Operations Manager

Karman Space & Defense; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

401(k) Match

Paid Time Off

HSA

FSA

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

Karman Space & Defense is seeking an Operations Manager to lead manufacturing value streams, coordinate quality assurance, and drive safe, high‑quality, cost‑effective production aligned with program needs. You will guide teams, manage budgets, and implement lean practices (6S), ERP-based workflows, and continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen delivery, safety, and organizational growth.

The role requires a Bachelor's in business/engineering and at least 3 years of related experience;

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration or equivalent.
• Minimum of 3 years of related experience.
• Proficient with ERP systems such as Epicor, MaintainX and Machine Metrics.
• Strong understanding of aerospace quality systems including AS9100 and OSHA compliance.
• Demonstrated success leading lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Exceptional communication, leadership, and team-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversees and coordinates operational activities across manufacturing value streams.
• Maintains a safe and compliant working environment.
• Builds and develops strong teams to support future leadership needs.
• Leads cross-functional efforts to meet productivity, quality, delivery, and cost objectives.
• Monitors and manages operational budgets, labor utilization, and resource planning.
• Manages personnel performance, disciplinary actions, and employee evaluations.
• Ensures staff receive appropriate training and effective work management.
• Promotes a culture of continuous improvement across operations.
• Implements and sustains lean manufacturing practices, including 6S.
• Recommends resource, space, and capability enhancements and tracks related capital projects.

Skills

ERP systems

MaintainX

Machine Metrics

AS9100

OSHA compliance

Lean manufacturing

Leadership

Communication

Team building

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business administration or equivalent

Master’s degree

Tools

Epicor ERP

MaintainX

Machine Metrics

Job description

Job Description

Karman Space & Defense is a leader in the rapid design, development, and production of critical, next-generation system solutions that align with the U.S. Department of War and its allies’ core mission priorities, and meet the accelerating demand for access to space. Building on nearly 50 years of success, we deliver Payload & Protection Systems, Aero/Hydrodynamic Interstage Systems, and Propulsion & Launch Systems to more than 80 prime contractors supporting over 130 space and defense programs.This role is part of our Tactical Missiles and Integrated Defense Systems business, which designs and develops integrated missile and defense systems that support critical missions across air, land, and sea. We combine comprehensive analysis, engineering, and program execution capabilities to deliver mission-tailored solutions that reduce lead times, lower costs, and simplify complex multi-vendor supply chains. Backed by decades of flight-proven and fielded performance, we design and build mission-critical technologies including launch systems, propulsion, payload integration solutions, UAV components, missile subsystems, and Safe & Arm systems.

As the Operations Manager, you will lead and coordinate operational activities across manufacturing value streams and quality assurance to support efficient execution, organizational growth, and continuous improvement. You will guide teams, oversee resource planning, and drive operational performance to ensure safe, high-quality, and cost‑effective production aligned with program needs.

Schedule

This position follows a 9/80 schedule: Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (every other Friday off).

Responsibilities

• Oversees and coordinates operational activities across manufacturing value streams.
• Maintains a safe and compliant working environment.
• Builds and develops strong teams to support future leadership needs.
• Leads cross-functional efforts to meet productivity, quality, delivery, and cost objectives.
• Monitors and manages operational budgets, labor utilization, and resource planning.
• Manages personnel performance, disciplinary actions, and employee evaluations.
• Ensures staff receive appropriate training and effective work management.
• Promotes a culture of continuous improvement across operations.
• Implements and sustains lean manufacturing practices, including 6S.
• Recommends resource, space, and capability enhancements and tracks related capital projects.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration or equivalent.
• Minimum of 3 years of related experience.
• Proficient with operational management software and tools, including enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems such as Epicor, tracking tools such as MaintainX and Machine Metrics, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong understanding of aerospace quality systems, including Aerospace Standard 9100 (AS9100) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) compliance.
• Demonstrated success leading lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Exceptional communication, leadership, and team‑building skills.

This position requires U.S. person status under U.S. export control laws, including U.S. citizens and nationals, lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contribution
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Company‑paid life and AD&D insurance
• Short‑and long‑term disability coverage
• Tuition reimbursement

Karman Space and Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.