At Senra Systems, we believe that the future of manufacturing lies not in automation, but in configuration.
We supercharge electrical wire harness manufacturing through software configuration, transforming skilled assembly tasks into high-throughput production lines. We enable customers to design what they want, when they want it and deliver harness builds at record-breaking speed.
We’re seeking a Plant Director to stand up and lead our flagship 100,000 ft² wire harness manufacturing factory in Orange County. This is a cornerstone role — the leader who will establish, scale, and operate our largest and most advanced factory as we grow from ~70 technicians today to over 200 by the end of 2026.
You’ll own all aspects of factory operations — production, quality, logistics, and continuous improvement, with a mandate to build a high-accountability, high-performing organization that delivers both precision and scale.
The ideal candidate is a seasoned manufacturing leader who thrives in fast-paced hybrid high-mix, high-volume environments and has a track record of building high-performing, scalable teams, processes, and systems from the ground up.
What you'll own:
- Factory Bring-Up
- Own the stand-up and commissioning of Senra’s new Orange County factory — drive contractor execution, layout build-out, and an aggressive schedule to get the site fully operational by Q2.
- Lead the personnel transition plan, coordinating the phased move of technicians and leadership from Factory 1 to Factory 2 to ensure business continuity.
- Partner with Engineering on layout and workflow design to optimize flow, throughput, and space utilization.
- Build the operational foundation to support both high-mix, low-volume and high-volume production for aerospace and defense customers.
- Establish a replicable playbook that makes this site the model for future factory expansion.
- Operations Leadership
- Own all site-level operations: Production, Quality, Logistics, and Facilities.
- Set production goals, staffing plans, and throughput targets to meet on-time delivery, quality, and revenue objectives. Drive improvements through disciplined planning and continuous improvement.
- Implement and sustain daily management systems, KPIs, and standard work across all departments.
- People & Culture
- Build, develop, and lead a team of 200+ technicians and leaders, the majority of whom are early-stage career technicians advancing through structured training programs.
- Partner with the People team to implement robust, quantifiable apprentice training and qualification systems to ensure consistent skill growth and product quality.
- Foster a culture of accountability, integrity, and high performance — where expectations are clear, ownership is felt, and success is shared.
- Develop and mentor emerging leaders to ensure depth of leadership bench as the site scales.
- Systems & Process Development
- Partner with Software and Manufacturing Engineering to implement and enhance enterprise systems to meet site needs.
- Build and standardize core processes — production control, materials flow, maintenance, training — that can scale and replicate across future factories.
- Ensure compliance with AS9100, ISO, and customer-specific requirements through robust process control and documentation.
- Strategic & Financial Leadership
- Translate company growth goals into factory-level operating plans, budgets, and KPI’s.
- Manage operational P&L performance — labor, material, and overhead efficiency.
- Contribute to long-term strategy on footprint expansion, automation, and vertical integration.
What you'll bring to the team:
- 12+ years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing operations, ideally in aerospace, defense, or other high-reliability, high-mix industries.
- 8+ years of experience as a manufacturing, industrial, or operations engineer.
- Proven success standing up or scaling a large factory from early-stage to steady-state operations.
- Deep understanding of operations and production planning, quality systems, material flow, and team development.
- Demonstrated ability to design and execute training, certification, and progression programs tied to measurable outcomes.
- Strong business acumen — able to balance output, cost, and quality while building for long-term scalability.
- Excellent leadership presence: decisive, transparent, and grounded in integrity.
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or related field.
- Experience in avionics systems, wire harnessing, or soft goods manufacturing highly desired.
Compensation:
- Compensation will be based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors.
- Salary Range: $180,000-$250,000
- This is an onsite role at our headquarters in Orange County, CA
Benefits:
- Unmatched opportunities to drive impact on a friendly and mission-driven team
- Own a piece of the pie with equity participation!
- Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability coverage
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Dependent Spending Account (DSA) for health-related expenses
- Unlimited PTO and a 401(k) plan
- Choose a record you love, and we’ll add it to our growing vinyl collection!
- $50/month DoorDash credit – lunch is on us!
- Up to $100/month reimbursement for gym memberships
- Fully stocked kitchen with snacks and beverages
- Regular team-building events, lunches, and the occasional breakfast burrito!
- Bright, open office with communal spaces for collaboration and free parking
- Conveniently located near the metro, major freeways and local dining spots
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. Contact us at [email protected] or visit our website https://senrasystems.us.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
- To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C.
- 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C.
- 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.
Pay range: $180,000 USD - $250,000 USD
