Continuous Improvement Lead (Manufacturing)

RTC Aerospace is a 60-year-old aerospace manufacturer of complex, high-tolerance, difficult-to-machine parts. We have 3 facilities across the nation bringing exceptional cellular manufacturing capabilities and unique engineered solutions to our clients’ designed products. We are a company driven by ambitious individuals, working together to become an industry leader in lean-cell manufacturing. Come be a part of something exceptional at RTC Aerospace! 

How You’ll Make an Impact 

The Operational Excellence (OpEx) Leader will be responsible for leading and executing various operational excellence activities to enhance efficiency and productivity across RTC Aerospace Divisions. This role involves implementing Lean principles, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to eliminate operational wastes.

What you’ll be doing as a(n) Operational Excellence Lead:

• Working a Full-time, onsite position at our Chatsworth, California location.
• Collaborate with Management, Supervisors, and Leads to create and execute improvement roadmaps aimed at reducing waste in manufacturing, office, and administrative processes.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce costs and lead-time.
• Cultivate positive relationships within the OpEx function, Kaizen teams, and throughout the organization.
• Train employees at all levels to facilitate successful OpEx behaviors and develop necessary skills.
• Develop and deliver Lean Manufacturing training materials, providing direction, education, and support across various functions such as Supply Chain, Operations, Quality, HR, and Engineering.
• Act as the divisional representative for corporate lean activities and contribute to the development of implementation plans and budgets for lean operations.
• Analyze relevant data (WIP, labor productivity, rework, inventory, etc.) to identify strategic OpEx opportunities and implement solutions.
• Foster an OpEx business culture supporting overall business objectives and goals, addressing cost, quality, process, schedule, and people-related issues.
• Prepare, execute, revise, and measure the progress of continuous improvement plans.
• Obtain critical resources for lean transformation and develop the lean knowledge of employees throughout the organization.
• Ensure compliance with safety procedures, housekeeping, and Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) requirements.
• Responsible for continuous improvement activities, such us kaizen, layout, SMED, etc., in order to improve productivity of the operation.
• Duties may be modified or assigned at any time to meet the needs of the business.

Minimum Requirements:

• Demonstrated leadership ability, business acumen and results-driven mindset.
• Ability to work as a team, deliver results, and make decisions that support company objectives and policies. 
• Team-player with a can-do attitude.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills. 
• Works safely and as part of a high performing team. 

Preferred Requirements: 

• Bachelor’s Degree (preferably in Engineering, Business, or Industrial Technology).
• 5-7 years of experience in manufacturing operations or equivalent education and experience with demonstrated progression of responsibilities. 
• Proficiency in Continuous Improvement/Lean principles (e.g., Value Stream Mapping, 5S, Safety, Standard Work, etc.).
• Expertise in driving continuous improvement activities, lean manufacturing, six sigma principles. 
• Experience in a complex manufacturing environment, specifically CNC Machining. 
• Background in aerospace manufacturing operations is preferred.
• Strong project leadership and diverse team management skills.
• Ability to influence individuals across different cultures, disciplines, and locations.
• Proficiency in business analysis metrics and change management.
• Excellent problem-solving and team collaboration skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

Physical Demands: 

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to do the following:

• Ability to lift or move up to 50lbs.
• Reach forward, up, down and to the side in order to move equipment.
• Continuous standing and walking throughout the workday.
• Ability to reach w