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Job Description: Airbus US Manufacturing Facility is looking for the Head of Aircraft Ground Test Operations - A320 (ESAO) to join our team based in Mobile, AL. Position Summary The Head of Aircraft Ground Test Operations is responsible for overall leadership along with the technical oversight of all ground test activities encompassing two high-volume A320 production lines and the final completion area. As a senior site leader, you will provide executive leadership and technical governance for all A320 ground test operations. You are responsible for the strategic design, coordination, and execution of the aircraft testing operating system, ensuring all policies and procedures align with world-class aerospace standards. In this role, you will define the strategic roadmap for the A320 Performance Management Center, driving large-scale process improvements and organizational change to optimize production flow. You will serve as the primary authority for ground test activities, balancing technical oversight with the visionary leadership necessary to scale the Mobile facility's capabilities. Meet the Team: Our team at the Airbus U.S. Manufacturing facility takes our aircraft from concept to customer delivery - working with production teams on every aspect of assembly from managing technical information, quality control, maintenance tasks and health & safety - along flowlines and flightlines. Join our team and watch our aircraft come to life. Your Working Environment: On 'Airbus Way' you will find the Airbus U.S. Manufacturing Facility for commercial aircraft. Opened at the Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley in 2015, the facility produces A320 Family aircraft and added a second product line for the A220 in 2019. The facility, which strengthens the U.S. aerospace industry, is part of Airbus' strategy to enhance its global competitiveness by meeting the growing needs of its customers in the United States and beyond. How We Care for You:
Financial Rewards: Competitive base salary, incentive compensation which may include profit sharing schemes, retirement savings plan and the ability to participate in an Employee Stock Ownership Plan ("ESOP") Work/Life Balance: Paid time off including personal time, holidays and a generous paid parental leave program. Health & Welfare: Comprehensive insurance coverage including medical (traditional and high-deductible health plans), prescription, dental, vision, life, disability, Employee Assistance Plan ("EAP") and other supplemental benefit coverages. Individual Development: Upskilling and development opportunities through our global Leadership University, including unlimited access to 10,000+ e-learning courses focusing on ways to develop your employability, certifications, career path as well as the opportunity to participate in accelerated development programmes and both national and international mobility.
Your Challenges: Primary Responsibilities Strategic Operations & Industrial Planning
Organizational Leadership: Lead and manage Ground Test Operations (ESAO) across three core pillars: Operations, Ground Test Design Engineering, and the Tool Shop. Production Delivery: Accountable for delivering completely equipped, powered, and certified single-aisle aircraft on time, within quality standards, and on cost. Performance Excellence: Achieve and maintain a 95%+ In-station build rate across all value streams. Strategic Growth: Define and drive the growth plan for ground test design autonomy to support the Mobile site ramp-up. Industrial Planning: Manage aircraft manufacturing techniques and industrial processes, including line balancing and activity sequencing.
Technical & Asset Management
Asset Oversight: Responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of test tooling and assets valued at over $125M, including additional hangar spaces and Production Line 2. Testing Governance: Lead local Ground Test Designers in providing test instructions, troubleshooting support, and maintaining Service Level Agreements (SLAs). Compliance & Safety: Function as a role model for OSHA regulations and FOD (Foreign Object Debris) prevention, ensuring airworthiness and POA (Production Organisation Approval) compliance. Designate a local POM (Process Operational Manager) delegate for the specified processes: FU.IN.03.02, FU.IN.07, and FU.PD.03. Quality Control: Analyze "Cost of Non-Quality" data to identify root causes and eliminate human-factor defects early in the assembly process.
Team Leadership & Development
Workforce Management: Directly manage a team of 5 Managers, 4 Engineers, and approximately 50 frontline employees. Succession & Knowledge Transfer: Actively manage the transition of knowledge from expatriate trainers to local employees through structured succession planning. Competency Development: Forecast manpower requirements and establish "multiple skills" requirements to ensure workforce flexibility. Coaching: Train and mentor Operational Leaders using AOS (Airbus Operating System) tools and routines to meet annual Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
Financial & Stakeholder Management
Budgetary Control: Monitor and manage all departmental budgets, including consumables, hand tools, and Jigs/Tooling maintenance in accordance with AOP objectives. Procurement Collaboration: Partner with procurement to ensure the acquisition of necessary materials, test tools, and equipment. Cross-Functional Engagement: Proactively resolve conflicts and engage with Quality, Procurement, and support staff to enhance existing work processes.
