Manufacturing Manager at Aviation Specialties Unlimited – Boise, Idaho

Company: Aviation Specialties Unlimited (ASU)
Employment: Full-Time, In-Person
Location: Boise, Idaho
Compensation: Competitive Pay DOE

Bring Your Skills to a Mission That Matters

At Aviation Specialties Unlimited (ASU), we support real-world aviation missions by designing and manufacturing Night Vision Imaging System (NVIS)-compatible aircraft lighting and filtration upgrades. Our products enable pilots and aircrew to safely and effectively operate with night vision goggles (NVGs) in low-light environments. These capabilities enhance situational awareness, improve safety, and help save lives during critical operations.

We are a Boise-based, mission-driven small business where size works in your favor. Leaders are close to the work and individual ownership matters. In our high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environment, your leadership directly influences delivery performance, quality outcomes, and customer trust.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Manufacturing Manager is a hands-on production leader responsible for executing daily manufacturing in a high-mix, low-volume aerospace environment with strict regulatory requirements. This role owns schedule adherence, labor efficiency, quality performance, team accountability and production metrics across FAA-PMA and TSO-approved parts. The Manufacturing Manager has authority over manufacturing personnel, approved departmental budgets, and equipment within the scope of the role.

This position is ideal for a leader who:

· Prefers the manufacturing floor to the office

· Leads through presence, clear expectations, data-driven decision-making, and consistent follow-through

· Thrives in environments with variable demand, changing priorities, and complex builds

· Uses clear metrics and visual management to drive accountability and execution

· Takes personal ownership of schedules, output, quality performance, and results

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Hands-On Manufacturing Leadership

· Execute daily manufacturing workflows across multiple part numbers, low run sizes, and changing priorities

· Ensure FAA-PMA and TSO approved parts are manufactured in accordance with TSO and PMA Quality Manuals, FAA regulations, and company policies.

· Lead day-to-day manufacturing and kitting of non-PMA or TSO parts per company drawings, specifications, and work instructions

· Track and maintain records for PMA and TSO manufactured parts; ensure timely production and compliance with documentation requirements.

· Work shoulder-to-shoulder with technicians to remove obstacles, reinforce standards, and keep quality work moving

· Ensure manufacturing activities follow approved drawings, work instructions, quality manuals, and company procedures

· Manage the manufacturing team to deliver quality products that meet or exceed customer expectations

Production Metrics & Reporting

Own and drive manufacturing performance using clear, actionable metrics, including:

· On-time delivery (commit vs. ship)

· Daily and weekly output vs. plan

· Labor utilization and efficiency

· Schedule adherence by work order

· Scrap, rework, and quality escapes

· Throughput and queue time in a high-mix environment

Responsibilities include:

· Establishing simple, visual production reporting for the team and leadership

· Reviewing metrics daily and weekly to identify risks and corrective actions

· Holding the team accountable for commitments, quality standards, and execution

· Using data, not anecdotes, to prioritize work and allocate resources

Process Improvement & Execution

· Optimize manufacturing processes to improve flow, efficiency, and cost control in low-volume, high-mix POs

· Implement and sustain lean manufacturing principles and 5S practices

· Reduce rework, scrap, and unplanned labor through root cause analysis and corrective action

· Develop, update, and maintain manufacturing SOPs and work instructions

· Partner with Engineering and Quality to resolve production issues and implement practical, floor-ready solutions

People, Equipment & Cost Ownership

· Train, coach, and develop manufacturing technicians with emphasis on:

o Cross training for flexibility

o Skill depth for complex builds

o Attendance, engagement, and reliability

· Build bench strength and succession through mentorship and skill development

· Oversee manufacturing equipment, tooling, calibration, and maintenance

· Manage labor hours, material usage, and departmental spend within budget

· Maintain a safe, organized, and professional work environment in coordination with the Safety Committee

· Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Production Operations, or related field (preferred)

· 3+ years leading hands-on manufacturing or production teams

· Demonstrated success managing high-mix, low-volume production

· Strong track record using metrics and visual management to drive performance

· Working understanding of lean manufacturing principles and process improvement

· Ability to read and interpret drawings, specifications, and work instructions

· Experience balancing schedule, labor, quality, and cost simultaneously

· Strong analytical and problem-solving skills (root cause analysis, corrective action)

· Effective written and verbal communication

· Familiarity with aviation terminology (preferred)

· Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ERP/MRP systems

· Willingness to be present on the manufacturing floor daily and actively engaged in execution

· Ability to sit or stand for extended periods and move through production areas

· Occasional limited travel

BENEFITS

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Health Savings Account (HSA) + employer match

401(k) retirement plan

Paid time off (PTO)

Paid holidays