Head of Manufacturing

At Heart Aerospace we develop the ES-30, a regional hybrid-electric airplane with a capacity of 30 passengers, an electric zero-emission range of 200 km and an extended hybrid range of 400 km. Heart is targeting type certification of the ES-30 by the end of the decade.

Your mission

We are seeking a strategic, hands-on Head of Manufacturing to lead the launch and operational development of a new, high-performance aerospace machine shop based in Torrance, CA.

This individual will be responsible for building the manufacturing function from the ground up—laying the physical, procedural, and digital foundations necessary to support high-precision aerospace production. The ideal candidate is deeply experienced in machining, lean operations, and team leadership, and thrives in fast-paced, build-from-scratch environments.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Factory Setup & Planning

• Lead all aspects of machine shop setup, including equipment specification, procurement, and installation.
• Design and implement an efficient, scalable factory floor layout to optimize material flow and productivity.
• Source and organize all required tools, toolboxes, workstations, and consumables for the shop environment.

Operations Systems Development

• Select and implement an appropriate MRP/ERP system to support production, inventory, scheduling, and traceability needs for all of production.
• Establish and oversee inventory management practices for raw materials, WIP, and finished goods.
• Develop and maintain production scheduling systems, work intake forms, job travelers, and job tracking processes.
• Implement and maintain structured 5S and lean manufacturing principles across the machine shop, helping other departments implement best practices as well.

Manufacturing Process & Quality

• Define and standardize core manufacturing processes, including work instructions, in-process inspection, and rework procedures.
• Develop and uphold robust EHS (Environmental, Health & Safety) procedures and ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, and local regulations.
• Establish standards and procedures to support AS9100 certification and ongoing compliance.
• Support Design for Manufacturability (DFM) reviews for machined components to ensure efficient and cost-effective production.
• Collaborate with Engineering teams to define and maintain a make vs. buy strategy for machined parts.
• Assist in identifying, qualifying, and managing machined component suppliers, including audits and ongoing sourcing support.

Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Hire, train, and lead a growing machine shop team, including machinists, leads, and support personnel.
• Foster a high-performance culture of accountability, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Partner with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Program Management to ensure seamless integration between design and manufacturing.

Performance Optimization & Scaling

• Define and track KPIs such as scrap rate, throughput, downtime, and on-time delivery.
• Drive root cause analysis, corrective/preventive actions, and continuous improvement projects.
• Support capacity planning, automation integration, and process scaling initiatives as production ramps.

Skills & Requirements

You'll Bring These Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• 10+ years of experience in aerospace or precision machining environments, with 5+ years in manufacturing leadership roles.
• Proven success building or scaling machine shops or manufacturing operations from the ground up.
• Expertise in CNC machining, tooling systems, GD&T, and tight-tolerance aerospace components.
• Experience supporting DFM efforts, developing make/buy strategies, and working with external machine shops.
• Deep familiarity with AS9100, ITAR, and other aerospace manufacturing compliance standards.
• Excellent leadership, project management, and cross-functional communication skills.

These Qualifications Would Be Nice to Have:

• Experience in aircraft or aerospace manufacturing.
• Familiarity with composites, precision machining, or complex assembly lines.
• Strong background in MRP/ERP system selection and implementation.
• CAD literacy (for layout planning and production aids).
• OSHA or safety training certifications.

Your place of work will be at our office located in El Segundo, CA. Some domestic travel may be required.