Director of Production Production Operations Washington, DC

Helsing develops artificial intelligence-enabled capabilities to protect and defend democracies. We are growing our US operations, cultivating an ambitious and committed team of mission‑driven professionals to apply their skills to solve challenging problems. The role You will serve as the operational architect during a pivotal growth phase—standing up and scaling US‑based production capabilities, driving manufacturing excellence, and partnering directly with executive leadership to deliver AI‑enabled defense products to the warfighter. This is more than managing assembly lines; it's an opportunity to make a tangible impact in the Defense Tech space while building production infrastructure from the ground up and navigating the unique complexities of manufacturing and AI. If you thrive in fast‑paced, high‑stakes environments where your work directly enables breakthrough technologies for the warfighter, we want to hear from you. The day‑to‑day Lead the stand‑up and scaling of US manufacturing operations, establishing production lines, workflows, quality systems, and facility infrastructure Develop and execute the production strategy aligned with program milestones, government contract deliverables, and company growth objectives Implement production processes for AI‑enabled hardware systems, ensuring repeatability, quality, and compliance with defense manufacturing standards Build, mentor, and scale a high‑performing production team— including manufacturing engineers, technicians, quality inspectors, and production planners—capable of supporting rapid growth Partner cross‑functionally with Engineering, Supply Chain, Program Management, Contracts, and Finance to ensure production alignment on government contracts Establish and manage quality management systems (QMS) compliant with AS9100, ISO9001, and applicable DoD manufacturing requirements Own production KPIs and reporting, including yield, throughput, cost‑per‑unit, on‑time delivery, and defect rates, and present board‑level updates that drive executive decision‑making Collaborate with the supply chain and procurement teams to design cost‑efficient sourcing strategies that satisfy federal and/or state procurement requirements, including managing tariff exposure on imported goods and materials Ensure full compliance with SSA governance requirements, maintaining appropriate separation protocols while optimizing production operations across the organization Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, SixSigma, or similar methodologies to reduce waste, improve cycle times, and increase production capacity Manage relationships with contract manufacturers, tooling vendors, and facility partners to supplement and scale internal production capabilities Support CAPEX planning and facility build‑out in partnership with Finance, ensuring sound investment frameworks for equipment, tooling, and infrastructure Ensure workplace safety and regulatory compliance across all production environments, including OSHA, environmental, and cleared facility requirements You should apply if you You have 10+ years of progressive manufacturing/production experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership role overseeing production operations You've operated within the automotive, aerospace, defense, or national security technology sector and understand the nuances of government contract deliverables, ITAR/EAR, and defense manufacturing requirements You've built or scaled production functions at a startup or high‑growth company and know how to balance scrappiness with rigor You have experience standing up manufacturing lines from green‑field or near‑green‑field conditions, including facility layout, equipment selection, and workforce planning You possess a strong command of production planning, capacity modeling, and resource allocation strategies You have demonstrated experience with quality management systems (AS9100, ISO9001, or equivalent) and continuous improvement methodologies You communicate complex operational concepts with clarity and influence technical and non‑technical stakeholders alike You are energized by ambiguity, thrive under pressure, and are motivated by mission‑driven work Ability to be granted and maintain a SECRET clearance, including US citizenship Note: We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet all the listed qualifications; ability and impact cannot be summarized in a few bullet points. Nice to have Direct experience working under a Special Security Agreement (SSA) or Proxy Agreement structure with a foreign‑owned parent company Background working with cleared facilities, FOCI mitigation, and DSS/DCSA interactions Familiarity with FAR/DFARS manufacturing and quality clauses, DCMA oversight, and first‑article testing (FAT) requirements Experience with hardware production for autonomous systems, edge computing platforms, drones/UAS, or electronic warfare systems Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems (Deltek Costpoint, NetSuite, SAP, or similar) and production management tools Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or Green Belt certification Experience managing ITAR‑controlled production environments Engineering degree (Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or Electrical) or MBA with a production/operations focus Active or current SECRET or above clearance What we offer A focus on outcomes, not time‑tracking. A generous compensation and benefits package (in addition to base salary) that includes, but may not be limited to, insurance coverage (medical and travel), flexible paid time off, paid holidays, and remote and/or hybrid work available depending on position. All compensation and benefits are subject to the terms and conditions of the underlying plans or programs, as applicable and as may be amended, terminated or superseded from time to time. Growth toward global roles in our Finance organization The base salary offered to the successful candidate will be determined by a variety of factors including relevant experience, qualifications, education, skill level, interview performance, and the level and scope of the position. Helsing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We will consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, colour, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetics, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Please do not submit personal data revealing racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, trade union membership, data concerning your health, or data concerning your sexual orientation. Helsing's Candidate Privacy and Confidentiality Regime can be found here. #J-18808-Ljbffr