Aerospace Defense Site Director — Operations & Growth

Karman Space & Defense; Greenville (SC); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Karman Space & Defense is seeking a senior operations leader for its Greenville, SC site. You will oversee all operational, financial, customer, and personnel activities, driving cross‑functional excellence and program commitments.

You will lead staffing, implement lean and Six Sigma practices, and manage growth initiatives while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance across the site. The role requires deep aerospace/defense experience and proven leadership in large organizations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree required.
• Fifteen or more years in aerospace/defense engineering and manufacturing.
• Experience in program execution and operations within space, missile, defense, or hypersonic environments.
• Experience in operations and business development.
• Experience managing a P&L statement.
• Expertise in mechanical/technical environments.
• Ability to lead in matrixed environments.

Responsibilities

• Executes site operational strategies to meet customer commitments, financial goals, and performance targets.
• Leads staffing efforts with HR and ensures training on best practices and standardized work.
• Implements systems to improve workflow and remove bottlenecks across departments.
• Maintains process controls for on-time delivery, zero defects, and margins via lean/Six Sigma.
• Optimizes facility utilization and product flow; tracks site KPIs.
• Oversees adherence to financial reporting and site KPIs.
• Ensures site safety and compliance with policies.
• Builds relationships with customers and suppliers; supports proposals and contracts.
• Leads sales and business development to win new programs and growth targets.
• Supports equipment and facility expansion planning.

Skills

Leadership

Program execution

P&L management

Education

Bachelor of Science

Tools

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Job description

Karman Space & Defense is seeking a senior operations leader for its Greenville, SC site. You will oversee all operational, financial, customer, and personnel activities, driving cross‑functional excellence and program commitments.

You will lead staffing, implement lean and Six Sigma practices, and manage growth initiatives while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance across the site. The role requires deep aerospace/defense experience and proven leadership in large organizations.