability status, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.  

If you need an adjustment due to a disability, please email recruiting@ppg.com. 

PPG pay ranges and benefits can vary by location which allows us to compensate employees competitively in different geographic markets. PPG considers several factors in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, skill sets, experience and training, qualifications and education, licensure and certifications, and other organizational needs. Other incentives may apply.  
Our employee benefits programs are designed to support the health and well-being of our employees. Any insurance coverages and benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.  Benefits will be discussed with you by your recruiter during the hiring process. 

PPG values your feedback on our recruiting process. We encourage you to visit Glassdoor.com and provide feedback on the process, so that we can do better today than yesterday.