Job Description
Job Description
Technical Operations Manager | GTI Energy
Location : Goodyear, AZ
Department : Engineering / Operations
Employment Type : Full-Time | On-Site
About GTI Energy
GTI Energy, a division of GTI Fabrication, is a leader in modular infrastructure and advanced industrial fabrication. From defense and energy to heavy industry, GTI delivers mission-critical solutions through innovation, precision, and a relentless focus on quality. Our Goodyear, AZ facility is at the forefront of high-volume manufacturing, new product introduction (NPI), and continuous improvement.
Position Overview
GTI Energy is seeking an experienced Technical Operations Manager to lead and optimize our technical operations function. This role oversees the Manufacturing Engineering and Industrial Engineering teams, driving process efficiency, production readiness, and continuous improvement across fabrication projects. The Technical Operations Manager ensures new product ramp cycles are executed seamlessly, production processes are validated, and sustained improvements are implemented to support GTI’s growth.
This position requires a leader with strong technical expertise in manufacturing operations, coatings, mechanical assembly, and automation—paired with proven ability to manage teams and implement structured problem-solving methodologies.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Oversight
- Lead and manage a team of Manufacturing and Industrial Engineers supporting multiple customers and fabrication projects.
- Oversee engineering change management processes to ensure product updates are executed with precision and efficiency.
- Serve as a key technical operations partner to plant leadership, NPI teams, and quality groups.
Process Development & Improvement
Oversee and optimize all aspects of manufacturing processes, from design through implementation.Drive production ramp cycles for new products, collaborating closely with the NPI team to ensure smooth handoffs and production readiness.Validate new processes, ensuring compliance with customer requirements and industry standards.Champion continuous improvement initiatives such as Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma to reduce waste, improve quality, and streamline operations.Sustain improvements through structured problem-solving and root cause analysis.Technical Expertise
Direct development of detailed work instructions for production staff to ensure quality and repeatability in fabrication processes.Lead fixture design and modification for weldments and other structural assemblies.Apply knowledge of SolidWorks or other 3D modeling tools to support fixture design, process simulations, and manufacturing layouts.Oversee mechanical assembly processes, including one-piece flow and iterative assembly methods.Provide coatings expertise in powder coating and industrial coatings applications.Apply GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing) principles, particularly in electrical and mechanical assemblies.Introduce automation technologies to improve efficiency, consistency, and throughput in production.Operational Excellence
Collect and analyze production data (yield, on-time delivery, schedule attainment, labor utilization) to identify trends, bottlenecks, and opportunities for improvement.Collaborate with suppliers to ensure material quality, lead-time adherence, and cost efficiency.Oversee capital expenditure planning and upgrades of manufacturing equipment.Partner with Quality to ensure compliance with ISO9001 certification, safety regulations, and customer specifications.Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field.8+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering and operations, with proven leadership experience.Strong background in process development, validation, and optimization.Proficiency in SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or equivalent 3D modeling / CAD software.Expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other structured problem-solving methods.Demonstrated ability to manage mechanical assembly, coatings, and fixture design.Experience leading automation initiatives in an industrial manufacturing setting.Skilled in data analysis and intermediate to advanced Excel (charts, pivot tables, v-lookups, formulas).Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with ability to collaborate cross-functionally.Preferred Qualifications
Experience in industrial fabrication, modular construction, or steel manufacturing.Hands-on experience with powder coating and industrial coatings.Familiarity with ERP systems such as SAP, JD Edwards, Red Prairie, or NetSuite.Track record of achieving ISO9001 certification or leading compliance audits.Why Join GTI Energy?
Lead a high-impact engineering team in a hyper-growth manufacturing company.Work at the intersection of innovation, operations, and product development.Competitive salary and full benefits package.Be part of mission-critical projects that support national energy, defense, and industrial markets.Join a collaborative team culture built on ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement.