Director, SRM Production & Operations

X-Bow Systems; Luling (TX); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

X-Bow Systems in the United States is seeking a Director of Solid Rocket Motor Production & Operations to provide strategic leadership across SRM production lifecycle. You will oversee Production Operations, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain, driving continuous improvement and AS9100 compliance.

You will lead multiple teams, manage budgets, and partner with Engineering to transition from design to full-rate production, ensuring safety, quality, and on-time delivery.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Industrial Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 15 years in a complex manufacturing environment, with at least 7 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven aerospace/defense or high-reliability industry experience.
• Experience leading production, manufacturing engineering, quality, and supply chain teams.
• Deep knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement.
• Strong financial acumen with budget management and strategic planning.
• U.S. Citizen eligible for government security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior leadership and direction for SRM production and operations.
• Direct managers of Production, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain.
• Drive Lean Manufacturing across operations to improve safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
• Ensure processes meet safety and quality standards and AS9100.
• Develop long-range strategic plans, budgets, and capital investments.
• Collaborate with Programs and Engineering to transition from design to full-rate production (DFM/DFA).
• Oversee supply chain and production control for materials sourcing, inventory, and scheduling.
• Lead Quality Management to maintain world-class QMS and reduce defects.
• Report KPIs to executive leadership and implement corrective actions.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Leadership

Budget management

Strategic planning

Cross-functional leadership

Education

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering

B.S. in Aerospace Engineering

B.S. in Industrial Engineering

Job description

Job Overview – Solid Rocket Motor (SRM) Production and Operations

As the Director of Solid Rocket Motor Production & Operations, reporting to the Vice President of Solid Rocket Motor, you will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for the entire SRM production lifecycle. You will be responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient, and timely delivery of high-quality solid rocket motors that meet all customer and regulatory requirements. This is a senior leadership role with a broad scope, encompassing direct leadership of Production Operations, Manufacturing Engineering, Lean Manufacturing, Quality Management, and Supply Chain & Production Control. You will be a key driver of our operational strategy, continuous improvement culture, and overall business success.

• Provide senior leadership, strategic direction, and management for all SRM production and operations functions.
• Directly lead and mentor the managers of Production, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and high performance.
• Champion and drive a robust continuous improvement culture by implementing and maturing Lean Manufacturing principles across all operational areas to enhance safety, quality, delivery, and cost-effectiveness.
• Ensure all manufacturing processes and products adhere to the highest standards of safety and quality, maintaining compliance with internal policies and industry standards such as AS9100.
• Develop and execute long-range strategic plans, capital investment proposals, and departmental budgets to support production targets and future growth.
• Collaborate closely with the Director of Programs & Engineering to ensure seamless product transition from design to full-rate production, emphasizing Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Assembly (DFA).
• Oversee the SRM supply chain and production control function, ensuring the strategic sourcing of materials, effective inventory management, and optimized production scheduling to meet program milestones.
• Lead the SRM Quality Management organization to maintain a world-class Quality Management System (QMS), reduce defects, and ensure total customer satisfaction.
• Report on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to operational performance to the executive leadership team, identifying trends and implementing corrective actions as needed.

Required Experience and Skills

• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field.
• A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in a complex manufacturing environment, with at least 7 years in a senior leadership capacity (e.g., Senior Manager, Director).
• Proven experience in the aerospace, defense, or a similar high-reliability industry.
• Demonstrated track record of successfully leading multiple, diverse teams including production, manufacturing engineering, quality, and supply chain.
• In-depth knowledge and practical application of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong financial acumen with experience in budget management and strategic planning.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a government security clearance.