Senior Manufacturing Manager- Defense- Onsite Position

Senior Manager, Manufacturing- Defense-Onsite Position

We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Manager, Manufacturing at our growing facility in Santa Clarita, CA!

As our Senior Manager of Manufacturing, you will lead the end-to-end production operations of Curtiss-Wrights’ Integrated Systems business unit, ensuring quality, cost, delivery, and compliance targets are consistently achieved. This role requires a strong leader who can drive operational excellence, implement lean manufacturing practices, and maintain compliance with stringent aerospace and defense standards. The Senior Manager will collaborate with engineering, supply chain, quality, customer support and program management teams to scale manufacturing capabilities in support of growth, innovation, and customer success.

Location: Santa Clarita, CA - Onsite

Salary: $120,700.00 - $160,800.00 ​ per year plus bonus

Please note that the salary range information provided is a general guideline only, reflecting a position based in CA. Criteria such as the candidate’s qualifications and relevant experience, the scope of the specific position, as well as market and business considerations will be evaluated when extending an offer.

We Take Care of Our People

Paid Time Off I 401K with Employer Match and Profit Sharing I Health and Wellness Benefits I Learning and Development Opportunities I Referral Program I Competitive Pay I Recognition I Employee Stock Purchase Plan I Inclusive & Supportive Culture

Your Challenge

• Lead and develop a high-performing manufacturing team across multiple shifts and product lines.
• Translate corporate strategy into operational plans to meet production, delivery, and cost objectives.
• Drive continuous improvement and lean transformation across the facility.
• Support both short and long-term capacity planning to align with business growth.
• Oversee daily production performance to achieve output, yield, and on-time delivery targets.
• Implement and maintain robust production systems in compliance with AS9100, ITAR, and other regulatory requirements.
• Ensure effective use of MES/ERP systems for scheduling, traceability, and performance monitoring.
• Drive manufacturing readiness for new product introductions (NPI) in partnership with engineering.
• Ensure manufacturing processes meet or exceed aerospace and defense quality standards.
• Partner with Quality and Regulatory teams to address audit requirements, corrective actions, and customer specifications.
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and compliance throughout the facility.
• Manage departmental budgets, capital projects, and operating expenses.
• Optimize conversion costs, labor efficiency, and resource utilization.
• Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) aligned with operational and corporate goals.
• Mentor, coach, and develop team managers, supervisors and frontline leaders.
• Foster a culture of empowerment, engagement, and accountability.
• Drive workforce development initiatives, including training on advanced manufacturing methods and digital tools.

What You Bring

• Exceptional leadership, communication, and team-building skills.
• Ability to drive cultural change and operational discipline.
• Strategic thinker with a track record of delivering measurable improvements in cost, quality, and delivery.
• Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience with ERP/MES systems (SAP, Oracle, or equivalent).
• Familiarity with aerospace and defense requirements (AS9100, ITAR, Nadcap, DFARS).
• Good understanding of FAA repair station process and requirements
• Demonstrated ability to lead NPI ramp-ups into production.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Management, or related field (master’s preferred).
• 10+ years of manufacturing experience, with at least 5 years in a leadership role within aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated industries.
• Proven success in managing high-mix, low-to-medium volume electronic or mechanical assemblies.

Who We Are:

Our Values

Environmental, Social and Governance

The Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions facility in Santa Clarita, California is the center of excellence for hardware level system integration and advanced package design.
Integrated Systems in Santa Clarita prides itself on experience, expertise, and low risk solutions. Our primary focus is understanding the technical challenges our customers face and creating partnerships in order to provide a high TRL solution.

For more information visit: Santa Clarita, California | Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions (curtisswrightds.com)

No unsolicited agency submittals please.  Agency partners must be invited to participate in a search by our Talent Acquisition Team and have signed terms in place prior to any submittal.  Resumes submitted directly to any Curtiss-Wright employee or affiliate will not qualify for fee payment, and therefore become the property of Curtiss-Wright.  

Compliance Statement

This position may require exposure to export-controlled information and subject to additional security screening.  In the event information provided during the security screening reveals ineligibility to access export-controlled information, any offer of employment may be reconsidered or withdrawn. 

Curtiss-Wright is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, age, ancestry, legally protected medical condition, family care status, marital status, religion, veteran status, national origin, or any other legally protected status. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact Talent Acquisition.

For US Applicants: EEO is The Law – click here for more information.

If you require accommodation due to a disability at any time during the recruitment and/or assessment process, please contact Talent Acquisition and we will make all reasonable efforts to accommodate your request.