Operational Excellence Specialist

Hera Technologies is seeking a dedicated, hands-on OPEX Specialist (Operational Excellence Specialist) to support factory flow optimization and drive continuous improvement across our manufacturing facility. Reporting to the Operational Excellence Lead, this role serves as an engineering engine to advance our site’s continuous improvement (CI) strategy, directly supporting our mission to deliver superior quality, high-precision aerospace solutions on time while fostering a culture grounded in operational excellence, integrity, safety, and teamwork.

The ideal candidate brings a solid foundation in industrial or manufacturing engineering principles, practical knowledge of the Toyota Production System (TPS), and a true passion for shop-floor execution. You will spend significant time on the floor conducting time and motion studies, validating process maturity, gathering data, and authoring standard work that drives throughput, quality, cost reduction, and continuous value for our customers.

Key Responsibilities

• Time & Motion Studies: Conduct rigorous time studies, cycle time evaluations, and process observations to establish accurate baseline metrics, track labor routing, and identify production bottlenecks.
• Standard Work Development: Author, optimize, and maintain highly detailed Standard Work, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and work instructions, ensuring they promote strict quality compliance, repeatability, and operator safety.
• Site CI Deployment & Process Maturity: Serve as a shop-floor focal for Hera’s continuous improvement initiatives. Assist in conducting process analysis, shop-floor evaluations, and workflow validations to identify waste, improve throughput, and elevate site-wide process maturity.
• Kaizen & Root-Cause Problem Solving: Act as a tactical driver for Kaizen events, CI workshops, and root-cause problem solving initiatives (DMAIC / 8D / 5-Why). Perform comprehensive pre-event data collection, analyze current state workflows, and execute ground-level implementations.
• TPS & Lean Application: Apply core principles of the Toyota Production System (TPS) daily to identify and eliminate waste in processes, cellular layout configurations, and manufacturing methods.
• Visual Factory & 5S Culture: Support the physical rollout and daily maintenance of visual management systems (kanban, production tracking boards) and strictly enforce 5S methodologies across all production work centers to maintain a clean, organized, and safe workplace.
• Data Analytics & Productivity Tracking: Meticulously collect, validate, and analyze operational data (routing, labor tracking, yield) to support project selection, root-cause analysis, and project validation. Assist in tracking and reporting out site productivity project funnels to leadership.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Frontline Coaching: Partner closely with operators, Production, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to ensure smooth rollouts of new standards. Coach frontline employees in basic CI methodologies to strengthen overall site competency, build trust, and drive a proactive continuous improvement culture

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering field.
• Experience: 1-4 years of practical experience in a continuous improvement, manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering, or operational excellence role.
• Methodologies: Solid understanding of Toyota Production System (TPS) principles, Kaizen methodologies, and foundational Lean tools (Value Stream Mapping, 5S, DMAIC).
• Technical Skills: Hands-on experience performing Time & Motion Studies, authoring comprehensive Standard Work, and utilizing process mapping to identify process waste and automation opportunities.
• Analytical Mindset: High attention to detail when collecting, validating, and interpreting shop-floor data, with a strong personal commitment to quality and accountability. Proficient in MS Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
• Boots-on-the-Ground Operational Approach: Willingness and desire to spend most of the workday on the production floor observing processes, listening to frontline feedback, and executing practical solutions.
• Communication & Teamwork: Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams, engage operators constructively, and align with Hera’s collaborative culture.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a high-mix, low-to-medium volume aerospace or defense manufacturing environment
• Familiarity with AS9100 quality standards and regulated manufacturing environments
• Exposure to ERP systems and shop floor data integration
• Lean Six Sigma certification (Yellow or Green Belt)

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to work overtime (weekdays or weekends)
• Ability to use a computer for submitting reports and tracking work orders
• Ability to maintain a clean environment
• Ability to work at heights using a ladder or scissor lift
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50lbs.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the shift.
• Ability to bend, stoop, and kneel.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required. Management may modify or assign additional duties as needed.

Job Details

Salary Range: $80,000 to $100,000

Type: Full Time

Business Hours: Core Business Hours

Reports to: Operational Excellence Lead

FLSA Classifications: Salary (Exempt)