Manufacturing Innovation & Readiness Manager

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Job Title:

Manufacturing Innovation & Readiness Manager

Reporting To:

GM, SLC Site Missiles

Work Schedule:

Onsite – Salt Lake City, UT

Moog is the premier motion and flow control solutions provider for the following markets: satellites, human-rated space vehicles, launch vehicles, missiles, military ground vehicles, naval vessels, and security and surveillance.

Moog’s Space & Defense Group - Salt Lake City Operations is a high-production facility specializing in missile steering and turret systems, supporting a rapidly growing business with strong opportunities for professional development. Our site is deeply committed to Operational Excellence, with a relentless focus on achieving 100% quality and 100% on-time delivery. Every person, every day, is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of quality. We are currently seeking a Manufacturing Innovation & Readiness Manager to own modern factory initiatives, production ramp NRE, error prevention and investigation, partner in supply chain readiness, and Lean Management System progression.

Summary: This Manufacturing Innovation & Readiness Manager is the strategic leader responsible for driving three key operational thrusts: Transformation & Readiness, Error Prevention, and Lean Operational Excellence. This role exists to build the innovative manufacturing systems, discipline, and performance capability required for the Salt Lake City site to scale execution, stabilize processes, and deliver predictable, high‑reliability actuation systems at rate. The leader partners across Value Streams, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Program Management to proactively prepare for demand, eliminate defects before they occur, and elevate the Lean maturity of the site.

You will report directly to the General Manager – Missiles and enjoy and on-site, collaborative working environment with a 9/80 schedule on first shift.

As our Manufacturing Innovation & Readiness Manager, you will make critical contributions by holding responsibility for the following functions:

Transformation & Readiness:

Owns the SLC readiness pipeline for new ramps, transitions, and rate capability. Ensures systems, people, equipment, suppliers, processes, and data infrastructure are prepared ahead of need.

Key responsibilities:

• Partner with Value Stream Managers, Engineering, and Manufacturing to drive quality focused innovation in manufacturing process.

• Lead the non-recurring efforts for munition acceleration programs and other emerging growth demands.

• Drive capital readiness to support rate.

• DFx Focused to ensure programs have production focused tolerancing and producibility built into design prior to transition.

Error Prevention (Failure Prevention & Investigation):

Builds and leads the mechanisms that remove defects and prevent recurrence. Serves as the site’s hub for structured problem-solving, technical troubleshooting discipline, and defect elimination.
Key responsibilities:

• Stand up and lead Error Prevention systems including PFMEA rigor, Pre-mortem analysis, and poke-yoke.

• Drive structured problem-solving for high-impact issues; prevent recurrence through durable system changes.

Lean & Operational Excellence:

Lead the Lean Support Officer (LSO) to embed effective Lean governance across all value streams and support functions.

Key responsibilities:

• Develop and coach LSO.

• Deploy Lean systems that scale - repeatable, measurable, and embedded into daily operations.

• Ensure progress from current state to future state maps through VSIP, kaizen events, etc.

Cross-Functional Leadership:

Beyond the three thrusts, the role serves as a connective leader across all site functions:

• Collaborates deeply with Value Stream Managers to ensure readiness actions and Lean mechanisms support daily production needs.

• Works with Program Management to translate customer demand into actionable operational readiness plans.

• Aligns with Engineering to influence design decisions that reduce risk and improve manufacturability.

• Partners with Supply Chain to ensure supplier readiness mirrors internal readiness.

Here are the skills and abilities that will make you successful in this role:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, or related discipline.

• 7+ years in aerospace, defense, or complex manufacturing operations.

• 3+ years of demonstrated leadership in operational readiness, manufacturing innovation and implementation, Lean/continuous improvement, and structured problem solving.

• Demonstrated knowledge around Industry 4.0 principles with a proven track record of translating advanced technologies/solutions into scalable manufacturing strategies.

• Track record of stabilizing processes and improving performance through systems.

• Strong ability to influence without authority and drive cross-functional alignment.

Here’s how we care for you: 

• Financial Rewards: great compensation package, annual profit sharing, matching 401k and the ability to participate in Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts.

• Work/Life Balance: Flexible paid time off, holidays and parental leave program.

• Health & Wellbeing: Comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, Employee Assistance Plan (“EAP”) and other supplemental benefit coverages. 

• Professional Skills Development: Tuition Assistance, mentorship and coaching opportunities, leadership development and other personal growth programs. 

• Collaborative and Welcoming Workplace: Inclusive culture rooted in our values, enhanced by Employee Resource Groups, and team-building activities.

• Additional site-specific benefits also available!

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Salary Range Transparency:

Salt Lake City, UT $140,000.00–$180,000.00 Annually

Salary Range Disclaimer

The base salary range represents the low and high end of the Moog salary range for this position in the given work location. Actual salaries will vary depending on factors including but not limited to location, experience, and performance. The range(s) listed is just one component of Moog's total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include annual bonuses, employee stock purchase plan, an open paid time off policy, and many region-specific benefits. 

This position requires access to U.S. export-controlled information.

EOE/AA Minority/Female/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Disability/Veteran 

Moog offers an exclusive workplace, and, as such, affirms the right of every person to participate in all aspects of employment based on merit without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic. If you are interested in applying for employment and need special assistance or an accommodation to apply for a posted position, contact our Human Resources department via phone at 844-367-5787.

No unsolicited agency submittals please. Agency partners must be invited to participate in a search by our Talent Acquisition Team and have signed terms in place prior to any submittal. Absent compliance with these pre-conditions resumes submitted directly to any Moog Inc. employee or affiliate will not qualify for fee payment, and therefore become the property of Moog Inc.