Production Supervision Manager – Aerospace Manufacturing

Santa Ana, CA | Full-Time | Exempt

Ready to Lead the Floor and Make an Impact?

Applied Aerospace & Defense is looking for a hands-on Production Supervision Manager who knows how to turn production challenges into results.

If you’re the kind of leader who enjoys being on the shop floor, developing people, solving problems, improving processes, and seeing the results of your work every day, this could be the opportunity for you.

At Applied Aerospace & Defense, we manufacture highly engineered products and complex assemblies supporting demanding aerospace, defense, and space applications.

This isn’t a desk-only management position. We need a leader who will be visible, engaged, and ready to drive Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and People.

What You’ll Own

You’ll lead day-to-day manufacturing operations and help create a high-performing production environment where employees know what’s expected, have the resources to succeed, and are held accountable for results.

You will:

Lead from the floor — coach, develop, motivate, and hold production employees accountable.

Drive daily execution to meet safety, quality, cost, and on-time delivery goals.

Manage production schedules, staffing, workflow, and changing priorities.

Identify roadblocks before they become problems and take action to keep production moving.

Partner closely with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Planning, and Operations to solve problems and improve performance.

Use production data and KPIs to identify opportunities and drive measurable improvements.

Lead continuous improvement efforts that increase efficiency, reduce waste, and improve quality.

Maintain a clean, safe, organized, and efficient manufacturing environment using 6S principles.

Drive visual management and ensure production status and priorities are clearly communicated.

Monitor production costs, labor performance, quality, and delivery performance.

Ensure employees are properly trained and qualified to perform their work.

Conduct performance evaluations and provide regular, meaningful coaching and feedback.

Address performance and employee relations issues appropriately and consistently.

Interview, select, train, and develop production talent.

Build a culture of accountability, teamwork, urgency, and continuous improvement.

What Will Make You Successful

We’re looking for someone who can balance people leadership with production execution.

You’ll be a great fit if you:

Must have 3–5+ years of Aerospace manufacturing leadership experience as a Production Supervisor, Production Manager, Manufacturing Manager, or similar leader.

Understand how a manufacturing floor operates and what it takes to hit production commitments.

Know how to lead people — not just manage schedules.

Are comfortable having difficult conversations and holding teams accountable while maintaining positive employee relationships.

Are a natural problem-solver who takes ownership and drives solutions.

Can manage multiple priorities in a fast-moving environment.

Understand manufacturing metrics and know how to turn data into action.

Communicate effectively with employees, leadership, and cross-functional partners.

Bring a strong commitment to safety, quality, customer delivery, and operational excellence.

Lead with integrity, consistency, and professionalism.

Even Better If You Have

Aerospace, defense, precision machining, or highly regulated manufacturing experience.

Experience with Epicor or another ERP/MRP system.

Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement experience.

Experience with 5S/6S and visual management.

Experience managing KPIs for safety, quality, cost, delivery, and productivity.

Why Applied Aerospace & Defense?

At Applied Aerospace & Defense, the work we do matters.

Our teams manufacture highly engineered products and complex assemblies supporting critical aerospace, defense, and space programs. We’re proud of the work we do and the talented people who make it possible.

You’ll have the opportunity to lead a skilled manufacturing team, influence how we operate, solve meaningful production challenges, and make a visible impact on the performance of our Santa Ana operation.

If you're a manufacturing leader who likes to be where the action is, build strong teams, and turn challenges into results — we want to hear from you.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

This position works in both office and manufacturing environments and requires regular presence on the production floor. The manufacturing environment may include loud noise, compressed air, operating equipment and machinery, forklift traffic, and sharp materials or tools.

Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Employment Eligibility

Legal authorization to work in the United States is required. The Company will not sponsor employment visas now or in the future for this position.

Applicants must meet applicable security requirements associated with Department of Defense work. Any offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of applicable pre-employment requirements, including a background investigation and drug screening.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Applied Aerospace & Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Compensation will depend based on experience; 110K -150K

Applied Aerospace & Defense

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