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.
Key Responsibilities
- 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
Required Qualifications
- 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
Preferred Qualifications
- 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)