Senior Operations Manager

The Senior Operations Manager is responsible for leading and optimizing end-to-end manufacturing operations for a highly regulated Aerospace and Defense environment. Operations include Firing Module and Detonator production, Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), Low-Order Assurance Testing (LAT) and destructive testing, welding, machining, brazing, soldering, and related special processes. This role ensures safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives are consistently achieved while maintaining strict compliance with DoD, DoE, ITAR, AS/ISO, and explosives safety requirements. What You’ll Do Lead all manufacturing operations including explosive device assembly, special processing (welding, brazing, soldering), machining, NDT, and LAT/destructive testing. Ensure strict compliance with safety, explosives handling, environmental, OSHA, and ATF regulatory requirements. Drive a strong culture of EHS, quality, and accountability across production teams. Own operational performance metrics including safety, quality, delivery, yield, scrap, labor efficiency, and cost. Partner with Engineering to support new product introduction (NPI), process qualification, PFMEA, control plans, and production readiness reviews. Ensure compliance with AS9100/ISO9001, customer contracts, configuration control, and ITAR/export requirements. Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, standard work, and problem-solving methodologies. Develop and execute capacity planning, staffing plans, and capital investment strategies. Support government and customer audits, source inspections, and internal compliance assessments. Collaborate with Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, Program Management, and Finance to meet program commitments and margin objectives. Build, coach, and develop front-line leaders and salaried staff to strengthen bench strength and succession planning. Leadership & People Management Directly manages Ops management team consisting of manufacturing, quality, supply chain, manufacturing engineering, continuous improvement, EHS, security and software engineering. Set clear expectations, performance goals, and accountability systems. Foster a disciplined, respectful, and safety-focused manufacturing culture. Lead labor relations and workforce engagement activities as applicable. What You Need Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or related technical field. 10+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience in Aerospace, Defense, or other highly regulated industries. Demonstrated experience leading operations involving special processes such as welding, brazing, soldering, machining, and NDT. Experience with explosives, energetic devices, or high-hazard manufacturing environments strongly preferred. Strong working knowledge of AS9100/ISO quality systems and government-regulated manufacturing. Proven ability to lead safety-critical operations and drive EHS excellence. Experience supporting audits, customer source inspections, and regulatory reviews. Strong financial and business acumen with experience managing budgets and cost targets. Please note that due to the requirements from the Department of Energy, U.S. CITIZENSHIP IS REQUIRED. Preferred Qualifications Master’s degree in Engineering, Business, or Operations Management. Lean Six Sigma certification or equivalent continuous improvement training. Experience with DoD and DoE contracts, configuration management, and program execution. Prior leadership experience in firing systems, detonators, or energetic device manufacturing. Working Conditions & Requirements Work performed in manufacturing and test environments, including explosive-rated facilities. Ability to meet requirements for handling energetic materials and controlled items. May require off-shift or weekend support based on operational needs. What we offer Competitive pay and comprehensive health benefits 401(k) with company match and retirement plans Paid time off and flexible work arrangementsProfessional development and training opportunities Employee wellness programs and assistance resources A collaborative environment working on mission-critical technology What happens next Apply online through Teledyne’s careers page. If your qualifications align, our team will contact you for interviews and guide you through the process. Teledyne is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Employment is contingent on background checks and compliance with applicable regulations. #J-18808-Ljbffr Teledyne Qioptiq