Operations Manager – Thermal Spray (HVOF Services)

Job Title: Operations Manager
Classification: Full-time, Exempt
Reports To: VP of Surface Technologies
Location: Kymera – CASL Houston, TX – Onsite

Job Overview:
The Operations Manager is responsible for leading and directing all production-related activities at the Houston facility. This role ensures that production teams are properly trained and developed to operate safely and efficiently while delivering high-quality results that meet or exceed customer expectations. The Operations Manager will become a subject matter expert in CASL’s proprietary HVOF (High Velocity Oxygen Fuel) technology and will leverage their expertise in thermal spray processes, coatings, and drilling tools to drive operational success. This leader will work cross-functionally with Sales, Quality, HR, and Maintenance to ensure seamless execution of production, customer satisfaction, and continuous improvement initiatives. The role also upholds and reinforces Kymera's core values and quality systems including ISO 9001 standards.

Responsibilities:

Production & Planning

• Oversee daily execution of production activities, ensuring adherence to operational times, materials usage, and labor efficiency
• Lead and maintain production planning functions, ensuring resources are effectively allocated to meet customer demand
• Implement corrective actions when performance falls short of expectations, and maintain high levels of operational training and competency
• Maintain and report on key production metrics tied to customer satisfaction, safety, and efficiency
• Monitor production bottlenecks and lead the development of short-term and long-term capacity solutions
• Ensure daily and preventive maintenance tasks are assigned and completed by shop floor staff

Compliance, Safety & Quality

• Ensure all operational activities are in compliance with CASL's ISO 9001 quality system and regulatory reporting requirements
• Report quality incidents and implement effective corrective actions to drive sustainable improvements
• Report safety incidents and collaborate on root cause analysis and corrective actions to prevent recurrence
• Uphold 5S workplace organization practices across all operational areas

Financial & Administrative Oversight

• Support the administration and performance of operational budgets, including workforce productivity and profitability
• Support capital expenditure (CAPEX) planning, budgeting, and resource allocation
• Evaluate team members’ performance and participate in disciplinary processes when necessary

Leadership & Continuous Improvement

• Foster a positive and safe work culture aligned with Kymera's core values
• Coach, mentor, and develop staff to ensure a high-performing, engaged, and safety-conscious workforce
• Assist in developing and improving operational processes, procedures, and documentation
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Sales and HR to translate customer and workforce needs into shop-floor solutions

Benefits Summary:

At Kymera International - Thermal Spray Solutions, we provide a competitive benefits package to support your health, well-being, and financial security, including:

• Generous Time Off: 11 annual company-paid holidays and  PTO.
• Healthcare Savings: Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Health Savings Accounts (HSA), and comprehensive dental and vision coverage.
• Retirement Support: 401(k) plan with a competitive company match.
• Insurance Coverage: Company-paid short-term disability and life insurance, with additional voluntary options like critical illness, hospital care, and long-term disability coverage.
• Competitive pay.
• Team Benefits: A supportive team culture and resources to help you thrive.

We are dedicated to helping you live your best life, both professionally and personally. Benefits are reviewed annually.

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of thermal spray technologies (HVOF, JP, DJ, Plasma) and robotic automation strongly preferred
• Knowledge of ISO 9001 and AS9100 standards is highly desirable. 
• Effective decision-making and problem-solving skills, especially in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Strong customer focus with a continuous improvement mindset
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
• Ability to lead teams with integrity, fairness, and accountability
• Ability to read and interpret production reports and use data to implement improvement plans
• Ability to provide proof documentation of eligibility of employment in US.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment criminal background check, and drug-screen.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a combination of education, training, and relevant experience. 
•  Minimum of 10 years of experience in a thermal spray, manufacturing, or coatings environment strongly preferred.
•  Minimum of 5 years in a leadership or management role (production, operations, or customer service) required.

Physical Requirements:

•  Ability to move about the production floor and observe active operations
•  Capability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, thermal spray, and industrial equipment
•  Must wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) in accordance with safety policies

Kymera is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
 

EOE: race/color/religion/sex/sexual orientation/gender identity/national origin/disability.