Director of Operations

Q Microwave, a leader in the precision RF manufacturing, design and manufacture of cutting-edge military and defense microwave solutions, is seeking a  Director of Operations to join our entrepreneurial, collaborative, and fast-paced team located in El Cajon, CA. Q Microwave is recognized for its advanced capabilities in RF filtering and custom RF subassemblies—technologies that require deep technical knowledge and a passion for precision. Our fully vertically integrated facility in San Diego enables close collaboration between design and manufacturing, ensuring unmatched quality and performance in RF product development. As a part of Amphenol’s global network of over 130 business units, Q Microwave operates with the technical focus and agility of a specialized design center while leveraging the strength, stability, and resources of one of the world’s largest interconnect solution providers.

As a Director of Operations, you will play a critical role in manufacturing cutting-edge RF and microwave subassemblies for mission-critical military and aerospace radar and communications systems. Your responsibilities will encompass overall operational performance and oversee aspects of its day-to-day operation across multiple plants.  You will be responsible for manufacturing interconnect products and direct activities so that these products are delivered on schedule while meeting the quality standards and cost requirements of the company.  You will develop performance goals and long-term operational plans, including setting strategic actions to support business objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and oversee the company’s strategy related to purchasing, sourcing, supply chain, planning, assembly, and manufacturing to ensure growth of products and/or programs that will maximize output and minimize costs.
• Implement and monitor goals and targets, track progress, and overcome obstacles to support and meet business objectives and key initiatives (revenue, cost, margin, expense, profit).
• Lead, direct, and manage staff in manufacturing locations in San Diego, and expansion across the nation.
• Build and maintain relationships with all functional department heads, sister divisions, and suppliers to make decisions regarding operational activity and strategic goals in support of customers and revenue.
• Plan, monitor, and analyze key metrics for the day-to-day performance of the operations including, but not limited to, on-time delivery, labor productivity, inventory turns, scrap, quality, and safety.
• Seek and identify opportunities for improvements, propose actions to be taken, and promote productivity and efficiency through lean manufacturing methodologies and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Identify, qualify, and implement lower cost suppliers overseas and domestically and understand and negotiate supplier agreements and contracts.
• Participate in new product development process ensuring that products meet the customer requirements, are launched in a timely manner and at the required cost.
• Motivate employees, foster departmental cooperation and communication, observe and promote company policies and procedures. 
• Travel required at least 15% to visit other plant locations and suppliers.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Advise on cost reduction or high-performance techniques.
• Help establish new and efficient design procedures.
• Provide technical guidance and mentor team members.

What We're Looking For:

Minimum:

• At least 8 years of experience working in manufacturing environment, preferably in the military and aerospace industry
• At least 8 years of experience managing and supervising diverse staff
• Experience with outsourcing or offshoring of manufacturing operations
• Experience in Manufacturing Electronic and/or RF Equipment
• Ability to travel internationally
• Ability to understand commercial, quality and technical requirements
• Understanding of Quality Systems and Standards (ISO:9000 and/or AS9100)
• Excellent organizational and oral communication skills
• Proficient in MS Office suite – strong Excel skills (pivot tables, graphs, charts)
• Knowledge of various ERP systems and their functionalities
• Fluent in English
• This position requires access to technology, materials, software or hardware that is controlled by US export laws. In order to be eligible for this position, you must be a “US Person” under US export laws (or eligible for approval under a U.S. Government export license).
• Ability to obtain and maintain security clearance.

Preferred:

• Ten (10) to Twelve (12+) years experience.
• Active Security Clearance.
• Professional proficiency in Spanish
• Excellent technical communication, documentation, and organizational skills.

Benefits

• 401(k) matching 
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance