Senior Vice President, US Operations

Redwire Defense Tech; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 220,000 - 300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Matching 401(k)

Paid PTO

Paid holidays

Medical, vision, and dental insurance

Group Short-Term & Long-Term Discount

Job summary

Redwire Defense Tech in the United States seeks a Senior Vice President, U.S. Operations, to provide strategic leadership across all U.S. manufacturing and engineering sites, including UAS/UAV facilities and energy systems operations.

You will align operations with corporate goals, drive performance, and ensure compliance with AS9100, ISO, ITAR/EAR, FAA and DOD rules, while fostering a high-caliber leadership culture and data-driven decision making.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 15+ years of senior leadership experience across multi-site defense/aerospace manufacturing.
• Experience managing General Managers / senior leaders.
• Deep knowledge of regulatory compliance (AS9100, ISO, ITAR/EAR, FAA, DOD).
• ERP implementation experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute an integrated U.S. operations strategy.
• Lead General Managers and ensure cross-site consistency.
• Oversee quality, regulatory compliance, and safety programs.
• Drive continuous improvement, cost reduction, and productivity.
• Provide data-driven updates on performance across sites.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Financial management

Communication

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

WORK LOCATION: San Luis Obispo, CA or Huntsville, AL

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

SALARY RANGE: The anticipated salary range for this role is $220,000 to $300,000 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 Senior Vice President, Redwire Defense Tech U.S. Operations provides senior leadership oversight and strategic direction for all U.S.-based Defense Tech manufacturing and engineering sites. This position directly manages all General Managers/Vice Presidents across the organization including those leading UAS/UAV manufacturing facilities, energy systems operations, and aerospace/advanced manufacturing sites.

The SVP ensures organizational alignment, operational excellence, cross-site consistency, and compliance across multiple facilities with diverse product lines. This leader drives performance, fosters a high‑caliber leadership culture, and advances the company’s competitive standing in defense, aerospace, and unmanned systems sectors.

RESPONSIBILITIES

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

• Develop and execute an integrated U.S. operations strategy aligned with corporate goals and market expansion priorities.
• Establish enterprise-wide operational standards, performance expectations, and cultural values for all General Managers.
• Act as a key advisor to the COO on operational readiness, capacity, risks, and long-term investment planning.
• Lead, mentor, and manage General Managers responsible for individual manufacturing and engineering facilities.
• Ensure operational consistency across sites in manufacturing processes, production planning, supply chain performance, quality systems, and customer delivery.
• Improve cross‑site workflows, system standardization, and best‑practice sharing among GM teams.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives at all U.S. facilities, targeting efficiency, productivity, cost reduction, and process optimization.
• Oversee site performance evaluations and implement corrective actions where needed.
• Support GM-level improvements to operational plans, workflows, and team effectiveness.
• Ensure adherence to quality and regulatory standards across all facilities, including AS9100, ISO standards, FAA rules, ITAR/EAR, and DOD-related compliance frameworks.
• Lead enterprise quality improvement and certification readiness efforts.
• Promote a strong safety culture and consistent hazard mitigation practices.
• Oversee all U.S. site‑level P&L performance and financial execution.
• Guide GMs in disciplined budgeting, cost control, financial planning, and data‑driven decision‑making.
• Evaluate and implement enterprise‑wide cost savings, operational efficiencies, and scalability strategies.
• Partner with engineering, flight systems teams, quality, supply chain, HR, programs, and corporate leadership to ensure seamless operational coordination.
• Support GMs in strengthening collaboration between departments and functions.
• Participate in key customer relationships, program reviews, and strategic partnership initiatives.
• Ensure operational readiness and reliability for customers across all sites.
• Provide coaching, succession planning, and leadership training opportunities.
• Foster a culture of accountability, integrity, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Deliver thorough, data‑driven updates on operational, financial, and strategic performance for all U.S. facilities.
• Identify risks, opportunities, and mitigation plans in partnership with site GMs.
• All other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Business Administration, or related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• 15+ years of extensive senior leadership experience overseeing multi‑site operations in defense, aerospace, UAS/UAV, or advanced manufacturing.
• Strong track record of managing senior leaders such as General Managers.
• Deep knowledge of manufacturing operations, supply chain, quality systems, regulatory compliance, and production planning.
• Expert understanding of compliance frameworks: AS9100, ISO, ITAR, EAR, FAA regulations, DOD and defense‑sector rules.
• ERP implementation experience
• Proven ability to lead teams, build strong culture, and drive continuous improvement.
• Exceptional communication, financial management, and strategic planning skills.
• Experience leading organizations through growth, transformation, or scaling initiatives.

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.