Operations Manager, Huntington Beach

Overview

Element is seeking a high-impact Operations Manager for the Huntington Beach, CA lab to help lead our aerospace testing operations. As the right hand to the General Manager, you’ll be responsible for optimizing daily operations, influencing financial outcomes, driving operational efficiency, and ensuring the highest standards of safety and compliance.

 

This role is critical in delivering on complex aerospace customer expectations—where quality, precision, and turnaround are non-negotiable. You’ll lead with purpose, embrace change, and foster a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.

 

At Element, we live our purpose: Making tomorrow safer than today—and in aerospace, that means ensuring the integrity of the components that carry people and innovation into the skies.

 

Compensation: $120,000 – $140,000/year + Bonus Plan

 

Responsibilities

• Operational Excellence: Lead daily site operations to ensure throughput, quality, and customer expectations are consistently met. Drive performance across safety, delivery, and productivity metrics.
• Financial Partnership: Serve as a trusted operational advisor to the General Manager. Collaborate on budget development, monitor KPIs, and support initiatives to Revenue, enhance EBITDA and develop the team’s awareness and engagement.
• Safety Leadership: Promote a proactive safety culture and ensure adherence to company-wide safety standards. Lead incident prevention efforts and ensure compliance with regulatory and internal requirements.
• Change Management & Continuous Improvement: Lead and support change initiatives that align with business goals. Apply lean, 5S, and continuous improvement methodologies to streamline processes, reduce costs, and enhance service delivery.
• Team Leadership & Development: Directly lead department supervisors and technical staff. Provide coaching, mentorship, and performance feedback to build a high-performing, accountable team. Conduct annual reviews and support workforce development.
• Resource & Capacity Planning: Oversee daily resource allocation and long-term planning to meet fluctuating customer demands. Ensure optimal use of personnel, equipment, and materials.
• Customer & Quality Focus: Champion operational practices that deliver on customer commitments. Ensure compliance with internal Quality systems and external industry standards (e.g., ISO17025, Nadcap, etc).

Skills / Qualifications

• Bachelors Degree in a related field, such as Material Science, Engineering, Psychology or Business
• 7+ years of progressive leadership experience in operations, production, or technical services
• Strong knowledge of operational financial levers with experience supporting P&L/EBITDA improvement initiatives
• Proven ability to drive safety, quality, and productivity outcomes
• Demonstrated success leading change and continuous improvement efforts in a fast-paced environment
• Strong people leader with experience developing teams and managing performance
• Proficiency in lean manufacturing principles, 5S, and process improvement
• Excellent communication, planning, and problem-solving skills

Work Environment:

• Exposure to a fast-paced aerospace testing facility with a strong focus on safety, precision, and quality
• Frequent presence on the production/test floor alongside engineering and technical teams
• Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required in designated areas (e.g., safety glasses, hearing protection, safety footwear)
• Regular exposure to noise, mechanical parts, and industrial testing equipment
• Participation in safety meetings, training, and compliance activities is required
• Must comply with all OSHA, AS9100, and company safety standards and procedures

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged standing and walking, particularly while monitoring operations on the lab/testing floor
• Frequent movement between office and floor environments throughout the day
• Occasional sitting at a desk for administrative and reporting tasks
• Occasional lifting, carrying, or moving objects up to 25 lbs (e.g., reports, tools, small equipment)
• Bending, reaching, and climbing stairs may be required during inspections or facility walkthroughs
• Clear vision (with or without corrective lenses) to view documentation, instruments, and data systems
• Ability to communicate clearly in a noisy environment and via digital/phone platforms

 

NOTE:  This position requires access to ex