Director of Operations

Experience Required

15 - 20 years

Minimum Education Required

High School Diploma/G.E.D.

Compensation

$7.25 / hourly

Hours Per Week

40

Number Of Positions

1

Work Schedule and Shift Requirements

First (Day)

Job Description

This opportunity is located within our Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company business, a global leader of mission-critical hardware and systems solutions including precision energetics systems and innovative explosive solutions.

Job Description

Location:Graham, KY

Reports to:VP of Operations

At Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense (EBAD), we bring nearly 200 years of innovation to the development of mission-critical energetic systems supporting defense and space programs. Our work operates in high-consequence environments where safety, precision, and discipline are non-negotiable.

We are seeking a Director of Operations to lead a growing energetics manufacturing site and scale operations without compromising safety, compliance, or execution. This role serves as the operational leader for a 150-person, high-risk manufacturing site, with full ownership of performance across safety, quality, delivery, and cost.

Beyond execution, this leader will play a key role in shaping the next generation of operations, talent, and manufacturing capability at EBAD - building the systems, culture, and leadership pipeline required to support long-term growth in a mission-critical environment.

What You'll Own

Full-site leadership in a high-mix, low-volume, high-consequence manufacturing environment

Ownership of site performance across safety, quality, delivery, and cost

Ensure strict adherence to explosive safety, process controls, and regulatory standards

Operate within a PSM-regulated environment with full compliance to federal, DoD, and explosive safety requirements

Build and develop teams with a safety-first, accountability-driven culture

Drive performance through EBAD's operating system (EBOS) and lean execution discipline

Lead production ramp, capacity expansion, and operational readiness aligned to customer demand

What We're Looking For

Required Experience

15+ years of operations leadership in high-hazard manufacturing environments

Direct experience in energetics or explosives manufacturing (e.g., propellants, detonators, high explosives such as RDX or similar)

Background in aerospace & defense or similarly regulated industries

Experience supporting DoD programs and contracts

Ability to obtain DoD Security Clearance

Technical & Regulatory Depth

Working knowledge of energetic materials (RDX, HMX, propellants, detonators)

Strong understanding of explosive safety, hazard analysis, and risk mitigation

Experience with ITAR, ATF, and DoD regulatory environments

Leadership

Proven ability to lead teams in high-consequence environments where safety is critical

Track record of driving continuous improvement without compromising safety or quality

Experience building teams, developing leaders, and scaling operations through growth

Why This Role

Lead a critical, high-consequence manufacturing operation

Shape and scale a site during a period of significant growth and transformation

Build the next generation of operational capability and leadership within EBAD

Join a long-standing, mission-driven defense company with a legacy of innovation

Compensation and Rewards

We recognize that world-class leaders deliver world-class impact, and we reward accordingly. This role offers a competitive executive package that includes:

Base Salary: $175k - $225k plus annual bonus

Executive Relocation: Comprehensive support for a seamless transition

Additional Enhancements: Potential sign-on incentives and tailored rewards based on experience

We offer a competitive compensation package aligned with skills & experience, with flexibility to reward top talent and extraordinary qualifications.

Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to r ace, r eligion, color, s ex, age, disability, s exual orientation, genetic information, national origin, or veteran status.

Ensign-Bickford Industries, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to r ace, r eligion, color, s ex, age, disability, s exual orientation, genetic information, national origin, or veteran status.

Job Type

Full time

Benefits Offered

Not specified

Veteran Preference

No

Place of Work

On-site

Requisition ID

REQ106910