Challenge:
Aerosource was retained in 2024 by the Chief Human Resources Officer of a leading aerospace components manufacturer backed by a top-tier private equity firm. The company’s California division—known for its machining of flight-critical titanium, stainless, and nickel-alloy parts—had recently undergone leadership change. A new division President had been installed: high-energy, performance-driven, and focused on transforming a culture that had previously lacked urgency and accountability.
To execute on growth goals and meet demanding production standards, the division urgently needed a best-in-class Director of Manufacturing Engineering. This leader would need to bring not just deep technical expertise in hard-metal machining, but also the interpersonal strength to rally and inspire engineering and operations teams while serving as a collaborative partner to a results-oriented President. Adding to the challenge, the client sought a local candidate to avoid relocation delays and costs.
Strategy:
Aerosource deployed a regionally concentric research strategy—targeting California-based talent first, before expanding outward. We focused on identifying leaders with proven success in high-tolerance machining, new product introduction (NPI), lean manufacturing, and team leadership in demanding aerospace environments.
Cultural fit was equally important. Each candidate was evaluated not only for technical depth but for their leadership temperament and ability to mesh with the division President’s high expectations.
One candidate quickly emerged as the standout: a calm yet confident engineering executive with experience leading large teams, capital projects, and complex component production programs at globally respected aerospace manufacturers. His technical track record and interpersonal chemistry with the President set him apart.
Results:
With our guidance, the candidate was offered and accepted the role. Now, one year later, the division President calls him one of the best hires of his career. The new Director has stabilized the engineering organization, improved manufacturing processes, and earned widespread internal credibility. His leadership has not only helped the business scale performance, but has also reinforced the client’s trust in Aerosource.
Since this pivotal hire, the client has entrusted Aerosource with three additional Director-level searches—all completed successfully. Our firm continues to maintain a 100% success rate with this client over five years of partnership.