Operations Director, Defense Tech

Overview

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day business operations to ensure departmental targets align with overarching company goals.
• Implement and monitor compliance frameworks for International Traffic in Arms Regulations and other government standards.
• Allocate financial and human resources across multiple engineering and production departments to maximize efficiency.
• Develop and refine standard operating procedures for hardware manufacturing and software deployment cycles.
• Manage vendor relationships and supply chain logistics to prevent delays in critical project timelines.
• Analyze operational data to identify bottlenecks and implement continuous improvement initiatives across the organization.
• Coordinate with the executive team to prepare the organization for external audits and government inspections.

Qualifications

• A minimum of ten years of experience in operational leadership or program management within the defense or aerospace sectors.
• Extensive knowledge of government contracting processes and federal acquisition regulations.
• Proven track record of managing multi-million dollar budgets and large cross-functional teams.
• Active or eligibility for high-level security clearance as required by government mandates.
• Strong proficiency in enterprise resource planning software and project management methodologies.
• A Bachelor's degree in engineering, business administration, or a related technical field.

Nice to have

• A Master’s degree in Business Administration or a specialized field in defense management.
• Project Management Professional certification or Lean Six Sigma Black Belt credentials.
• Direct experience with military technology acquisition cycles or former service in a logistics capacity.
• Experience scaling a technology startup through significant growth or a series of funding rounds.

Work environment

• Work is primarily conducted in secure office environments or high-tech manufacturing facilities.
• The culture emphasizes precision, security, and adherence to strict ethical and legal standards.
• Standard office hours are typical, though project milestones or government deadlines may require extended shifts.
• Regular travel to testing sites, military installations, or subcontractor facilities is often necessary.
• Operations rely heavily on secure communication tools and integrated management systems.

Benefits & growth

• Compensation packages typically include base salary, performance-based bonuses, and equity in the firm.
• Professional development often focuses on advanced security training and executive leadership programs.
• Career progression pathways lead to Chief Operating Officer or General Manager positions within the defense industrial base.
• Growth is driven by the increasing integration of commercial technology into national security infrastructure.
• Comprehensive benefits often include specialized insurance and retirement programs tailored for industry veterans.