Manager, Operations
Applied Composites
San Diego, CA · Posted September 22, 2026
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Where San Diego, CA ranks
Where San Diego, CA placed in our monthly rankings, month by month. Each month stays online at its own address.
November 2026
- #1Cities hosting the most business conferences in the West Coast78 conferences · of 17
- #2Cities hosting the most human resources conferences6 conferences · of 10
- #3Best cities for life sciences and biotech jobs454 openings · of 41
- #3Best cities for aerospace and defense jobs377 openings · of 67
- #3Cities hosting the most legal services conferences7 conferences · of 17
- #3Cities hosting the most staffing & human capital conferences6 conferences · of 8
Rankings about operations jobs
- Best cities for operations jobs #1 New York (1,429 openings)
- Best cities for operations pay after cost of living #1 Reston ($177k)
- Most requested AI skills in operations jobs #1 AI tools in daily work (2.5%)
- AI tools named most often in operations jobs #1 Claude (0.28%)
- Employers with the most operations jobs #1 Amazon (1,480 roles)
How AI is used in this kind of work
Among general and operations managers, AI is already used for some of the tasks. Measured exposure for general and operations managers: 14% (some).
Share of this job’s tasks that AI is already used for at work, from real usage. It is not a forecast of job loss, and a low number means no use seen yet. Source: Anthropic Economic Index.
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About the job
Applied Composites (AC) is seeking a Manager, Operations who leads and manages the day-to-day activities for our advanced composites production operations. In this role you will lead a team of technicians in a fast-paced, high-precision environment while aligning tasks with company policies and procedures. You will be responsible for ensuring safety, meeting strict on-time delivery schedules, maintaining AS9100 quality standards and driving continuous improvement.
About AC: Come and join the Applied Composites team. We are a leading provider of complex composite components, assemblies, engineering and tooling to the aerospace, defense and space system markets. Our employees are treated with respect and given the support, knowledge, and resources they need to thrive. If you are looking for a company that values and develops its employees while offering engaging work, Applied Composites may be the place for you.
Job Accountabilities:
Initiates plans and processes which minimize manufacturing costs through effective utilization of manpower, equipment, facilities, materials and capital
Ensures attainment of business objectives, and production schedules while ensuring product standards that meet or exceed our customer’s expectations
Leads the Production Team in achieving daily tasks, schedules, and goals in areas such as lay-up, vacuum bagging, cleanroom, autoclave/oven curing, winding, machining and assembly to ensure on-time delivery
Develops a world-class operations organization by providing training, coaching, and counseling, and top grading as appropriate
Confirms that resources are utilized effectively and drives improvements through Lean Manufacturing principles to eliminate bottlenecks while improving efficiency
Ensure general safety, compliance with relevant legislation, regulations and company requirements
Leads and directs work for team of employees as defined by business needs
Manages staff selection, performance, development and training processes to ensure team competencies and capabilities to reach the business goals and expectations
Tracks operations hours to budget and ensures proper staffing levels
Ensures cross-functional collaboration with Engineering, Quality Assurance, Program Management and Supply Chain to resolve issues impacting Production
Any other duties assigned, and further responsibilities as directed.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering or equivalent combination of relevant education and work experience that will allow successful performance of job expectations
Years’ Experience: 7-10 years of relevant experience, ideally in aerospace manufacturing, specifically focused on advanced composite materials
Skills :
Solid experience in production engineering, production management, or related activity, ideally in advanced composites
Experience with and advanced training in Lean manufacturing concepts and techniques with significant exposure to kanban managed supply chain
Ability to understand and interpret blueprints and engineering specifications
Ability to identify and resolve technical, operational and organizational problems
Knowledge of composite manufacturing methods, machining, and mechanical assembly.
Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
Computer proficient, including Microsoft Windows software application as well as basic understanding of Microsoft project.
Position will require interfacing and presenting to both internal and external (customers) parties
Benefits: At Applied Composites, we recognize how important your career and benefits are to you and your family. We offer a full suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability coverage, accident insurance, critical illness insurance, basic and supplemental life insurance, employee assistance plan, retirement savings and matching, tuition reimbursement and other developmental opportunities. We are committed to supporting the way you live and work.
AC is an Equal Opportunity Employer Veterans/Disabled - Affirmative Action Employer.
This position requires the use of information which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be U.S. persons within the meaning of ITAR. ITAR defines a U.S. person as a U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder'), Political Asylee, or Refugee.