Aviation Operations Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Lead the Future of Defense Navigation as our Operations Manager!
Are you ready to spearhead operational excellence for the market leader in high-performance military GPS navigation? Trimble Military and Advanced Systems is looking for a strategic leader to optimize our high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environment. In this role, you will bridge the gap between cutting-edge innovation and mission-critical delivery, ensuring our technology reaches over 70 global aviation and maritime platforms while maintaining the highest standards of quality and regulatory compliance.
About Us:
Trimble is a global technology company that connects the physical and digital worlds, transforming the ways work gets done. With relentless innovation in precise positioning, modeling and data analytics, Trimble enables essential industries including construction, geospatial and transportation. Whether it's helping customers build and maintain infrastructure, design and construct buildings, optimize global supply chains or map the world, Trimble is at the forefront, driving productivity and progress.
What Makes This Role Great:
As the Operations Manager, you will hold a pivotal leadership seat, directly influencing the production of modernized GPS receivers that are essential to global security. You will have the unique opportunity to shape the operational strategy for a wholly-owned subsidiary, driving Lean and Six Sigma transformations while overseeing a complex supply chain that supports both US and international partner defense platforms.
Key Exciting Responsibilities:

• Drive operational strategy and execution by leading production, supply chain, and facilities management to meet ambitious growth targets.
• Spearhead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to optimize manufacturing efficiency and capacity.
• Build and secure a robust, compliant supply chain, managing strategic vendor relationships and complex logistics under ITAR and EAR regulations.
• Champion a culture of excellence by overseeing the Quality Management System to ensure strict adherence to AS9100, ISO 9001, and FAA standards.
• Mentor and develop a high-performing operations team, fostering an environment of safety, inclusion, and entrepreneurial spirit.

Essential Skills & Experience:

• You have 8+ years of progressive operations leadership within the defense, aerospace, or a similarly regulated high-technology sector.
• You possess deep expertise in managing AS9100 or ISO 9001 certified environments and navigating FAA compliance.
• You have a proven track record of managing complex, high-mix, low-volume manufacturing and ruggedized hardware supply chains.
• You demonstrate a strong working knowledge of government contracting standards, including ITAR, DFARS, and DCMA.
• You are a U.S. citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Bonus Points For:

• Master's degree or MBA in Engineering or Operations Management.
• Advanced certification in Six Sigma (Black Belt) or Lean manufacturing.
• Direct experience working with PAH (Production Approval Holder) entities.

Logistics:
Location: Sunnyvale, CA - (In Office)
Travel Requirement: 10%
Why You'll Love Working With Us:
At Trimble, we're not just a company that "does good"-we are a team dedicated to making a tangible, positive Real-World Impact. We build innovative solutions designed to solve the world's most critical challenges. From construction sites to transportation hubs, our work tangibly improves how people live, build, move, and grow.
You'll work on projects that truly matter: Our purpose-driven culture means you'll be helping to build and deliver solutions that make work faster, safer, and more sustainable for millions of people worldwide. Our impact is tangible, from connected machines that save fuel to data-driven insights that reduce waste.
Collaborate with like-minded people: Our strong internal culture is a "hidden gem." You will work with a collaborative, supportive team that shares your purpose and fosters a genuine sense of belonging. We're a company of "visionary pragmatists" who think boldly and build things that work.
Be an owner: Trimble thrives on individuals who take initiative and embrace ownership. You'll find an entrepreneurial spirit where success is often "self-authored," empowering proactive "doers."
Operations Manager, Manufacturing Director, Defense, Aerospace, Supply Chain, AS9100, ITAR, Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, GPS Technology, Logistics, Quality Assurance
Compensation: Trimble provides the following compensation range and general description of other compensation and benefits that it in good faith believes it might pay and/or offer for this position. This compensation range is based on a full time schedule. Trimble reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant's sex or other status protected by local, state, or federal law.
Hiring Range
$138,700.00-$190,700.00
Pay Rate Type
Salary
Bonus Eligible?
Yes
Commission Eligible?
No
Benefits: Trimble offers comprehensive core benefits that include Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability, Time off plans and retirement plans. Most of our businesses also offer tax savings plans for health, dependent care and commuter expenses as well as Paid Parental Leave and Employee Stock Purchase Plan. If this position is identified above as commission- or bonus-eligible, the terms of the commission plan or discretionary bonus plan for which you are eligible will be provided following the employee start date.
How to Apply: Please submit an online application for this position by clicking on the 'Apply Now' button located in this posting.
Application Deadline: Applications could be accepted until at least 30 days from the posting date.
At Trimble, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where everyone can thrive. Guided by our core values-Belong, Innovate, and Grow-we embrace and celebrate differences, knowing they make us stronger and more innovative. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, welcoming individuals of all backgrounds and advancing opportunities while embracing race, color, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, veteran status, or any other protected and diverse characteristic. We are committed to offering our candidates and employees with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs the ability to seek reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable law and/or where it would not constitute undue hardship for Trimble. For more, please see Trimble's Code of Business Conduct and Ethics at https://investor.trimble.com, under "Corporate Governance."
Our mission to transform the way the world works starts with transforming how we work together. By actively listening, asking questions, and taking intentional actions, we cultivate a culture that provides equitable opportunities for everyone to contribute and grow.
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If you need assistance or would like to request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please contact careers@trimble.com.