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Senior Manufacturing Operations Manager

Howmet Aerospace · Fullerton, CA

Level
Manager
Team
Production
Base pay
$170k–$210k
Degree
Required
Experience asked
5+ years
Industry
Aerospace & defense
Posted
Today

The role in 30 seconds

A management production role at Howmet Aerospace (aerospace & defense) in Fullerton, CA. Maintains a customer focus (quality and on-time delivery are priorities.) Directs and supervises activities of Production Supervisors, leads and operators.

They ask for
5+ years · degree required
Tools it names
Lean
Base pay
$170k–$210k
Day to day
some off-shift / weekend coverage

Read from the posting. The full description is below.

From the plant jobs report · week of November 2, 2026

Production Engineer roles in California: typical posted base $125k–$175k. This one lists $170k–$210k.

Median of the low and high ends of 60 live postings that list pay, out of 141 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 140 other live production postings in California.

Base pay
About 33% above similar roles

Typical $116k–$170k, from 48 postings that list pay.

Experience asked
Typical (5+ years)

Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.

Skills these teams ask for most

  • New product launch 37%
  • ✓ Lean 30%
  • Root cause 28%
  • ✓ Team leadership 26%
  • Automation 26%
  • Python 21%

✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.

It asks for 5+ years. If you're close, apply anyway: requirements are a wish list. Talk to someone doing this work there first.

At a glance

Off-shift / weekend coveragePromotion path mentioned

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. 1

    Pick 2–3 people on the Production team at Howmet Aerospace

    We found 1 person at this company and state: 1 in this kind of role. Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. See them ↓

  2. 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 Howard → (free)
  3. 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. 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. 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: Howmet Aerospace in Fullerton

9 other open roles at this site · 1 person we found in production roles at Howmet Aerospace.

All 10 roles at Howmet Aerospace →
Full description from Howmet AerospaceAs posted on their careers site.Show

Job Summary

Howmet Fastening Systems (HFS) is seeking a Senior Manufacturing Operations Manager in our Fullerton, California location.

Responsible for directing manufacturing teams in obtaining efficient operation of the manufacturing activities. Maintains a customer focus (quality and on-time delivery are priorities.) Directs and supervises activities of Production Supervisors, leads and operators. Leads by example a commitment to employee involvement, participative management, and continuous improvement.

Job

Responsibilities

  • ◆Direct production teams in the manufacturing of product to meet customer quality and on-time delivery needs.
  • ◆Supervise work teams and individuals in the areas of personnel actions in compliance with company policies.
  • ◆Schedule/ approve overtime, vacations and other personnel administrative requests.
  • ◆Manage Key Performance Indicators (KPI's) and other reporting on daily basis to drive performance in all assigned areas.
  • ◆Coach teams in their continuous improvement efforts. Creates a departmental cross training matrix and mentors assigned personnel.
  • ◆Deploys team members to both strategically and tactically engage in cross functional problem solving to improve production efficiencies and product quality.
  • ◆Ensures the organization accomplishes Safety, Quality, Schedule, and Cost performance objectives. When misses occur, develops a credible recovery plan with team.
  • ◆Establish procedures by which the teams/ operators perform preventative maintenance activities.
  • ◆Establish procedures for shop floor housekeeping.
  • ◆Prepare daily production reports and forms.
  • ◆Review daily demand, production capacity and constraints, optimize production schedules, and manage the workflow through shop.
  • ◆Work in a safe manner that promotes the health and well-being of the individual and the environment.
  • ◆Review performance against plans and budgets monthly. Assure compliance with plans and budgets.
  • ◆Provide input into the capital budgets. Monitor project performance and expenditures.
  • ◆Prepare capital appropriation requests, as required. Review and approve capital appropriation requests.
  • ◆Ensure that all work activities are performed in accordance with established safety and environmental standards.
  • ◆Coordinate with Supply Chain for procurement or required tools and MRO, and planning delivery schedules to meet delivery schedules, quality standards while reducing overall lead time and cost.
  • ◆Coordinate with Engineering and Quality Control to determine cause of rejected product and to resolve discrepancies in manufacture processes.
  • ◆Maintain full compliance with Company policies and procedures and conducts all activities in accordance with the Howmet Guide to Business Conduct.
  • ◆Demonstrate a knowledge of, and commitment to, ABS manufacturing principles and techniques.
  • ◆Keeps work area and equipment clean, safe and in an orderly fashion on a daily basis.
  • ◆Performs other tasks of equal or lesser skill as required.

Basic

Qualifications

  • ✓Minimum Eight (8) years of experience in Aerospace manufacturing work environment, which has provided a working knowledge of lean manufacturing and rapid improvement techniques.
  • ✓Bachelor's Degree from accredited institution
  • ✓Proficient with computer systems and programs (MS-Word, MS-Excel, MS-PowerPoint, querying databases, ERP systems. etc.)
  • ✓Minimum of 5 years as a demonstrated operations leader
  • ✓Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Preferred Qualifications

  • ✓Prefer the Bachelor’s Degree emphasis is in Engineering or Business specialization
  • ✓Experience working in a complex manufacturing facility preferred
  • ✓Experience in the Fastener manufacturing industry preferred

The position includes competitive wages and a comprehensive benefits package available day one of hire, including health insurance (medical, dental, vision), excellent 401k matching program, paid holidays and vacation. Howmet Aerospace curates a strong working environment through opportunities for career progression, community engagement activities, and flexible schedules contingent upon role and location. The salary range for this position is $170,000- $210,000.

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Our Story

Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE: HWM), headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a leading global provider of advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries. Our primary businesses focus on jet engine components, aerospace fastening systems, titanium structural parts and forged wheels. With $8.3 Billion in revenue in 2025, our products play a crucial role in enabling fuel efficiency and lightweighting, contributing to our customers’ success and making a positive impact on

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