Director, Operations - Space Systems

About the role

Oceaneering Aerospace and Defense Technologies (AdTech) delivers solutions that enable humans to work safely and effectively in harsh environments – from underwater to outer space. Oceaneering Space Systems (OSS) develops, integrates, and applies new technologies to meet challenges of working in space and other harsh environments, supporting NASA and expanding commercial and DOD markets.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and direction to the operational team, ensuring performance targets, service quality, and compliance standards are consistently achieved.
• Oversee professional development through coaching, evaluations, and training aligned with industry best practices and safety requirements.
• Using the business unit strategy, shape and adapt departmental strategies, budgets and priorities to address resource allocation and operational challenges effectively and implement operational procedures to enhance system reliability and efficiency.
• Anticipate, identify, and resolve technical and operational issues, ensuring minimal disruption to departmental objectives and overall performance.
• Partner with cross-functional leaders to introduce new technologies, streamline processes, and drive initiatives that support strategic business goals at both OSS and AdTech levels.
• Deliver clear and comprehensive operational reports to senior management, detailing performance metrics, risk assessments, and improvement initiatives.
• Exercise oversight of multiple functions, ensuring effective people management and achievement of business objectives.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory standards and safety guidelines in all operational activities.
• Ensure on-time delivery of quality productions to support spaceflight missions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, Operations Management, Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum of 8+ years of experience in operations management with team leadership responsibilities.
• Excellent leadership and team development skills with experience managing managers and cross‑functional teams.
• Experience building strong cross‑functional relationships (e.g., design, engineering, supply chain), resulting in improved project execution or customer satisfaction.
• Advanced knowledge of process improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, Agile) with certification preferred.
• Prior experience implementing or leveraging ERP/MRP or manufacturing systems to drive measurable performance improvements.
• Experience in reducing operating costs, improving efficiency, or increasing throughput using data‑driven decision‑making.
• US Citizen (preferred).
• Must be able to complete a U.S. government background investigation.
• Requires working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions.
• Job tasks are performed in close physical proximity to other people.

Benefits

Employee benefits vary by role, however, may include:

• Health and Wellness
• Mental Health
• Retirement Savings
• Life and Disability
• Paid Maternity and Parental Leave
• Paid Time Off
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program
• Learning and development opportunities (training provided monthly)