Operations Recruiter

October 17, 2026
Stockton, CA, US
$68,500 – $74,400/yr
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ABOUT APPLIED AEROSPACE

Join the team that builds for the best. Applied Aerospace & Defense (Applied) is a leading provider of advanced engineering, design, and vertically integrated manufacturing solutions serving Space Launch, Defense Aviation, Airborne Systems, C5ISR, and Precision Strike markets. Following a successful IPO and recent listing on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), Applied is entering an exciting new phase of growth, scalability, and value creation.

OVERVIEW OF POSITION

We are seeking an Operations Recruiter to join our team in Stockton, CA. This role will play a key part in building our manufacturing workforce by sourcing and selecting talent for Technician, Operator, and other direct labor positions.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on recruiter who understands manufacturing hiring, builds strong candidate pipelines, and can effectively partner with hiring managers to move candidates quickly from application through onboarding.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

  • Source and recruit qualified candidates for Technician, Operator, and other manufacturing/direct labor roles.
  • Develop creative sourcing strategies using job boards, social media, referrals, recruiting events, and community partnerships.
  • Conduct resume reviews, candidate screens, and initial interviews.
  • Partner with hiring managers to define requirements, evaluate candidates, and make hiring decisions.
  • Coordinate interviews and maintain timely communication with candidates throughout the hiring process.
  • Support offers processes, pre-employment requirements, and new-hire onboarding.
  • Maintain accurate candidate information and recruiting activity in the ATS.
  • Build relationships with local talent sources, technical schools, and workforce organizations.
  • Track recruiting activity and contribute to improving time-to-fill, candidate quality, and the overall hiring experience.
  • Help establish scalable recruiting processes as Applied Aerospace & Defense continues to grow.

SKILLS • EXPERIENCE • EDUCATION

  • 2+ years of recruiting or talent acquisition experience.
  • Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, or a related field.
  • Strong communication, organization, and relationship-building skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple openings and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Experience using an ATS and standard recruiting tools.
  • Recruiting experience within manufacturing, aerospace, defense, industrial, or production environments.
  • Experience recruiting direct labor, including Technicians, Operators, Assemblers, Machinists, or similar roles.
  • Experience partnering directly with operations and manufacturing leaders.
  • Experience with recruiting events, technical schools, or local workforce development programs.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required. Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties as assigned, consistent with business needs and applicable law.

Due to the nature of our work and applicable U.S. export control laws, this position requires International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) eligibility. Only individuals who qualify as a “U.S. person” as defined by ITAR (U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, refugees, or asylees), unless specified otherwise within job description, are eligible for employment.

Applied Aerospace & Defense (“AA&D”) is committed to equal employment opportunity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Applicants who require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to disability, medical condition, or other protected reason may contact the Human Resources Department. Requests will be reviewed in accordance with applicable law.

Where required by law, the applicable pay range and a summary of benefits and other compensation for this position will be provided.