Lead Manufacturing Operations Specialist

Job ID: 114928

Your future starts here! Kick off 2026 with a career that makes a difference at Leonardo DRS in West Plains, MO. We're growing and actively hiring for multiple openings across a variety of roles. If you're motivated, ready to learn, and eager to make an impact, we want to hear from you. Explore our open positions and apply today: https://www.leonardodrs.com/careers

The Leonardo DRS Land Systems business is a recognized leader in the design and integration of complex technologies into new and legacy systems and platforms for global military and commercial customers. We are a 6 year running Top Workplace in the Greater St. Louis area.

Job Summary

Job Responsibilities

• Familiar with Weld procedure and processes.

• TIG and TIG

• AWS and ASME

• Weld symbols and NDE Symbols

• Responsible and accountable for producing quality work to prescribed standards, with a focus on continuous improvement to meet customer commitments on schedule and within budget

• Follow written work instructions

• Work under minimal supervision on duties and tasks that are frequently non-routine, adapting procedures, techniques, tools, materials and/or equipment to meet special needs

• May perform more detailed tasks requiring deeper knowledge and experience in the specified processes and procedures

• Rely on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish assigned goals

• Able to effectively communicate with other functional departments, such as Engineering, Purchasing, Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, and Sales departments

• Resolve most questions and problems, referring only the most complex issues to higher levels

• Serve as a resource to others in the resolution of complex problems and issues

• Be a self-starter and demonstrate good decision making ability

• Must maintain a safe work environment by adhering to all safety procedures including those which govern the handling of materials, chemicals, tools, and equipment (WHMIS)

• Proper use of required PPE

• May periodically assist in orienting and training lower level employees

• May participate in LEAN Events, "Six S" activities, action teams etc.

• Support, communicate, reinforce and defend the mission, values and culture of the organization

Manufacturing Operations

• May assist in the supervision of the manufacturing functions across all production departments. This may include areas of: preparation of product for assembly, welding, mechanical, harness, cable, printed circuit board sub-assemblies, spray application, paint prep processes, and visual inspection of products or sub-assemblies, utilizing work instructions, models and/or drawings
• May assist technicians in interpreting work instructions
• May assist in basic troubleshooting and production related problems.
• Assist in supervising employees and coordinating production processes.
• Help ensure efficient workflows and maximum productivity.
• Monitor production activities to identify potential issues, minimize downtime and implement solutions.
• Assist in scheduling production personnel and adjusting schedules as needed.
• Help maintain and improve quality standards and ensure adherence to safety and quality standards.
• Identify inefficiencies and make recommendations for improvements.
• Communicate with supervisor, production team, and pass down information with off-shift supervision.

Job Responsibilities Part II

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED with a minimum of 5 years of experience in specialty area e.g. welding, tool making

Taking care of our people is a top priority at Leonardo DRS. We are proud to offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a company contribution to a health savings account, telemedicine, life and disability insurance, legal insurance, and a 401(k) savings plan. We champion wellness programs that focus on physical, emotional, and financial well-being. We develop our talent by offering programs and activities to support career-growth, professional development, and skill enhancement. And we understand there is more to life than work, and the importance of offering flexible work schedules with our 9/80 program, competitive vacation, health/emergency leave, paid parental leave, and community service hours.

• Some employees are eligible for limited benefits only

Leonardo DRS, Inc. and its subsidiaries provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

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