Director of Operations - Military veterans preferred

2025-08-27
Universal Avionics
Other

/yr

  employee   contract


Tucson
Arizona
85756
United States

Universal Avionics


Job Category: Administration
Requisition Number: DIREC001420

Aug 26, 2025
Full Time


Job Details

Description

Summary
This position is responsible for the production assembly and test of all Universal Avionics System Corporation (UASC) products in an FAA Part 21 Production facility. This consists of an SMT electronic board production line, multiple final assembly and integration lines, along with automated test (ATE) for all completed avionics products. The Director of Production, along with direct reporting Managers and Supervisors, is responsible for managing processes, budgets, and staffs to meet UASC goals, and for leading the organization by demonstrating the UASC leadership attributes. The Director of Production will be expected to foster a culture of continuous improvement, communication and accountability within Operations, while building effective working relationships with internal and external suppliers and customers. This position will also be responsible for working closely with other Directors to ensure effective planning and support is in place across the entire product life cycle, including effective management of product obsolescence. As a member of the Operations Leadership Team, the Director of Production will play a key role in Operations strategic planning, as well as coordination/communication with Directors from across the company.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

  • Ensure teams with the right leadership and training are in place to plan and execute circuit board assembly line, system line, and all production schedules while meeting UASC quality and delivery goals.
  • Create and maintain a culture in which all key processes are measured, and the organization is focused on continuous improvement through lean methodologies and a Kaizen mentality.
  • Develop and manage the annual budgets for all departments.
  • Maintain compliance to all regulatory requirements (FAA, AS9100, Customer Requirements, etc.) and demonstrate through successful performance to all internal and external audits.
  • Set aggressive annual goals for quality, delivery and financial performance, communicate these goals with teams to achieve buy in, actively monitor and manage these goals, and address both positive and negative performance in a timely manner.
  • Develop a succession plan and ensure development activities are in place to execute that plan.
  • Demonstrate the UASC leadership attributes consistently and ensure that these attributes are demonstrated by subordinates.
  • Build and maintain effective working relationships with other divisions/departments, particularly with supply chain, quality, engineering, PMO and sales.
  • Ensure effective introduction of new products into production and repair station
  • Ensure assembly and test processes between production and repair effectively share information and resources to help improve both products and processes while improving overall efficiency of Operations.
  • Demonstrate the UASC values
  • Resilience
  • Innovation
  • “Yes, I can” mentality
  • Excellence mindset

Competency
To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies.

  • Work as a change agent. Understand information and see the big picture of continuous improvement as a mindset.
  • Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Works well in group problem solving situations.
  • Assesses own strength and weaknesses; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skill; Shares expertise with others.
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Adapts to changes in the work environment-Manages competing demands.
  • Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work if necessary to reach goal.
  • Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision making process.
  • Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.
  • Observes safety and security procedures; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.

Education and/or Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree or relevant technical/leadership experience
  • 10+ years’ experience in Operations roles in a high reliability electronic manufacturing/repair environment
  • Surface Mount Technology (SMT) and Through Hole circuit board assembly experience desired
  • Lean Manufacturing/Six Sigma experience a must
  • Experience with AS9100, FAA Part 21, industry and technical customer requirements, STC, PMA and FAR, desired.
  • Demonstrated success leading teams and developing leaders
  • Strong supply chain/planning background

What We Offer:

  • Benefits eligibility starts on your first day as a full-time employee at Universal Avionics.
  • Medical insurance (multiple plan options, including low-deductible PPO)
  • Preventive care covered at 100%
  • Affordable copays for doctor visits, urgent care, and prescriptions
  • Teladoc virtual care access
  • Vision coverage through VSP (includes exams, frames, and lenses)
  • Dental insurance (covers preventive, basic, and major services)
  • 401(k) with immediate safe harbor match (100% match on up to 4% of pay after 60 days)
  • 9/80 work schedule option – every other Friday off
  • Vacation, sick time, and 14 paid holidays (including a week in December)
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Gym reimbursement
  • Wellness programs:
    • Vitality (earn rewards for healthy habits)
    • One Pass Select (discounted access to gyms, fitness apps, and more)
    • Travel assistance and employee discounts
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and emotional wellness support:
    • Up to 3 free counseling visits per issue/year through Reliance Matrix
    • Up to 6 free counseling sessions per issue/year through Health Advocate
    • Includes mental health, financial, legal, work-life, medical navigation, and life coaching support
  • And more!

Why You’ll Love Working Here:

  • Universal Avionics offers the best of both worlds: the close-knit, agile culture of a mid-sized company, with the resources and global impact of our parent company, Elbit Systems.
  • Our team is driven by purpose, innovation, and a shared passion for aviation safety.
  • Here's what makes our work environment thrive:
  • A collaborative, supportive team of skilled professionals and mentors
  • Groundbreaking projects that shape the future of avionics technology
  • A company culture that promotes innovation, career growth, and continuous learning
  • Meaningful work that impacts air travel safety around the world
  • A strong work-life balance, including a 9/80 schedule option

To learn more about Universal Avionics, visit: www.UniversalAvionics.com

Universal Avionics’ products and technology are subject to U.S. export laws and regulations, including but not limited to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR). As part of our compliance process, we inquire about work authorization and citizenship status to ensure alignment with these regulations.




Universal Avionics Systems Corporation is dedicated to providing and promoting equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, gender, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected factor in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.



Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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