Operational Excellence Lead

Hera Technologies is a premier contract manufacturer specializing in high-precision metallic and non-metallic solutions for the Aerospace, Defense, and Space sectors. Our commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction has positioned us as an industry leader in the design, manufacturing and maintenance of thermal support systems. Our team is driven by excellence, integrity, and a passion for advancing aerospace technology.

Hera Technologies is seeking a hands-on Operational Excellence Lead to drive factory flow optimization across our production floor. This role will focus on improving end-to-end material flow, implementing ERP-driven manufacturing processes, and enhancing operational efficiency in a fast-paced aerospace manufacturing environment.

The ideal candidate brings a strong blend of lean manufacturing, systems thinking, and shop floor execution, with the ability to translate data into actionable improvements that impact throughput, cost, and on-time delivery.

• Lead factory flow optimization initiatives, including material movement, work-in-process (WIP) reduction, and production sequencing
• Support ERP system deployment and adoption on the shop floor, ensuring accurate routing, labor tracking, and transaction flow
• Analyze current-state workflows and develop future-state value stream maps to improve throughput and eliminate waste
• Design and implement facility layouts, cell configurations, and line balancing to maximize efficiency and capacity utilization
• Develop and optimize manufacturing methods, tooling, and equipment to support scalable production
• Establish and enhance visual factory systems (kanban, production boards, standard work) to improve visibility and control
• Partner cross-functionally with Production, Quality, Supply Chain, and Engineering to resolve bottlenecks and process inefficiencies
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean principles (5S, Kaizen, root cause analysis, etc.)
• Create and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and routing documentation
• Support quality and compliance efforts, ensuring processes meet aerospace standards and internal specifications
• Monitor and drive performance against KPIs such as on-time delivery, WIP levels, cycle time, schedule adherence, and cost reduction

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
• 3–7+ years of experience in manufacturing or industrial engineering, preferably within aerospace, defense, or complex manufacturing environments
• Hands-on experience with ERP systems (implementation, optimization, or shop floor integration)
• Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing principles, value stream mapping, and visual management systems
• Experience with factory layout design, process flow optimization, and line balancing
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, production data, and cost metrics to drive decisions
• Proficiency with CAD software (SolidWorks or similar) for layout and process design
• Proven problem-solving skills with the ability to identify root causes and implement sustainable solutions
• Strong communication and project management skills with a high level of ownership and accountability

• Experience in a high-mix, low-to-medium volume aerospace or defense manufacturing environment
• Exposure to PE-backed or rapidly scaling organizations, with the ability to build and standardize processes in a growth setting
• Familiarity with AS9100 quality standards and regulated manufacturing environments
• Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or higher)