Janicki Industries is an innovative, family-owned aerospace company located at the foot of the Cascades. We focus on engineering and manufacturing complex projects for companies in the aerospace, defense, and space industries. We are looking for a Director of Operational Excellence to join our growing team.

This position is located on-site in Sedro-Woolley, Washington State.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Director of Operational Excellence leads continuous improvement initiatives and drives operational efficiency across all aspects of operations. This individual will play a critical role in optimizing performance, enhancing product quality, and implementing lean manufacturing principles to support strategic business objectives and growth.

The following essential functions of the position are:

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and execute a company-wide Operational Excellence strategy aligned with business goals, customer expectations, and a culture of accountability and continuous improvement
• Lead cross-functional initiatives to improve productivity, reduce cost, enhance quality, and streamline processes across manufacturing, engineering, supply chain, and support functions
• Establish ownership for undocumented or broken processes and lead efforts to improve or redesign them for efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and quality
• Create and maintain a comprehensive documentation and SOP framework to ensure process consistency, compliance, and knowledge retention
• Design and deploy toolkits for standard work, process mapping, root cause analysis, and other continuous improvement tools
• Define and track performance metrics (KPIs), dashboards, and ROI-based reporting systems to monitor progress and impact of improvement initiatives
• Standardize best practices and drive consistent application of operational frameworks across all company sites
• Act as a change agent, influencing behaviors and mindsets of senior leaders and frontline teams to support transformation efforts
• Evaluate and implement digital tools and smart manufacturing technologies to support automation, data-driven decision-making, and operational efficiency
• Conduct site assessments and support internal audits to ensure adherence to safety, quality, and regulatory requirements (e.g., FAA, AS9100, ITAR)
  

QUALIFICATIONS

• Due to our ITAR and EAR regulations, applicants must be a US Citizen or of Legal Permanent Resident Status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b (a) (3).
• This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Secret Security Clearance (U.S. Citizenship Required).  Janicki will assist with gaining this access once employed. Special Access Program or other Government Access Requirements are mandatory for this position and requires candidate agreed to enter a Continuous Evaluation program.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Operations Management, or a related field required; Master’s degree or MBA preferred
• Minimum 10 years of experience in operational excellence, lean manufacturing, or process improvement within an aerospace or complex manufacturing environment
• Proven leadership experience in driving large-scale transformation initiatives
• Deep understanding of lean principles, value stream mapping, root cause analysis, 5S, Kaizen, and other continuous improvement tools
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and project management skills
• Excellent communication and leadership presence with the ability to influence at all levels of the organization
• Experience working in regulated industries (FAA, AS9100, ITAR compliance)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Salary range for this role is between $130,000 - $185,000, plus discretionary bonus, 401(k) matching, vacation, and health benefits. Employees can also receive additional pay for off-shifts. The range provided is Janicki’s estimate of the base compensation for this role. Actual amount offered will be based on job-related and non-discriminatory factors such as experience, location, education, training, skills, and abilities

BENEFITS

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with employer contribution
• Disability insurance as well as Life/AD&D insurance
• HSA (Health Savings Account) with employer contribution and FSA (Flexible Savings Account)
• 401k with employer matching
• Paid time off and paid holidays (including two floating holidays)
• Education reimbursement program

Not sure that you’ll be the perfect fit for this role? You should still apply! We’ll review your application for other opportunities. We are always on the lookout for talented people!

Janicki Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Janicki Industries does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, marital or familial status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, age, retaliation, veteran/military service status, or any other legally protected status.  Janicki is proud to be a military friendly employer.

Applicants or employees wishing to view a copy of Janicki Industries’ Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should notify the Human Resources Department at (360) 404-1997.

As a federal government contractor and a recipient of federal funding, Janicki is required to abide by federal drug testing requirements (including preemployment drug testing for cannabis). Additionally, because of Janicki’s work on aerospace products and the high volume of safety sensitive positions, Janicki takes the safety of its employees very seriously and requires that employees pass a preemployment drug test prior to starting employment.