Operations Manager - Composite Manufacturing in White Salmon

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Job DescriptionJob DescriptionDescription:

Innovative Composite Engineering is nestled in the breathtaking Columbia River Gorge, invites you to embark on an extraordinary journey where work and paradise converge. Only an hour east of Portland, Oregon, this is your chance to live in a dream destination while working with state-of-the-art technology.

Imagine life surrounded by nature's wonders, a haven for outdoor enthusiasts seeking thrilling adventures in hiking, biking, windsurfing, kiting, hydro-foiling, camping, skiing, rafting, kayaking, and more. At Innovative Composite Engineering, our unique 4/10's schedule ensures an enviable work/life balance, allowing you to fully embrace paradise while engaging in cutting -edge manufacturing.

Benefits:

Medical, Dental, and vision Insurance

Aflac Supplemental Insurance

PTO after 1 year

401k

Bonus Eligible

Primary Purpose of Position:

Responsible for day-to-day operational leadership of Innovative Composite Engineering’s manufacturing activities, with an emphasis on high-performance composite part and assembly production using prepreg materials. This role integrates production, supply chain, maintenance, facilities, and quality execution. The Director of Operations drives operational excellence, employee development, and strategic readiness for growth in aerospace, defense, and other high-spec markets.

Requirements:

Essential Functions:

1. Key Responsibilities

Manufacturing Operations

• Lead daily manufacturing operations, including scheduling, throughput, and WIP management.
• Ensure composite manufacturing processes meet quality, performance, and efficiency standards (prepreg layup, curing, trimming, bonding, finishing).
• Oversee safe and reliable operation of equipment and facilities, coordinating maintenance and capital planning.
• Partner with Engineering, Quality, and Program Management to ensure smooth transition from R&D to production.

Supply Chain & Materials

• Own raw material flow, inventory control, supplier coordination, and outsourcing logistics.
• Ensure traceability and shelf-life compliance for prepreg and other controlled materials.

Workforce & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop production supervisors, technicians, and support staff.
• Promote cross-training, accountability, and high-performance team behavior.
• Reinforce Innovative Composite Engineering's values of innovation, collaboration, and excellence through leadership example.

Continuous Improvement

• Champion Lean manufacturing, 5S, visual factory, and standard work.
• Develop and implement KPIs to monitor productivity, quality, cost, and delivery.
• Identify bottlenecks, lead root cause investigations, and implement sustainable improvements.

Cross-functional Collaboration

• Serve as the operational voice in new product introduction, quoting, and strategic planning.
• Collaborate with Sales, Engineering, Quality, and Finance to align production capacity with customer requirements.
• Support regulatory and certification requirements, including NADCAP, AS9100, and customer audits.

Required Qualifications

• 7+ years in a manufacturing leadership role in aerospace or advanced composites
• Demonstrated expertise in prepreg composite fabrication: layup, cure cycles, trimming, bonding, and finishing
• Working knowledge of machining operations, inspection techniques (including FAI and dimensional metrology), and quality management systems
• Experience managing or coordinating supply chain, maintenance, and facilities functions
• Strong command of Lean principles, production planning tools, and ERP systems
• Proven ability to lead teams through growth, change, and performance challenges

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, Operations, or related field
• Hands-on knowledge of AS9100, NADCAP, or equivalent aerospace standards
• Experience scaling composite manufacturing operations for prototype and production volumes
• Background in both build-to-print and build-to-spec programs
• Other duties as assigned

Any combination of the experience, education, training, and requirements listed above which provides an equivalent background to perform the work of this position may be considered by management.

Working Conditions:

This position includes the ability to perform those activities to complete the essential functions of the job, either with or without reasonable accommodation. The position includes continuous and/or frequent talking, repetitive motions of hand/wrists, hearing and handling. Mental activities performed by the employee in this position include decision making, interpersonal skills, supervisory skills, teamwork, creativity, customer service, mentoring, use of discretion, presentations/teaching, problem analysis, negotiation, and the ability to perform math and to read, write, speak, and understand English. Physical activities may include standing, walking, stooping, twisting, climbing, balancing, kneeling, bending, crawling, reaching, grasping, fingering, repetitive motions of hands and wrists, sitting, hearing, and lifting/pushing/pulling or carrying objects up to 50 pounds. Work is primarily indoors in an office environment or in a manufacturing facility.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skills typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive list of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload.

Innovative Composite Engineering is an equal opportunity employer. Per ITAR regulations applicants must provide evidence of US Person status by completing a U.S. Export Control Compliance Verification form at reception. US laws and regulations prohibit the unauthorized export of restricted technology to non-US persons. A US Passport is the most common document used, but not the only type accepted. Once determined, the documentation will be kept on file at Innovative Composite Engineering .

“This position must meet compliance requirements, a US person is required. US person includes, US , lawful permanent , refugee or asylee. “

Innovative Composite Engineering is a drug and tobacco free workplace.

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