Aerospace Manufacturing Lead

Job Summary:

The Aerospace Manufacturing Lead is responsible for leading the day-to-day operations of aerospace composite manufacturing activities, including lay-up, vacuum bagging, autoclave processing, trimming, inspection preparation, and related production processes. This position serves as the technical and operational leader for aerospace manufacturing personnel and is responsible for ensuring products are manufactured safely, efficiently, and in compliance with customer, regulatory, and quality requirements.

The Aerospace Manufacturing Lead plays a key role in supporting the startup, qualification, and ongoing operation of GP&C's aerospace manufacturing capabilities and will assist in developing work instructions, training personnel, implementing best practices, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. The Aerospace Manufacturing Lead is responsible for directing the daily activities of Cutting Table Operator, Lay-Up Technician, and Autoclave Operator roles and ensuring production schedules, quality requirements, and operational objectives are achieved.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Lead daily aerospace manufacturing activities, including lay-up, vacuum bagging, curing, autoclave operations, trimming, and assembly activities.
• Direct the daily activities of the Cutting Table Operator, Lay-Up Technician, and Autoclave Operator.
• Assign work, establish priorities, and monitor productivity to ensure production schedules and customer requirements are met.
• Coordinate workflow between cutting, lay-up, curing, autoclave processing, trimming, and inspection activities.
• Monitor staffing and production requirements and communicate resource needs to Aerospace Leadership.
• Provide hands-on leadership, technical guidance, and daily direction to aerospace manufacturing personnel.
• Train, coach, mentor, and evaluate personnel to ensure compliance with manufacturing procedures, quality standards, and safety requirements.
• Assist with startup, qualification, installation, and operational readiness activities for the aerospace lay-up cell, cutting table, autoclave, and supporting equipment.
• Support the development and implementation of manufacturing processes, production controls, work instructions, and training programs during startup activities.
• Ensure compliance with all aerospace manufacturing procedures, quality standards, customer specifications, and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate production activities to support customer delivery schedules and program milestones.
• Support process qualification, validation, and first article activities.
• Assist Engineering and Quality teams with process development, troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and corrective actions.
• Develop, maintain, and improve manufacturing work instructions, process documentation, and standard operating procedures.
• Train, coach, and mentor aerospace manufacturing personnel on proper manufacturing techniques, quality requirements, safety practices, and process controls.
• Verify personnel competency and readiness before performing critical aerospace manufacturing operations independently.
• Monitor production performance, throughput, quality metrics, and schedule attainment; identify improvement opportunities and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Ensure production targets, customer delivery commitments, and quality objectives are achieved.
• Support material control, tooling readiness, and equipment maintenance activities.
• Ensure compliance with AS9100, customer, safety, environmental, and company requirements.
• Participate in audits, customer visits, and qualification activities as required.
• Promote a culture of safety, quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Adhere to safety, environmental, and quality system requirements
• Adhere to all safety protocols, including PPE usage and handling hazardous materials (resins)
• Adhere to all safety regulations and Foreign Object Debris (FOD) prevention policies

Qualifications & Experience:

• Education:
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate degree in Manufacturing Technology, Engineering Technology, Aerospace Technology, or related field preferred.

• Experience:
• Minimum 5 years of composite manufacturing experience required.
• Minimum 2 years of leadership, lead, trainer, or supervisory experience required.
• Aerospace composites manufacturing experience strongly preferred.
• Experience with autoclave operations, vacuum bagging, and process documentation preferred.

• Skills:
• Strong knowledge of composite manufacturing processes, including hand lay-up, vacuum bagging, curing, and autoclave operations.
• Understanding of aerospace quality systems and manufacturing requirements.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, work instructions, and technical documents.
• Knowledge of composite materials, tooling, and aerospace manufacturing best practices.
• Ability to coordinate and prioritize multiple manufacturing activities simultaneously.
• Ability to lead and develop manufacturing personnel in a team-oriented environment.
• Working knowledge of production scheduling, workforce coordination, and manufacturing workflow management.

• Personal Attributes:
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to train and develop manufacturing personnel.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to lead teams in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated leadership and decision-making ability.
• Ability to effectively communicate with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, and Leadership teams.
• Strong sense of accountability and ownership for production results.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Familiarity with AS9100 quality systems preferred.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment:

• Manufacturing environment with exposure to machinery, tools, composite materials, chemicals, heat, noise, and personal protective equipment requirements.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, lift, and perform hands-on manufacturing activities for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Occasional overtime and weekend work may be required based on business needs.
• Must be a U.S. Person (Resident Alien or US Citizen) under 22 CFR 120 (due to ITAR Restrictions).

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder) as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. 1158, Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the company’s immigration sponsorship now or in the future. GP&C will not offer immigration sponsorship for this position. GP&C will not seek an export authorization for this role.

QHSE Responsibilities:

At GP&C, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of Quality, Health, Safety, and Environmental responsibility in all aspects of our operations. We believe that the well-being of our employees, the quality of our products/services, and our environmental stewardship are integral to our success. We expect all employees to adhere to our QHSE protocols and actively participate in contributing to our growing QHSE culture as well as taking pride in their work and continuously seek ways to improve processes and deliverables.