Perform other duties as assigned Your Boarding Pass: Qualified Experience and Training Required Education:
Preferred Education:
Required Experience:
8 - 10 years of experience in Production Operations and/ or Aviation Management (Manufacturing Engineering, Assembly Processes, Production method, etc.). 5 or more years of experience in a leadership position. Experience with project management is preferred. Experience in a multicultural work environment. Experience with quality and logistics regulations in aviation manufacturing. Experience as a member and leader of an international team.
Qualified Skills: Required Knowledge, Skills, Demonstrated Capabilities
Technical Knowledge: Proficiency in Quality Management Systems, aviation manufacturing logistics, and industry safety practices. Required Communication Skills (Spoken, Written, Influencing, Proficiency in Other Languages)
Required: Fluency in written and spoken English. Preferred: Fluency in another language (French, German, and Spanish) is highly desirable. Demonstrated effective communication skills on different levels, a structured way of working and the ability to deal with a volume of complex information.
Decision Making, Complexity:
Strategic operational decisions and communicate clearly across the business. Long and short term decisions impacting cost and quality of the a/c build, including on-time delivery. Impact of missed opportunities can create ripple effects across the Airbus Operational System, safety of the workforce, and reputation of the organization. Decisions range in complexity that impact internal and external stakeholders. Decisions
range from highly critical items regarding work allocation, planning, and resource
allocation to more routine decisions around daily tasks.
Job Dimensions Direct responsibility for ensuring a positive experience and maintaining high-quality relationships during all customer-facing stages of the production cycle. Accountable for maintaining "Takt" time early in the assembly process to prevent downstream delays that could jeopardize final delivery schedules. Responsible for the strategic management of resources and time to directly improve Value-Added Time (CVAT) and On-Time (OT) performance metrics. Organizational information: Is this a people manager?: Yes # of Exempt Reports: 9 # of Non-Exempt Reports: 50 Eligibility: Authorized to Work in the US Physical Requirements:
Onsite 100% Vision: Daily able to see and read computer screen and other electronic equipment with screens, able to read documents, reports and engineering drawings. Hearing: Daily able to hear to participate in conversations in person and via teleconference or phone and to hear sounds on the production floor including safety warnings or alarms. Speaking: Daily able to speak in conversations and meetings, deliver information and participate in communications. Equipment Operation (personal computer, telephone, copies, fax machine, and related office equipment and using electronic identification card to enter building floors and internal doors): Daily able to operate most office and personal electronic equipment and some tools including production tools such as hydraulic lifts. Carrying: Daily able to carry documents, tools, drawings, electronic equipment up to 30lbs/14kgs. Lifting: Daily able to lift documents, tools, drawings, electronic equipment up to 30lbs/14kgs. Pushing / Pulling: Daily able to push and pull small office furniture and some equipment and tools. Sitting: Daily able to sit for long periods of time in meetings, working on the computer. Squatting / Kneeling: Daily able to squat or kneel to retrieve or replace items stored on low shelving. Standing: Daily able to stand for discussions in offices or on the production floor. Travel: Rarely able to travel independently and at short notice. Walking (include routine walking such as to a shared printer to retrieve documents): Daily able to walk through office and production areas including uneven surfaces. Personal Protective Equipment required: Required PPE includes, but is not limited to, Safety Shoes, Safety Glasses, Hearing Protection, Respirators/Masks, and/or Protective Gloves as required by site and/or customer site Administrative position only PPE required: Steel-toed shoes are required for all shop floor visits, appropriate hearing/eye protection may also be required when visiting the shop floor.
Take your career to a new level and apply online now! A full job description will be provided to candidates progressed to the interview stage or any candidate upon request. This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company's success, reputation and sustainable growth. Company: Airbus Americas, Inc.
Employment Type: US - Direct Hire
Experience Level: Professional
Remote Type: On-site
Job Family: Leadership
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Airbus provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetics, pregnancy, marital status, veteran status or other legally protected status. In addition to federal law requirements, Airbus complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, demotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, benefits and training. Airbus expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetics, pregnancy, marital status, veteran status or other legally protected status. As a matter of policy, Airbus does not sponsor visas for US positions unless specified. Only applicants with current work authorization will be considered. Airbus does not offer tenured or guaranteed employment. Employment with Airbus is at will, meaning either the company or the employee can terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause, with or without notice. Airbus reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. This position description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.
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Airbus is committed to achieving workforce diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief. Airbus is, and always has been, committed to equal opportunities for all. As such, we will never ask for any type of monetary exchange in the frame of a recruitment process. Any impersonation of Airbus to do so should be reported toemsom@airbus.com.
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Airbus Americas
parental leave, paid time off, profit sharing
Feb 07, 2026