Director of Operations

Stellant Systems, Inc.; Williamsport (Lycoming County); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Stellant Systems, Inc. is seeking a Director of Operations in Williamsport, PA, to lead the manufacturing team and drive operational excellence. The ideal candidate will have a solid background in Aerospace/Defense and experience in lean manufacturing methodologies.

This role involves establishing production flow lines, enhancing on-time delivery performance, and fostering a culture of engagement and continuous improvement. Strong leadership and the ability to work cross-functionally are essential.

Join our innovative team to make a significant impact in critical power amplification products!

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in operations leadership with Aerospace/Defense products.
• 10+ years in manufacturing, ideally in Vacuum Device or Microwave Component.
• Experience with MRP-driven manufacturing operations.

Responsibilities

• Establish production flow lines for visual management.
• Drive OTD performance and engage workforce.
• Lead manufacturing strategy and execution.

Skills

Leadership

Lean manufacturing

Aerospace/Defense experience

Data-driven decision making

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

BS Engineering/Science/Math

MS or MBA preferred

Tools

MRP Systems (e.g., INFOR, SAP, JD Edwards)

MS Word

MS Excel

MS PowerPoint

MS Project

Job description

Director of Operations

Job Location: Williamsport, PA

Overview

Stellant Systems is a premier manufacturer of critical power amplification products, specializing in microwave devices for ground-based, airborne and satellite communications, industrial and medical equipment, and radar. We combine cutting‑edge technology with world‑class engineering teams to deliver innovative solutions.

Focus will be on developing people, leading a high‑performing team and driving continuous and sustainable improvement in operating metrics (safety, quality, on‑time delivery, cost and lead time). Results will be achieved through data‑driven approach to process standardization and application of lean manufacturing and operations methodologies. This role interfaces cross‑functionally across the Stellant Systems organization and coordinates with Program Management, Finance, Mission Assurance/Quality, Supply Chain, Production Planning, Manufacturing Engineering and Test Engineering functions.

The ideal candidate will have an Aerospace/Defense pedigree and background. They will be a passionate, lean transformation champion with demonstrated success driving a “from scratch” transformation (both process and culture) and the ability to train the organization while simultaneously driving quantifiable improvement in operating metrics. The ability to lead the establishment of production flow lines and manage in a dynamic environment are vital.

Responsibilities

• Have an Aerospace/Defense production pedigree and background. Space experience preferred.
• Establishing production flow lines that yield visual management and predictable outputs.
• Driving significant and sustainable on-time delivery (OTD) performance.
• Building a culture across the factory that supports workforce engagement, retention and efficiency improvements.
• Developing cross-functional relationships that support a “one team” approach to operational execution across the business.
• Serve as key leader of the manufacturing team, providing leadership and strategy execution for the responsible manufacturing team and day-to-day operations.
• Lead, engage and continuously develop all team members.
• Meet functional requirements of staffing, training, talent development, engagement, retention and overall management of area of responsibility.
• Ensure a healthy and safe working environment and comply with federal and state regulations through collaboration with environmental, health and safety staff.
• Establish and maintain an effective and clearly defined training plan for area(s) of responsibility.
• Meet functional organization and business annual operation plan targets.
• Lead Manufacturing/Operations processes as appropriate to ensure tools, processes, and staff are competitive and applicable to business needs. Develop Manufacturing/Process Technology roadmap and required capital planning.
• Support business development proposal efforts, including review/approval and the generation of production schedules to support proposal efforts and Basis of Estimates (BOEs) as needed.
• Communicate production strategies broadly to expedite adoption and institutionalization of best practices.
• Provide strong executive communication and presentation skills.
• Deliver progress and production reports to executive team members routinely and as requested.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five (5+) years of relevant experience in an operations leadership capacity with emphasis on Aerospace/Defense end‑use products.
• 10+ years’ manufacturing experience in Aerospace/Defense industry; Vacuum Device or Microwave Component industry experience preferred.
• BS Engineering/Science/Math with MS or MBA preferred.
• Minimum 10 years’ experience with MRP‑driven manufacturing operations (e.g., INFOR, SAP, JD Edwards, LN).
• Demonstrated computer skills: MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Project.
• Experience with high‑reliability assembly processes for highly engineered products.
• Possess a working knowledge of the cultural issues impacting lean implementation and demonstrated success overcoming these issues.
• Experience deploying new production lines and establishing product line‑based flow lines.
• Experience in applying best practice FMEA/DFMA/DTC methodologies.
• Experience in lean manufacturing implementation – Six Sigma Green/Black Belt Certification a plus.

Additional Requirements

• Background in the development/LRIP manufacturing efforts is preferred.
• Standard use of MES, PDM and MRP.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully manage multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining high quality and focus on the details.
• The ability to work in a fast-moving environment under tight schedules and coordinate multiple tasks effectively.

Stellant Systems is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local law.

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S. (e.g., Green Card holder), or a protected individual as defined by the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).