Director of Operations

Job Description

Job Description

Salary: $120,000-$125,000

Director of Operations

Department: Operations

Location: Littleton, CO

U.S. Citizenship Required for this Position: Yes

Clearance Level Must Currently Possess or be Able to Obtain: Secret

Travel: Yes

Schedule: Full Time

Description of Business Environment:

Peace is often associated with passivity. At Rocky Mountain Scientific Laboratory, we associate peace with strength, courage, and action. We know that enabling peace to prevail is not for the faint of heart, which is why we built our company foundation on the core values of Integrity, Quality, Mission-Driven, and Grit. We pride ourselves on providing unequaled services and technologies in the field of applied energetics to our customers. Our experts possess extensive knowledge and capability in energetic materials and military systems enabling them to offer analytical characterization, modeling & simulation, design, system integration, prototyping, test engineering, and proof-of-concept production services covering a wide range of applications. Our strengths lie in our ability and relentless determination to get the job done quickly and affordably.

RMSL is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), Affirmative Action employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. All qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, veteran status, national origin or other legally protected status. An applicant with a disability or a disabled veteran can request reasonable accommodation to apply for one of our positions. The specialized staff at RMSL combines their exceptional knowledge with a passion for excellence.

Specific Job Description:

RMSL is a growth company with an outstanding job opportunity for a Director of Operations. This position is full-time, at-will exempt and will report to the CEO at RMSL.

Duties Include:

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve operational strategies, policies, and processes to enhance efficiency, productivity, and quality across RDT&E activities, including research labs, test ranges/facilities, integration efforts, and evaluation programs.
• Oversee program execution, resource allocation (personnel, equipment, budgets), and scheduling to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery of complex technical projects while maintaining high standards of technical excellence and safety.
• Manage operational budgets, financial performance, and cost optimization initiatives; collaborate with finance to monitor variances, control expenses, and support profitability or funding utilization goals.
• Lead cross-functional teams, including project managers, engineers, technicians, test personnel, and support staff; foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, standards, and contractual requirements (e.g., government contracting rules, safety protocols, quality management systems, security clearances, and environmental considerations in test and evaluation activities).
• Optimize facility and infrastructure operations, including laboratories, test sites, equipment maintenance, and supply chain/logistics for specialized RDT&E materials and assets.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to operational efficiency, project milestones, resource utilization, quality metrics, and risk management; drive data-informed decisions and process improvements.
• Partner with business development, engineering, and program management leads to support proposal efforts, scale operations for new contracts, and align capabilities with emerging client needs.
• Champion employee development, talent management, hiring, retention, and succession planning in a technical workforce environment.
• Identify and mitigate operational risks, including those related to program delays, resource constraints, safety, and regulatory issues.
• Report operational performance, challenges, and recommendations to executive leadership and contribute to long-term strategic planning.
• Oversee daily operations of the company
  • Facilities management
  • Facility resource allocation
  • IT IAW CMMC
  • Laboratory safety management
• Regulatory management
  • BATFE
  • CDLE
  • DCMA
  • DSCA
• Security management
  • FCL
  • ITAR
• Collaborate with the CEO in setting and driving organizational vision, operational strategy, and hiring needs
• Working with the human resources department to create job descriptions, hire competent personnel and oversee employee training programs
• Monitor performance with tracking andestablishcorrective measures as needed, and prepare detailed reports, both current and forecasting

Qualifications and Requirements

• Education: Bachelors degree in engineering, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related technical field required; Masters degree or MBA strongly preferred.
• Experience: 5 years of progressive leadership experience in operations, program management, or technical services. Prior experience in RDT&E, defense contracting, aerospace, government laboratories, or similar highly technical/project-based environments is highly desirable.
• Proven track record managing complex, multi-disciplinary programs involving research, development, testing, and evaluation.
• Strong knowledge of project management methodologies (e.g., PMP, Agile/Scrum), earned value management (EVM), and quality systems (e.g., ISO, AS9100).
• Experience with government contracting, FAR/DFARS, security clearance processes (e.g., DoD), and preferred regulated testing environments.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop high-performing technical teams in a matrix or project-oriented structure.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills with proficiency in operational metrics, budgeting tools, and reporting systems.
• Outstanding communication, interpersonal, and leadership abilities; ability to influence across all levels of the organization and with external stakeholders.
• Security Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain a [Secret/Top Secret] security clearance may be required, depending on client base.

Preferred Skills

• Familiarity with RDT&E-specific tools, simulation/modeling software, test instrumentation, or lab management systems.
• Experience scaling operations in a growth-oriented technology or services company.
• Knowledge of lean/Six Sigma methodologies for process optimization.

Highly Beneficial Skills:

• Prior military service with explosives handling and/or application (breaching, EOD, warheads, fuzing, etc)
• Willingness to be in front of an audience and effectively demonstrate products to customers

• A data driven mindset

• Experience in a manufacturing environment and familiarity with available manufacturing methods
• Experience with product testing and test methodology

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Disability insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• PTO
• Flexible schedule
• Professional development

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

Must be able to start within 2-3 weeks of offer.

Relocation for this position is NOT available.

Visit our website at to learn more.