Senior Operations Manager
Stellant Systems · Torrance, CA
- Level
- Manager
- Team
- Production
- Base pay
- $165k–$185k
- Degree
- Required
- Experience asked
- 10+ years
- Certification
- Black Belt preferred
- Industry
- Aerospace & defense
- Posted
- Recently
The role in 30 seconds
A management production role at Stellant Systems (aerospace & defense) in Torrance, CA. Ensure a healthy and safe working environment and comply with federal and state regulations through collaboration with environmental, health and safety staff.
- They ask for
- 10+ years · degree required · Black Belt preferred
- Tools it names
- Lean, Six Sigma, Black Belt, Root cause, FMEA, DOE
- Base pay
- $165k–$185k
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of November 9, 2026
Production Engineer roles in California: typical posted base $131k–$180k. This one lists $165k–$185k.
Median of the low and high ends of 66 live postings that list pay, out of 151 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 150 other live production postings in California.
- Base pay
- About 19% above similar roles
- Experience asked
- More than usual (10+ vs 5+)
Typical $121k–$174k, from 54 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- New product launch 38%
- ✓ Lean 32%
- ✓ Root cause 30%
- Automation 25%
- Team leadership 23%
- Python 22%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
Stands out: this posting asks for Black Belt, FMEA, DOE, Power BI / Tableau, 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 Stellant Systems
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find 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.
- 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- The posting mentions a Black Belt. Does the company sponsor certification?
- 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: Stellant Systems in Torrance
7 other open roles at this site.
- Quality Engineer · Quality
- Equipment Engineer · Manufacturing
- Manufacturing Engineer · Manufacturing
- Manufacturing Engineer 2nd Shift · Manufacturing
- Materials & Process Engineer · Process
- Production Supervisor · Production · Supervisor
Full description from Stellant SystemsAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
responsibilities
of developing people, leading a high-performing team, ramping up a microelectronics production line and driving continuous and sustainable improvement in operating metrics (safety, quality, delivery, cost and lead time) within the manufacturing factory. Results will be accomplished utilizing a data driven approach to achieve process standardization and the application of lean manufacturing and operations methodologies. This role interfaces cross-functionally across the Stellant Systems organization and will coordinate with Program Management, Finance, Mission Assurance/Quality, Supply Chain, Production Planning, Manufacturing Engineering and Test Engineering functions.
The ideal candidate will have an RF and microelectronics background. They will be a passionate, lean transformation champion with demonstrated success in driving transformation (both process and culture) and the ability to train the team while simultaneously driving quantifiable improvement in operating metrics.
Responsibilities
- ◆Operational Planning & Strategy:
- ◆Translate operations goals into actionable daily production plans and long-term production team roadmaps.
- ◆Meet production area annual operation plan targets.
- ◆Lead Manufacturing/Operations processes to ensure tools, processes, and staff are aligned to business needs.
- ◆Develop Manufacturing/Process Technology roadmap and required capital planning.
- ◆Support pursuits and proposals in the business, including review, approval and the generation of production schedules.
- ◆Communicate production strategies broadly to expedite adoption and institutionalization of best practices.
- ◆Collaborate with executive leadership to develop and meet operations goals while supplying expertise and guidance on operations projects and systems.
- ◆Leadership:
- ◆Manage and mentor an operations team while building a culture that supports workforce engagement, retention and efficiency improvements.
- ◆Develop cross-functional and team relationships that support a “one team” approach to execution.
- ◆Serve as key leader of a manufacturing team providing leadership, strategy, and execution of day-to-day operations.
- ◆Establish and maintain an effective and clearly defined training plan for area(s) of responsibility.
- ◆Provide strong communication and presentation skills. Deliver progress and production reports to executive team members routinely and as requested.
- ◆Continuous Improvement and Process Optimization:
- ◆Implement Lean Six Sigma methodologies to identify/reduce bottlenecks, eliminate waste, and continuously improve workflows utilizing KPIs and visual management.
- ◆Analyze metrics and drive root cause / corrective actions to address any operational performance gaps.
- ◆Develop and execute productivity improvement plans.
- ◆Financial Performance:
- ◆Achieve program labor budgets for product lines under responsibility.
- ◆Develop and drive cost improvement plans.
- ◆Improve quality metrics that result in cost savings for the affected programs.
- ◆Compliance & Quality Control:
- ◆Ensure a healthy and safe working environment and comply with federal and state regulations through collaboration with environmental, health and safety staff.
- ◆Ensure production areas maintain high quality standards.
Qualifications
- ✓Undergraduate degree is required (Engineering, Operations Management or Business is preferred).
- ✓A Master’s degree in similar pursuits is an advantage.
- ✓10+ years of progressive experience in operations management, supply chain, or manufacturing with emphasis on RF passive, active and microelectronics products.
- ✓Strong business acumen and understanding of the P&L and balance sheet while exhibiting an ownership mindset supportive of the company’s growth initiatives.
- ✓Experience with high-reliability assembly processes for highly engineered products.
- ✓Possess a working knowledge of the cultural issues impacting lean implementation and demonstrated success in overcoming these issues.
- ✓Experience deploying new production lines and establishing product line-based flow lines.
- ✓Experience in applying best practice FMEA/DFMA/DTC methodologies.
- ✓Experience in lean manufacturing implementation - Six Sigma Green/Black Belt Certification a plus.
- ✓Demonstrated computer skills: MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Project.
requirements
for passive and active devices
- ✓Experience in DC, RF, and environmental test processes.
- ✓Background in the development/LRIP manufacturing efforts is preferred.
- ✓Proficiency in ERP systems, data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI), and project management software.
- ✓Demonstrated ability to successfully manage multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining high quality and focus on the details.
- ✓The ability to work in a fast-moving environment under tight schedules and coordinate multiple tasks effective
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
Overview
Job Title: Senior Operations Manager
Job Location: Torrance, CA Salary: $165,000-$185,000/yr DOE
Stellant Systems, a premier manufacturer of critical power amplification products where our technologies and products are unparalleled in the industry. We specialize in the manufacture of microwave devices for ground-based, airborne and satellite communications, industrial and medical equipment, and radar; we are the only U.S. supplier of space-qualified Traveling Wave Tube and Traveling Wave Tube Amplifiers. We combine cutting-edge technology with world-class engineering teams to deliver innovative solutions.
The Senior Operations Manager is a key high-level leader responsible for overseeing daily activities, optimizing organizational processes, and driving strategic initiatives to ensure efficiency and profitability.
This role will provide hands-on leadership to the manufacturing team within a high-energy, customer- and mission-focused environment. Focus will be on the primary
Additional Preferred Skills
- +Experience leading within a union facility.
- +A background in IPC and MIL STD’s
