Operations Manager
Crane · Burbank, CA
- Level
- Manager
- Team
- Production
- Base pay
- $168k–$205k
- Degree
- Required
- Experience asked
- 7+ years
- Industry
- Aerospace & defense
- Posted
- Today
The role in 30 seconds
A management production role at Crane (aerospace & defense) in Burbank, CA. Sustain a safe workplace through the establishment and support of Company policy.
- They ask for
- 7+ years · degree required
- Tools it names
- Lean, Kaizen, Value stream mapping
- Base pay
- $168k–$205k
- Day to day
- some off-shift / weekend coverage
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of October 26, 2026
Production Engineer roles in California: typical posted base $125k–$177k. This one lists $168k–$205k.
Median of the low and high ends of 49 live postings that list pay, out of 127 production engineer openings in California, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
California plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 126 other live production postings in California.
- Base pay
- About 29% above similar roles
- Experience asked
- More than usual (7+ vs 6+)
Typical $119k–$170k, from 39 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 6+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- New product launch 38%
- ✓ Lean 32%
- Root cause 28%
- Automation 27%
- ✓ Team leadership 24%
- Python 21%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
Stands out: this posting asks for Kaizen, Value stream mapping, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Production team at Crane
We found 2 people at this company and state: 2 in this kind of role. Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. See them ↓
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
Write to Robert → (free) - 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- How does off-shift and weekend coverage work?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
This plant: Crane in Burbank
8 other open roles at this site · 2 people we found in production roles at Crane.
- Quality Specialist – Mechanical Inspection (First Shift) · Quality · Technician
- Maintenance Mechanic (Temporary/Contract) · Reliability · Technician
- Manufacturing Engineer III · Manufacturing · Senior
- Production Supervisor I · Production · Supervisor
- Quality Engineer-1 · Quality
- Supplier Quality Manager · Quality · Manager
Full description from CraneAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Job Summary
The Operations Manager plans and directs all aspects of assigned Value Streams and is accountable for the assigned Value Stream’s performance and commitments to the customer with respect to safety, quality, delivery and cost. The Operations Manager works cooperatively with other functional leaders and managers to optimize the entire value stream in the eyes of the customer and is relentless in the pursuit of continuous improvement.
Essential Functions
- ◆Continually supervise staff to ensure internal and external customer demands are met
- ◆Direct the manufacturing of products of the highest quality at the lowest possible cost
- ◆Work and manage cross-functionally to exceed customer
requirements
- ✓Drive continuous improvement through the implementation of the Crane Business System; Lead kaizen events; Communicate best practices within the Crane organization; Design, develop, and implement the kaizen roadmap; Track team's achievement of Standard Work
- ✓Develop and hire a skilled, technically proficient, and motivated customer-focused team
- ✓Sustain a safe workplace through the establishment and support of Company policy
- ✓Create and execute data driven action plans to improve standard work and performance
- ✓Clearly define roles, responsibilities, and expectations and coach, advise, and encourage to build and maintain a highly effective and cohesive team that functions smoothly
- ✓Inspire subordinates to achieve excellence
- ✓Provide job-relevant learning, developmental experiences, and feedback to enhance individual performance
- ✓Any other task assigned by supervisor or management
Qualifications
- ✓Experience : 7+ years of experience in a manufacturing role focused on continuous process improvement and lean manufacturing; 3+ years of experience managing a value stream or multiple value streams
- ✓Knowledge : Advanced/expert knowledge of continuous improvement including systems and tools; Strong business acumen
- ✓Skills/Abilities : Demonstrated ability to manage one or more Value Streams with cross-functional direct reporting (manufacture engineering, supply chain, facilities, etc.); Strong customer orientation; Demonstrated advanced/expert skills in employee development, team building, project management and communication (written and verbal)
- ✓Education/Certification : BA or BS degree in Engineering or related field
Preferred Qualifications
- ✓Master’s level degree
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
Crane Aerospace and Electronics has an exciting opportunity for an Operations Manager at our Burbank, CA location.
About Crane
Crane Aerospace & Electronics supplies critical systems and components to the aerospace and defense markets. You’ll find Crane Aerospace & Electronics in some of the toughest environments: from engines to landing gear; from satellites to medical implants and from missiles to unmanned aerial systems (UAS).
Every 1.2 seconds, product built at our Crane Aerospace & Electronics Burbank facility is stopping aircraft – delivering passengers and military personnel safely to their destination. Home to our Landing & Cabin Systems team, Crane A&E’s brake control systems and premium cabin actuation solutions are flying on tens of thousands of aircraft throughout the world. You’ll join a business with a long track record of engineering excellence, set in the wonderful town of Burbank filled with great community atmosphere, schools, weather and no shortage of entertainment.
Start the next chapter of your career with Crane Aerospace & Electronics!
Working Conditions
- •Working conditions are normal for a manufacturing environment
- •Manufacturing operations may require the use of safety equipment to include but not limited to: eye safety glasses, gowning, masks, hearing protectors, heel/wrist straps and any other required PPE
- •May be exposed to unusual environmental conditions such as loud noises, cold temperatures, confined spaces, dust or fumes
- •Requires approximately 20% travel to support customers
Standing: 10% *percentage is approximate and may vary depending on work task
Sitting: 90% *percentage is approximate and may vary depending on work task
Lifting (in pounds): up to 20 pounds
Pushing (in pounds): up to 20 pounds
Mental/Visual: use of computer, calculator, filing cabinets.
Workspace: cubicle/desk
As a team member at Crane Aerospace and Electronics, you’ll enjoy
o Benefits: Health care, dental, vision, life and disability insurance starting the first day of the month following your start date.
o Time Off: 15 days of paid time off that start accruing your first day at Crane plus 12 paid holidays per year.
o 401k Retirement Plan: 401k plan with company match.
o Education Reimbursement: eligible after 6 months of employment.
You can see a list of our benefits at https://www.craneae.com/company/careers or visit our website at www.CraneAE.com for more information on our company and great opportunities.
We are committed to operational excellence and world class processes. We employ Lean manufacturing techniques to optimize manufacturing efficiency and accuracy on all product lines. Our products are known for their technical strength, proven reliability and overall value.
In our efforts to maintain a safe and drug-free workplace, Crane Aerospace & Electronics requires that candidates complete a satisfactory background check. FAA sensitive positions require employees to participate in a random drug test pool.
This description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work being performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, respon