Director of Operations

Voyager is an innovative space, defense, and national security technology company committed to advancing and delivering transformative, mission‑critical solutions. We tackle the most complex challenges to unlock new frontiers for human progress, fortify national security, and protect critical assets to lead in the race for technological and operational superiority from ground to space. Forge the Future: Join Voyager Technologies The future belongs to those who build it. At Voyager Technologies, we’re building technologies that protect lives, expand frontiers and prepare us for what’s next. And we’re doing that with people who are wired to solve, build, adapt and lead. These roles are not for the faint of heart. You’ll help lay the foundation for humanity's future. Join a culture where innovation thrives, curiosity is rewarded, and impact is real. We’re a company of doers, thinkers and builders, united by purpose and grounded in reality. If you want to put your skills to work where the stakes are real and the mission is bigger than any one person, forge the future with Voyager . Director of Operations Responsibilities The Director of Operations is responsible for leading all Assembly, Integration, and Test operations within a high‑volume aerospace production environment. This role ensures that complex electromechanical systems are assembled, integrated, and tested safely, efficiently, and in strict compliance with quality, regulatory, and customer requirements. The Director of Operations will provide strategic and operational leadership across cross‑functional production teams, driving enterprise‑level performance in safety, quality, delivery, and cost. This role is responsible for scaling production capabilities, leading high‑rate manufacturing initiatives, and ensuring consistent delivery of aerospace‑grade hardware that meets stringent regulatory and customer requirements. This leader will play a critical role in achieving aggressive production rate targets while maintaining the highest standards of quality, reliability, and operational excellence. Key Responsibilities Provide strategic leadership for daily production operations to achieve schedule, cost, quality, and safety objectives Own end‑to‑end execution of production systems including build plans, travelers, routers, and integrated master schedules Lead high production rate (HPR) readiness and large‑scale production ramp initiatives Proactively identify, mitigate, and upscale risks impacting delivery, quality, or safety Oversee workforce strategy including labor planning, staffing, training, and multi‑shift operations Ensure full compliance with AS9100, DoD, and customer‑specific requirements across all operations Direct system‑level assembly, integration, functional test, and final acceptance activities Establish robust problem‑solving frameworks for production and test anomalies, including root cause and corrective action processes Partner with Engineering leadership to drive Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and producibility improvements Champion Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and enterprise continuous improvement initiatives Drive measurable improvements in yield, cost efficiency, rework reduction, and cycle‑time optimization Own and monitor operational KPIs, ensuring data‑driven decision making and accountability Collaborate cross‑functionally with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Program Management, and Test Engineering leadership Lead customer engagement efforts including audits, program reviews, and regulatory inspections Serve as a senior leader in production readiness reviews (PRRs), gate reviews, and executive‑level program reviews Build, develop, and lead a high‑performing operations organization, including managers, supervisors, and technical staff Foster a culture of safety, accountability, quality, and continuous improvement across all levels Lead performance management, organizational development, and succession planning initiatives Basic Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, or related field 10–15+ years of progressive leadership experience in aerospace manufacturing or production environments 7+ years of experience leading managers and large, multi‑disciplinary teams Deep expertise in: Complex assembly and system integration Environmental, functional, and acceptance testing Aerospace quality management systems (AS9100) Lean manufacturing and operational excellence Proven track record of leading operations in a highly regulated, safety‑critical environment Preferred Qualifications Direct experience with rocket engines, in‑space propulsion, or missile propulsion systems Experience scaling propulsion production from development/NPI into full‑rate manufacturing Background in test‑heavy environments (hot‑fire test stands, cryogenic systems, high‑pressure systems) Experience leading operations in high‑rate or rate‑driven aerospace manufacturing environments Lean Six Sigma certification (Black Belt or equivalent preferred) Demonstrated success in new product introduction (NPI), scaling production, and rate transitions Executive‑level leadership and communication skills Strong strategic thinking and operational execution capability Data‑driven decision‑making with financial and operational acumen Ability to lead in fast‑paced, high‑accountability environments Deep technical understanding paired with hands‑on problem‑solving ability Proven ability to balance production rate, safety, and quality without compromise Strong organizational leadership with a focus on talent development and culture Compensation The good faith base salary range for this role is $160,000 – $210,000 at the time of posting. This range reflects base salary only and does not include benefits or bonus/incentives. The range may be adjusted in the future. Benefits Flexible Time Off (FTO), empowering employees to take the time they need to recharge and maintain a healthy work‑life balance Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their families, with a significant portion of premiums covered by the company and many benefits paid at 100% for employees Flexible, affordable gym memberships with 12,700+ options nationwide, including 24 Hour Fitness, EoS Fitness, Crunch Fitness, Anytime Fitness, Blink Fitness, Chuze Fitness, and more! No long‑term contracts and FREE on‑demand workout videos before you enroll 401(k) retirement plan with a company match of 50% up to 8% to support long‑term financial security Company wellness programs that support physical and mental well‑being Additional voluntary benefits and employee support resources The opportunity to work alongside a highly talented team in an innovative, mission‑driven environment Eligibility and Equal Opportunity Voyager is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants must be a U.S. Person: a U.S. Citizen, a lawful permanent resident, or a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3). Applicants must be eligible to obtain any required export authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Department of Commerce. #J-18808-Ljbffr