Senior Manager, Factory Operations – startup / new site – Phoenix, AZ

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Job Summary:

Mercury Systems is seeking a highly experienced and dynamic operations leader to serve as Sr. Manager, Factory Operations. In this role you will lead the planning, design, startup, and ongoing operations of a new factory in Phoenix, as we expand our footprint. You will be responsible for building high-performing teams, establishing processes, managing operational readiness, ensuring compliance, and delivering production capability aligned with business goals, including quality, cost, delivery, and continuous improvement.

The ideal candidate is someone who thrives in a culture where you can make an immediate impact, requiring you to adapt and pivot in a fast-paced, changing environment. This is a is a roll-up-your sleeves, hands-on people leader position.

Job Responsibilities:

• Lead all aspects of new factory build-out: facility layout, equipment selection & procurement, utilities, infrastructure, safety, and regulatory compliance
• Develop and manage the startup schedule-site preparation, hiring & training, commissioning, validation, ramps to full production
• Coordinate with engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, safety, facilities, and HR to ensure alignment and readiness
• Oversee daily factory operations: production, maintenance, quality assurance, materials handling, and continuous improvement.
• Develop, monitor, and ensure achievement of key operational metrics (KPIs): throughput, yield, on-time delivery, cost per unit, scrap/waste, equipment utilization, etc.
• Implement Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, TPM, 5S, SMED, etc., to drive efficiency, reduce waste and improve quality
• Recruit, develop, and lead a cross-functional operations team (production managers/supervisors, process engineers, quality and maintenance leads, safety personnel)
• Define roles & responsibilities; develop training programs; build culture of accountability, safety, quality, and continuous improvement
• Establish standard work, SOPs, work instructions, and workflows
• Implement appropriate ERP / MES systems for production planning, scheduling, data collection, traceability
• Ensure compliance with relevant defense / aerospace regulations and standards (e.g. AS9100), export controls, environmental, safety, and health regulations
• Collaborate with supply chain to optimize inventory levels, work-in-process (WIP) and manage program material requirements
• Develop and manage factory operations budgets; track cost drivers; identify opportunities for cost savings and margin expansion
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives; identify process bottlenecks; drive root cause analysis and corrective actions
• Report regularly to senior leadership on startup status, operational metrics, risks, and mitigation plans
• Serve as the primary operations liaison with internal stakeholders (engineering, product, quality, finance) and with external partners (vendors, contractors)

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or related field
• Ideally 10+ years in manufacturing / factory operations in high-mix / low-volume or high-complexity environments along with specific experience in setting up new manufacturing facilities (site selection, build-out, commissioning, ramp-up)
• Deep knowledge / track record implementing Lean, Six Sigma, TPM, 5S, etc.
• Strong analytical skills; ability to use metrics to drive decision making
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems (Oracle), manufacturing execution systems, ability to drive digitalization of operations
• Understanding of key manufacturing processes relevant to Mercury Systems (e.g. electronics / microelectronics, packaging, test/assembly)
• Strong people leadership-building teams, coaching, training.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence without direct authority.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certifications in Lean, Six Sigma (Green Belt / Black Belt), operational excellence preferred
• Prior experience in defense / aerospace or similarly regulated industries preferred
• Strong project management skills; experience managing large capital projects
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management; ability to articulate status, issues, risk to senior leadership
• Comfortable in high-pressure, fast-paced environments; adaptability & problem-solving mindset
• Advanced degree / Masters

Location:

• This is an on-site position in our Phoenix, AZ location.
• Enjoy every other Friday off with our 9/80 work schedule!

This position requires you to access information that is subject to U.S. export regulations. You may only access such information if you are a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. government.

Mercury Systems is a technology company that makes the world a safer, more secure place. We push processing power to the tactical edge, making the latest commercial technologies profoundly more accessible for today’s most challenging aerospace and defense missions. From silicon to system scale, Mercury enables customers to accelerate innovation and turn data into decision superiority. Headquartered in Andover, Massachusetts, Mercury employs more than 2,300 people in 24 locations worldwide. To learn more, visit mrcy.com

Our Culture

We are committed to making Mercury a great place to work, no matter where our employees are located. We offer a casual and enjoyable atmosphere that allows employees to learn and grow. We help and care for one another and work as one to achieve results for us and for our customers. We value communication and transparency, and strive to foster two-way dialogue at all levels of the organization. We are committed to lifelong learning, offering comprehensive skills training and tuition reimbursement. Whether you’re just starting out on your career journey or you are an experienced professional, it’s important to us that you feel recognized and rewarded for your contributions.

To find out more about Why Mercury?, or visit the Mercury Community or find answers to general questions at Mercury FAQs

Mercury Systems is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, creed, citizenship, disability, protected veteran or marital status.

As an equal opportunity employer, Mercury Systems is committed to a diverse workforce. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Veterans’ Readjustment Act of 1974, and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, applicants that require accommodation in the job Application process may contact the number below for assistance.

(978) 256-1300

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