Executive Vice President, Operations

About the role

The Executive Vice President, Operations for Space, Defense, & National Security is responsible for scaling end-to-end operations to deliver products efficiently, on time, and in alignment with company growth objectives.

Responsibilities

• Lead and scale core operational functions including production, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, facilities, safety, and enterprise systems.
• Drive operational execution to ensure on-time, on-cost delivery of products, aligning production output with company growth objectives and customer commitments.
• Develop and implement operational strategies, processes, and infrastructure to support rapid scaling, including expansion into new facilities and production capacity.
• Oversee supply chain strategy, including supplier selection, onboarding, performance management, and compliance with applicable national security requirements.
• Establish and track key performance across segment-level operations, ensuring visibility into performance, cost control, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure seamless integration of pertinent enterprise systems within but not limited to manufacturing, supply chain, and other functions to enable accurate planning, forecasting, and execution.
• Partner closely with engineering and program management teams to align production plans with product development, schedules, and delivery milestones.
• Lead operational budgeting, cost management, and forecasting in collaboration with finance to ensure adherence to financial targets.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, quality, and regulatory requirements, drive implementation and continuous improvement of policies and standards.
• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing team across operations, including workforce planning, hiring, training, and organizational design for this business segment.
• Support executive leadership on strategic initiatives, including major program bids, partnerships, and customer engagements when necessary.
• Interface with customers, partners, and external stakeholders, including participation in reviews, audits, and operational briefings.
• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, transparency, and continuous improvement across the operations organization.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, operations, supply chain, business, or a related field.
• 15+ years of progressive leadership in aerospace, defense, or a comparable high-reliability manufacturing environment.
• 10+ years of experience across manufacturing, operations, or supply chain organizations.
• Proven track record of scaling production and operations in a fast-growing or complex technical environment.
• Experience managing end-to-end manufacturing and supply chain operations, including cost, schedule, and quality performance.
• Hands-on experience with ERP or enterprise systems in a production environment.
• Strong leadership and organizational skills, with the ability to manage large, cross-functional teams.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively with executive leadership and technical teams.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree (MBA, Master’s, or equivalent) in a relevant discipline.
• Experience in closely related senior operations leadership roles, overseeing both processes and people.
• Background in environments with quality systems.
• Experience implementing or scaling complex systems and integrating them across operations and finance.
• Familiarity with government contracting, defense programs, and national security compliance requirements.
• Experience expanding or standing up new manufacturing facilities and production lines.
• Experience engaging with executive stakeholders, including board members, investors, and key customers.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.

Skills

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Leadership and team management skills.
• Operational excellence and process improvement skills.
• Financial management and budgeting skills.
• Supply chain management and logistics expertise.
• Quality assurance and compliance knowledge.
• Customer relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills.

Benefits

• Flexible Time Off (FTO).
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Flexible, affordable gym memberships.
• 401(k) retirement plan with a company match.
• Company wellness programs.
• Additional voluntary benefits and employee support resources.

Pay

The good faith base salary range for this role is $280,000 - $330,000 at the time of this posting. Where you fall within the range depends on your experience, skills, and location. This range reflects base salary only and does not include benefits or bonus/incentive. This range may be adjusted in the future.

Schedule

This position is onsite.