General Manager I

Element U.S. Space & Defense stands at the forefront of testing innovation, serving as a trusted partner to NASA, the U.S. Department of Defense, government agencies, and prominent industry leaders across the space and defense sectors. With over 60 years of experience, we handle the most complex projects and programs in the world—from centrifuge testing for the latest Mars rover to vibration testing for the Space Launch System (SLS) and environmental simulations for next-generation missiles. We are the pioneering partner for highly custom, end-to-end testing design and implementation.

About the role

The General Manager I is a senior management position responsible for planning, organizing, coordinating, and directing the people, growth, operations, and programs of an assigned facility. This role ensures short- and long-term financial and organizational viability while fulfilling customer commitments.

Responsibilities

• Oversee P&L responsibility for a $5–10M and growing testing operation with 15–30 employees.
• Lead the organization to meet or exceed corporate profit objectives.
• Implement best practices for continuous process improvement.
• Train, supervise, and direct Department Managers in management development and corporate affairs.
• Recommend new complementary/supplementary business opportunities to senior executives and develop execution plans.
• Ensure outstanding customer service and maintain standards for superior customer satisfaction.
• Foster a work environment that promotes teamwork, cooperation, and employee growth.
• Set standards for integrity, ethics, and job performance.
• Drive year-to-year revenue growth through sales influence.
• Act as senior customer advocate, resolving complaints in a timely manner.
• Implement corporate policies and procedures to ensure safety and regulatory compliance.
• Develop and implement operational policies and procedures.
• Manage staffing levels and ensure proper skill sets to achieve corporate goals.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related field.
• 5+ years of P&L, business management, leadership, and people management experience in roles such as Director of Operations, Sector Manager, Business Owner, or General Manager, preferably in testing, engineering, contract services, or products for the Aerospace, Space, and/or Defense industries.
• Proven track record of P&L success and business development, including sales growth, marketing strategies, negotiating, and closing deals.
• Experience developing and implementing efficient operational processes.
• Strong coaching and team development skills.
• On-site role in a lab; occasional travel may be required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering; MBA highly desired.
• 10+ years of P&L, business management, leadership, and people management experience in the specified industries.
• Test Lab industry experience is highly desired.
• 3+ years of engineering experience; sales background helpful.

Skills

• Knowledge of Telecom, Aerospace, Defense, and Commercial markets/industries.
• Understanding of testing disciplines (e.g., Mechanical, Dynamics, Environmental, EMI/EMC, Fluids, Ballistics, Gun Range) and engineering principles.
• Business development skills, including proposal writing, sales, negotiating, and bringing new services/products to market.
• Strong financial acumen with a proven track record of P&L success and business growth.
• Ability to set and exceed performance objectives.
• Leadership and management of operations and sales organizations.
• Ability to manage stress in a fast-paced environment and delegate responsibility.
• Strong supervisory skills, including experience in larger group environments.
• Expertise in leading organizational change and development.
• Ability to develop high-performing, cohesive teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Physical Requirements

• Occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, climb stairs, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• May occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Requires close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Short- and Long-Term Disability, Life Insurance, and Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Seven (7) paid holidays and four (4) paid floating holidays (depending on hire date).
• Paid Time Off (PTO), accrued biweekly.
• 401k with employer match.
• Twelve (12) hours of Paid Volunteer Time Off (PVTO) each year.
• Tuition reimbursement and other employee programs.
• Flexible schedules offered at some labs.
• Monthly Lab Bonus plans (based on position).

Pay

Compensation is determined through a comprehensive approach considering qualifications, role responsibilities, market benchmarks, and organizational needs. For this position, the annual base salary target range is $177,712 – $200,000, with potential eligibility for bonuses or commission depending on the role. Pay may vary by location.