Director of Operations

Redwire Defense Tech; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 153,000 - 232,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Matching 401(k)

Paid PTO

Paid holidays

Medical, vision, and dental insurance

Group Short-Term & Long-Term Disabiliy

HSA and FSA Options

Critical Care Plan

Accident Care Plan

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Job summary

Redwire Defense Tech in Huntsville, AL is seeking a Director of Operations to oversee production, quality, and safety in a highly regulated manufacturing environment. The role requires scaling operations, aligning cross-functional teams, and driving efficiency in aerospace and advanced technology production.

Ideal candidates have 10+ years of leadership experience, AS9100 knowledge, and a proven ability to improve performance while controlling costs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive operations leadership experience within aerospace, defense, advanced technology, electronics, precision manufacturing, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.
• Experience leading complex manufacturing operations supporting government and commercial customers is strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of aerospace manufacturing principles, AS9100 quality management systems, quality control processes, regulatory compliance requirements, and safety regulations.
• Excellent leadership and team-building skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire staff at all levels.
• Proficient in data analysis and performance metrics, with experience using ERP and production management software.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement operational strategies that align with the company’s goals and objectives, focusing on enhancing production efficiency and reducing costs.
• Manage the entire production process, including scheduling, resource allocation, and workflow optimization, to ensure timely delivery of products while maintaining quality standards.
• Establish and uphold quality assurance protocols to ensure compliance with AS9100 standards, customer requirements, regulatory obligations, and internal quality management system requirements. Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing operations team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability. Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide constructive feedback.
• Identify areas for operational improvement and implement best practices, methodologies (such as Lean or Six Sigma), and technologies to optimize production processes and enhance productivity.
• Drive a culture of quality, operational excellence, accountability, and customer satisfaction throughout the manufacturing organization.
• Work closely with supply chain, engineering, quality assurance, and sales teams to ensure alignment and effective communication regarding production schedules, inventory management, and customer requirements.
• Develop and manage the operations budget, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to support production goals while minimizing waste and controlling costs.
• Promote a safe working environment by ensuring adherence to safety regulations and protocols, conducting training sessions, and addressing any safety concerns promptly.
• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor production efficiency, quality, and safety. Analyze data and prepare reports for senior management to inform decision-making.
• Collaborate with suppliers and vendors to ensure the timely delivery of materials and components, negotiating contracts and terms to optimize costs and quality.
• Develop contingency plans to address potential disruptions in production, such as equipment failures, supply chain delays, or workforce shortages, ensuring minimal impact on operations.
• Assumes all other responsibilities as assigned

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Communication

Data analysis

Lean manufacturing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

ERP software

Production management software

Job description

WORK LOCATION

Huntsville, AL

FLSA STATUS

Exempt

SALARY RANGE

The anticipated salary range for this role is $152,500 to $231,800 annually. This range reflects a good faith estimate based on the targeted level for the role and typical compensation benchmarks across U.S. locations. Actual compensation may vary depending on the selected candidate’s qualifications, experience, geographical location, and internal alignment.

SUMMARY

The Director of Operations will oversee all aspects of production within the organization, ensuring efficient processes, high-quality output, and adherence to safety and AS9100 quality management standards. This leadership role involves strategic planning, resource management, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to optimize production performance and meet business objectives in a fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate will have significant experience leading operations within the aerospace, defense, advanced technology, or other highly regulated manufacturing industries, with a demonstrated ability to scale operations, improve performance, and support complex product development and production environments.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The following job functions are a basic requirement but are not limited to and may be assigned other duties.

• Develop and implement operational strategies that align with the company’s goals and objectives, focusing on enhancing production efficiency and reducing costs.


• Manage the entire production process, including scheduling, resource allocation, and workflow optimization, to ensure timely delivery of products while maintaining quality standards.


• Establish and uphold quality assurance protocols to ensure compliance with AS9100 standards, customer requirements, regulatory obligations, and internal quality management system requirements. Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing operations team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability. Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide constructive feedback.


• Identify areas for operational improvement and implement best practices, methodologies (such as Lean or Six Sigma), and technologies to optimize production processes and enhance productivity.


• Drive a culture of quality, operational excellence, accountability, and customer satisfaction throughout the manufacturing organization.


• Work closely with supply chain, engineering, quality assurance, and sales teams to ensure alignment and effective communication regarding production schedules, inventory management, and customer requirements.


• Develop and manage the operations budget, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to support production goals while minimizing waste and controlling costs.


• Promote a safe working environment by ensuring adherence to safety regulations and protocols, conducting training sessions, and addressing any safety concerns promptly.


• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor production efficiency, quality, and safety. Analyze data and prepare reports for senior management to inform decision-making.


• Collaborate with suppliers and vendors to ensure the timely delivery of materials and components, negotiating contracts and terms to optimize costs and quality.


• Develop contingency plans to address potential disruptions in production, such as equipment failures, supply chain delays, or workforce shortages, ensuring minimal impact on operations.


• Assumes all other responsibilities as assigned

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.


• Minimum of 10 years of progressive operations leadership experience within aerospace, defense, advanced technology, electronics, precision manufacturing, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.


• Experience leading complex manufacturing operations supporting government and commercial customers is strongly preferred. Proven track record of successfully managing production processes and driving operational excellence.


• Strong knowledge of aerospace manufacturing principles, AS9100 quality management systems, quality control processes, regulatory compliance requirements, and safety regulations. Demonstrated experience operating within an AS9100-certified manufacturing environment.


• Excellent leadership and team-building skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire staff at all levels.


• Proficient in data analysis and performance metrics, with experience using ERP and production management software.

Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make data-driven decisions.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.


• Experience with Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.

REDWIRE DEFENSE TECH BENEFITS

• Matching 401(k)


• Paid PTO


• Paid holidays


• Medical, vision, and dental insurance


• Group Short-Term & Long-Term Disability


• HSA and FSA Options


• Critical Care Plan


• Accident Care Plan


• Employee Stock Purchase Plan

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS

This position may require access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). To comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify a US person’s status under the ITAR and the EAR.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The work environment may involve a standard office setting while also incorporating elements of a production area. Employees will use standard office equipment, including computers, and must demonstrate stamina to sit or stand while maintaining attention to detail despite potential interruptions. The role may require occasional activities such as walking, climbing, stooping, crouching, and bending. Vision is necessary for reading printed materials and a computer screen, while hearing and speech are essential for effective communication both in person and over the telephone. Additionally, the position may necessitate travel by air or automobile. Employees may be required to use personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, safety shoes, and shop coats, to ensure safety in the production environment. Employees may be able to lift up to 30 pounds as needed.

REDWIRE DEFENSE TECH IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Redwire Defense Tech is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact Human Resources. Continued employment remains on an “At-Will” basis.